Are you looking for some of the best dance songs of the 50s to dance to? This list contains every perfect song you need to have an awesome 50s dance night!
Best Dance Songs of the 50s
The 1950s was a vibrant era for music and dance, with several iconic songs that still resonate today.
Here are some of the best classic song ideas for dance from that era:
1. “Rock Around the Clock” by Bill Haley & His Comets
2. “Johnny B. Goode” by Chuck Berry
3. “Hound Dog” by Elvis Presley
4. “Jailhouse Rock” by Elvis Presley
5. “Shake, Rattle and Roll” by Big Joe Turner
6. “Great Balls of Fire” by Jerry Lee Lewis
7. “La Bamba” by Ritchie Valens
8. “Tutti Frutti” by Little Richard
9. “At the Hop” by Danny & the Juniors
10. “Twist and Shout” by The Isley Brothers
These songs not only dominated the charts during the 1950s but also became staples of dance parties and jukeboxes, inspiring generations of dancers and musicians.
More of the Best Dance Songs of the 50s
Here are some more of the best dance songs from the 1950s:
11. “Rockin’ Robin” by Bobby Day
12. “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” by Hank Williams
13. “Blue Suede Shoes” by Carl Perkins
14. “Sh-Boom” by The Chords
15. “That’ll Be the Day” by Buddy Holly and the Crickets
16. “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” by Jerry Lee Lewis
17. “Tequila” by The Champs
18. “Yakety Yak” by The Coasters
19. “Splish Splash” by Bobby Darin
20. “Come Go with Me” by The Del-Vikings
These songs feature infectious rhythms and catchy melodies that made them perfect for dancing and still evoke the energy and spirit of the 1950s dance scene.
Best Big Band Dance Songs from the 50s
Big band music continued to be popular in the 1950s, although its dominance had waned compared to earlier decades. Nevertheless, there were still some fantastic big band dance songs from the ’50s that captured the essence of the era.
Here are some of the best:
1. “In the Mood” by Glenn Miller
2. “Moonlight Serenade” by Glenn Miller
3. “Sing, Sing, Sing (With a Swing)” by Benny Goodman
4. “Take the ‘A’ Train” by Duke Ellington
5. “Chattanooga Choo Choo” by Glenn Miller
6. “String of Pearls” by Glenn Miller
7. “Tuxedo Junction” by Erskine Hawkins
8. “Begin the Beguine” by Artie Shaw
9. “Pennsylvania 6-5000” by Glenn Miller
10. “Jumpin’ at the Woodside” by Count Basie
These songs were not only popular for dancing in ballrooms and clubs but also became classics of the big band genre, continuing to be enjoyed by listeners and dancers alike.
Best First Dance Song Ideas from the 50s
Choosing a first dance song from the 1950s can add a touch of nostalgia and romance to a wedding or special occasion.
Here are some beautiful and timeless first dance song ideas from the 1950s:
1. “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers
2. “Earth Angel” by The Penguins
3. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley
4. “Only You (And You Alone)” by The Platters
5. “You Send Me” by Sam Cooke
6. “Dream Lover” by Bobby Darin
7. “Love Me Tender” by Elvis Presley
8. “Beyond the Sea” by Bobby Darin
9. “True Love Ways” by Buddy Holly
10. “The Great Pretender” by The Platters
These songs have stood the test of time and continue to evoke feelings of love and romance, making them perfect love song choices for a memorable first dance.
Romantic Song Ideas from the 50s to Dance To
The 1950s had a plethora of romantic songs that are perfect for dancing.
Here’s a list of romantic song ideas from the 50s that you can dance to:
1. “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers
2. “Earth Angel” by The Penguins
3. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley
4. “Only You (And You Alone)” by The Platters
5. “Dream Lover” by Bobby Darin
6. “You Send Me” by Sam Cooke
7. “Blueberry Hill” by Fats Domino
8. “True Love Ways” by Buddy Holly
9. “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” by Paul Anka
10. “At Last” by Etta James
These songs offer beautiful melodies and heartfelt lyrics, perfect for dancing closely with your partner or for a romantic moment on the dance floor. They capture the essence of love and romance from the 1950s and continue to be cherished by listeners today.
Ella Fitzgerald Dance Songs from the 50s
Ella Fitzgerald, often referred to as the “First Lady of Song,” had a prolific career that spanned decades, including the 1950s. While some of her songs may not be specifically classified as dance songs, her captivating voice and impeccable delivery make many of her recordings suitable for dancing.
Here are some Ella Fitzgerald songs from the 1950s that would be delightful for dancing:
1. “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off” (with Louis Armstrong)
2. “Cheek to Cheek”
3. “Anything Goes”
4. “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”
5. “A Fine Romance”
6. “I Get a Kick Out of You”
7. “S’Wonderful”
8. “Blue Skies”
9. “They Can’t Take That Away from Me” (with Louis Armstrong)
10. “How High the Moon”
While Ella Fitzgerald is perhaps more known for her smooth jazz and swing renditions, many of her recordings from the 1950s can set the mood for a wonderful dance experience.
Fats Domino 50s Dance Songs
Fats Domino was a legendary figure in the 1950s music scene, known for his infectious rhythm and blues and rock and roll tunes that were perfect for dancing.
Here are some of Fats Domino’s best dance songs from the 1950s:
1. “Blueberry Hill”
2. “Ain’t That a Shame”
3. “I’m Walkin'”
4. “Blue Monday”
5. “I’m in Love Again”
6. “Whole Lotta Loving”
7. “I’m Gonna Be a Wheel Someday”
8. “Walking to New Orleans”
9. “I’m Ready”
10. “Be My Guest”
These songs feature Fats Domino’s distinctive piano playing and smooth vocals, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere that’s perfect for hitting the dance floor in the 1950s and beyond.
Frank Sinatra 50s Dance Songs
Frank Sinatra, with his smooth voice and timeless style, has numerous songs from the 1950s that are perfect for dancing.
Here are some of his best dance songs from that era:
1. “Come Fly with Me”
2. “I’ve Got the World on a String”
3. “You Make Me Feel So Young”
4. “Witchcraft”
5. “I Get a Kick Out of You”
6. “The Way You Look Tonight”
7. “Fly Me to the Moon”
8. “Love and Marriage”
9. “All the Way”
10. “Luck Be a Lady”
These songs not only showcase Sinatra’s incredible vocal talent but also have rhythmic arrangements that are perfect for dancing, whether it’s a classic ballroom style or a more contemporary swing. They remain popular choices for weddings, parties, and dance events to this day.
Johnny Mathis 50s Dance Songs
Johnny Mathis, with his smooth and romantic voice, produced several songs in the 1950s that were perfect for dancing. While some of his hits leaned more towards ballads, there are still some up-tempo tunes that are great for dancing.
Here are some Johnny Mathis songs from the 1950s that could get people on the dance floor:
1. “Chances Are”
2. “It’s Not for Me to Say”
3. “Wonderful! Wonderful!”
4. “A Certain Smile”
5. “Small World”
6. “Gina”
7. “Teacher, Teacher”
8. “Twelfth of Never”
9. “No Love (But Your Love)”
10. “Let It Rain”
While Johnny Mathis is perhaps more known for his romantic ballads, some of his songs from the 1950s have a lively rhythm that can be enjoyable for dancing.
Elvis Presley 50s Dance Songs
Elvis Presley, often referred to as the “King of Rock and Roll,” had numerous hits in the 1950s that were perfect for dancing. His energetic performances and catchy tunes revolutionized popular music and inspired generations of dancers.
Here are some of Elvis Presley’s best dance songs from the 1950s:
1. “Jailhouse Rock”
2. “Hound Dog”
3. “All Shook Up”
4. “Blue Suede Shoes”
5. “Don’t Be Cruel”
6. “Heartbreak Hotel”
7. “Teddy Bear”
8. “Too Much”
9. “Treat Me Nice”
10. “Hard Headed Woman”
These songs feature Elvis’s signature voice, backed by lively rhythms and infectious beats that made them perfect for dancing in the 1950s and continue to be enjoyed on dance floors around the world today.
Dean Martin 50s Dance Songs
Dean Martin, known for his smooth voice and charismatic persona, had several songs in the 1950s that were perfect for dancing. While many of his hits were more suited to romantic ballroom dancing, there are still some lively tunes that are great for dancing.
Here are some Dean Martin songs from the 1950s that could get people on the dance floor:
1. “Sway”
2. “Memories Are Made of This”
3. “That’s Amore”
4. “Volare (Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu)”
5. “Return to Me”
6. “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head”
7. “You’re Nobody till Somebody Loves You”
8. “Standing on the Corner”
9. “Rio Bravo”
10. “I’ll Always Love You (Day After Day)”
While Dean Martin is often associated with romantic crooning, his repertoire includes several upbeat songs that are suitable for dancing and can add a touch of vintage charm to any dance floor.
Billie Holiday 50s Dance Songs
Billie Holiday, with her unique voice and emotive style, is primarily known for her jazz and blues ballads rather than dance tracks. However, there are still some songs from the 1950s in her repertoire that could be suitable for dancing, albeit in a slower and more expressive manner.
Here are a few Billie Holiday songs from the 1950s that could set a soulful mood for dancing:
1. “Fine and Mellow”
2. “My Man”
3. “Good Morning Heartache”
4. “Them There Eyes”
5. “Lover Man (Oh, Where Can You Be?)”
6. “Lady Sings the Blues”
7. “God Bless the Child”
8. “Strange Fruit”
9. “You Don’t Know What Love Is”
10. “I’ll Be Seeing You”
While these songs may not have the lively tempo typically associated with dance tunes, their emotional depth and rich melodies can create a captivating atmosphere for slow dancing or intimate moments.
Nat King Cole 50s Dance Songs
Nat King Cole, with his velvety voice and timeless style, had several songs in the 1950s that were perfect for dancing. Whether it’s a classic ballroom dance or a more laid-back swing, Nat King Cole’s music provides the perfect backdrop.
Here are some Nat King Cole songs from the 1950s that are great for dancing:
1. “L-O-V-E”
2. “Unforgettable”
3. “Let There Be Love”
4. “Mona Lisa”
5. “Stardust”
6. “Route 66”
7. “When I Fall in Love”
8. “Nature Boy”
9. “The Very Thought of You”
10. “Smile”
These songs feature Nat King Cole’s smooth vocals and often have lush arrangements that are perfect for dancing with a partner or simply swaying to the music. They remain popular choices for weddings, parties, and other dance events to this day.
Dee Dee Sharp 50s Dance Songs
Dee Dee Sharp, a talented singer known for her contributions to the early soul and R&B genres, rose to fame in the late 1950s and 1960s. While she is perhaps best known for her hit songs in the 1960s, such as “Mashed Potato Time” and “Gravy (For My Mashed Potatoes),” which sparked popular dance crazes, her career began in the late 1950s.
Here are a couple of Dee Dee Sharp’s songs from the late 1950s that could be considered dance-worthy:
1. “I Really Love You”
2. “Just to Hold My Hand”
These songs may not have been as dance-focused or widely recognized as her later hits, but they still showcase Sharp’s soulful vocals and could certainly inspire some smooth dancing.
James Brown 50s Dance Songs
James Brown, known as the “Godfather of Soul,” began his career in the late 1950s, but his breakout success came in the following decades. While many of his iconic hits emerged in the 1960s and beyond, there are a few songs from the late 1950s that could be considered dance-worthy and foreshadow his future musical style.
Here are some James Brown songs from the late 1950s that could get people on the dance floor:
1. “Please, Please, Please” (1956)
2. “Try Me” (1958)
3. “I Want You So Bad” (1959)
4. “Good Good Lovin'” (1959)
5. “Lost Someone” (1959)
These songs, especially “Please, Please, Please” and “Try Me,” feature Brown’s dynamic vocal delivery and rhythmic arrangements that laid the foundation for his later funk and soul masterpieces. While they may not have the same level of energy as his later hits, they still have a groove that could inspire dancing.
Big Bopper 50s Dance Music
The Big Bopper, also known as J.P. Richardson, was a prominent figure in the rock and roll scene of the late 1950s. While he is best remembered for his hit song “Chantilly Lace,” which was released in 1958 and became a classic, he tragically died in a plane crash the following year, cutting short his promising career.
Here’s the notable dance song by the Big Bopper from the 1950s:
1. “Chantilly Lace” (1958)
“Chantilly Lace” is an upbeat and catchy rock and roll tune with a distinctive vocal style that has made it enduringly popular over the years. Its infectious rhythm and playful lyrics make it a great choice for dancing, capturing the spirit of the late 1950s rock and roll era.
Tony Bennett 50s Dance songs
Tony Bennett, with his smooth voice and timeless style, had several songs in the 1950s that were perfect for dancing. While many of his hits from that era leaned more towards romantic ballads, there are still some lively tunes that are great for dancing.
Here are some Tony Bennett songs from the 1950s that could get people on the dance floor:
1. “Stranger in Paradise” (1953)
2. “Rags to Riches” (1953)
3. “Because of You” (1951)
4. “Just in Time” (1956)
5. “There’ll Be No Teardrops Tonight” (1956)
6. “In the Middle of an Island” (1957)
7. “Firefly” (1958)
8. “With Plenty of Money and You” (1955)
9. “Sing You Sinners” (1955)
10. “Ca, C’est L’amour” (1950)
While Tony Bennett is often associated with his romantic ballads, some of his songs from the 1950s have a lively rhythm that can be enjoyable for dancing and can add a touch of vintage charm to any dance floor.
We hope you enjoy dancing your favorite dance styles to some of these great body-moving tunes! These are sure to become some of your favorite songs to dance to!