In this nine-part radio essay, Pete Myers tells the stories behind the music and the people that created the sounds of the 1950’s. This was the decade in which rock ‘n roll burst upon the world, but it was also a time of memorable recordings by the likes of B.B. King and Nat King Cole, of Edith Piaf and Mario Lanza, Patti Page and Frank Sinatra. It was also a decade of outstanding instrumental and popular orchestra music from such stars as Mantovani and Henry Mancini.
Part 2 – 1951: By the end of this special year, Rosemary Clooney, Perry Como, Tony Bennett, Eddie Fisher and Hank Williams had become household names.
Producer: Pete Myers
Broadcast: February 1, 1991