1954 Music History: Key Events, Band Formations & Album Releases
Acts Formed
Harold Melvin &
The Blue Notes
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Philly Soul
Marvin & Johnny
Los Angeles, California, USA
Doo Wop
The Blossoms
Los Angeles, California, USA
Girl Group
The Chambers
Brothers
Los Angeles, California, USA
Psychedelic Soul
The Isley Brothers
Cincinatti, Ohio, USA
Rock and Roll
The Spinners
Ferndale, Michigan, USA
Philly Soul
January 4th
Frank Sinatra releases Songs for Young Lovers.
January 14th
The phrase 'Rock 'n' Roll', used to promote Alan Freed's Rock 'n' Roll Jubillee, is used for the first time.
February
Modern amplified reverb is recorded for the first time by Johnny 'Guitar' Watson on the track 'Space Guitar'.
April
The first Fender Stratocaster electric guitar is produced.
August 2nd
June Christie releases Something Cool.
October 18th
The first transistor radio is made available to the public. The portable device enables people to listen on the go, and allows teenagers to listen to music away from their parents.
December 25th
Johnny Ace accidentally shoots himself dead at 25 on Christmas Day. He was playing with a revolver and pulled the trigger to 'prove' that the gun was unloaded. Posthumous sales skyrocket.
1954
Chet Baker releases Chet Baker Sings.
1954
Dinah Washington releases Dinah Jams.
1954
Les Baxter releases The Passions.
1954
Ella Fitzgerald releases Songs in a Mellow Mood.
1954
The Chordettes release The Chordettes Sing Your Requests.
