In the year 1957, films like Paths of Glory, Throne of Blood, and The Seventh Seal (and Wild Strawberries) were released in their respective countries. It’s the year when Humphrey Bogart passed away, also the year of the first Spanish Basketball League (direct predecessor of the ACB), won by Real Madrid, but in this blog we want to talk about another thing: popular songs in 1957 that we really like.
And undoubtedly, as we’ll see next, it’s the year of rock and roll in music, the culmination of a decade that would forever change the perception of connoisseurs who distinguish between good and best, and between best and superior. At least in the Anglo-Saxon world, because in the Hispanic world, copla and cuplé still take the spotlight as part of the list of songs from 1957.
While you read, remember that after finishing, you can spend a little more time discovering our songs from other years and not only the top hits of 1957, or you can revisit and explore the songs from the previous years of this decade, specifically through the links available at the end of this article.
Playlist with songs from 1957 and 100 songs fo the decade
Top songs of 1957 in English
Buddy Holly – Everyday
Two years before his tragic death (the day the music died), Buddy Holly (Charles Hardin) performed two of the most timeless songs of the decade. One, Peggy Sue, a clear example of the 50s; the other, Everyday, an example of what a pop song should be, regardless of time. So much so that even today, we can hear a few chords of this melody in movies, TV series, and commercials. A clear sign of its popular influence and the positive aftertaste it leaves after its brief two-minute duration.
Buddy Holly – Peggy Sue
This is the other mentioned case. Another classic of popular music. Initially rock and roll, now pop (like most modern music of that era). Peggy Sue marked success on the charts and elevated Holly’s popularity, putting him on par with Elvis Presley when it came to driving audiences wild. Furthermore, Holly’s earlier success with his band, The Crickets, contributed to this as well.
Elvis Presley – All Shook Up
In 1957, Elvis Presley had achieved so much success – and probably wealth – that he bought Graceland and turned it into what it is today. There’s little more to say about his music that hasn’t been said already, so let’s move on to the details.
This single reached the top of the sales charts on April 13, 1957, remaining there for eight consecutive weeks, and it stayed on the UK singles chart for seven weeks. Additionally, this track also reached number 1 on the R&B charts, where it stayed for four weeks. All Shook Up was Presley’s second single to achieve such incredible results.
Elvis Presley – Jailhouse Rock
Similar to Buddy Holly, when discussing Elvis’s second track on the list, we must refer back to the previous one for comparison. Jailhouse Rock is a clear symbol of rock in the 50s. Just look at the number of versions of this song that were made almost at the same time Presley’s version was still being enjoyed on the radio.
Just imagining the impact a song like that could have had in such a moment gives us an idea of why music later evolved into even higher levels of energy.
Little Richard – Long Tall Sally
Little Richard is a highly influential figure in the 20th-century music and popular culture (not just in terms of his music). His fast-paced rhythm, innovative vocal delivery, and unique appearance made him one of the most successful musicians in rock and roll. He expanded its reach beyond American borders, becoming a significant figure of the era (when black music propelled Elvis as much as Eminem’s rap).
Little Richard – Tutti Frutti
In fact, rap – among other later styles – has been clearly influenced by songs like Tutti Frutti. His music, in general, had a strong impact on genres like soul and funk. This impact was so significant that Little Richard has been honored by various institutions and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on multiple occasions. His song Tutti Frutti marked the beginning of a new era in music history.
Top songs of 1957 in Spanish
Antonio Molina – La Hija De Juan Simón
During this decade, it’s unclear what was more important in Spain – music or film – or how one art form benefited the other. In any case, Antonio Molina’s musical talent influenced cinema, and his renditions of classic songs helped him build a film career, highlighted by his unique voice, emotional intensity, and feeling in every verse. Antonio Molina’s rendition of La hija de Juan Simón serves as a clear example.
Sara Montiel – Fumando Espero
We bid farewell to the year 1957 with one of the most well-known classics in our country: Fumando espero. Parodied, covered, paid homage to, and ultimately turned into a symbol of a unique and unrepeatable musical period (which, for many, might equate to something positive). Who isn’t familiar with this song and the actress/singer who performs it? The most internationally recognized Spanish actress until Almodóvar and his actresses emerged.
(Madrid, 1987) Novelist by vocation, SEO specialist by profession. Music lover, cinephile and reading lover, but in “amateur” mode.