The Best Songs of 1956 - Nos. 15 to 11

15. Love Me Tender – Elvis Presley



Nothing but Elvis singing in his softest voice accompanied by a single acoustic guitar, this beautiful love song spent five weeks at number one. He first sang the song in his very first movie also called “Love Me Tender.”

14. In The Still Of The Night – The Five Satins



This great doo-wop number left a much greater legacy than its chart performance indicated. It peaked at number 24 on the pop charts, but it has consistently been among the most fondly remembered tunes of its era.

13. I Put A Spell On You – Screamin’ Jay Hawkins



This was the birth of shock rock. Screamin’ Jay Hawkins grabs this song like a madman and tears it apart. The screams, grunts, and groans were unlike anything heard before in a pop song. This was way ahead of its time.

12. Blue Suede Shoes – Carl Perkins



This rockabilly number was considerably more countrified than the Elvis version. It made it to number 2 on the pop charts and number 1 on the country charts. Elvis preferred Carl’s version to his own. I have to agree.

11. Don’t Be Cruel – Elvis Presley



This one stayed at number one for eleven weeks, tying a record that stood until 1992. It was the B-side to Hound Dog, but has had a very long life of its own.


More to come...