1956 Music History: Key Events, Band Formations & Album Releases
Acts Formed
Nino and the
Ebb Tides
The Bronx, New York, USA
Doo Wop
Simon & Garfunkel
Queensbridge, New York, USA
Folk Pop
The Clancy Brothers
Tipperary, Ireland
Folk
The Four Preps
Los Angeles, California, USA
Pop
The Poni-Tails
Lyndhurst, Ohio, USA
Girl Group
The Quarrymen
Liverpool, England
Skiffle
The Silhouettes
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Doo Wop
The Tymes
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Philly Soul
January 27th
Elvis Presley scores his first US number 1 single with 'Heartbreak Hotel'.
March 5th
Frank Sinatra releases Songs for Swinging Lovers!.
March 22nd
The popular singer Carl Perkins fractures his neck in a car accident in Wilmington, Delaware. He was en route to sing his hit record 'Blue Suede Shoes' on The Perry Como Show.
April 10th
Members of the North Alabama White Citizens Council storm the stage at a concert by Nat King Cole in Birmingham, Alabama. They were attempting to 'stop rock and roll', but were restrained.
April 15th
Mitch Miller hosts a panel on CBS-TV warning parents about the 'negative effects' of rock and roll on teenagers. On the show, psychiatrists caution that the music was like a 'disease' and gave parents a list of warning signs including vulgar dancing.
April 22nd
The 2i's Coffee Bar opens in Soho, London. The venue becomes a centre point for British skiffle and rock and roll, hosting performances by Cliff Richard, Hank Marvin, and many more.
May 24th
The inaugural Eurovision Song Contest is held in Lugano, Switzerland. West Germany's inclusion signified the ongoing reconciliation between the European powers after World War II.
June
Julie London releases Lonely Girl.
June 2nd
Rock and roll is labelled 'detrimental to the health and morals of our youth' by police chief Al Huntsman and banned from public gatherings in Santa Cruz, California.
June 5th
A performance of 'Hound Dog' by Elvis Presley, on The Milton Berle Show, shocks the US. His gyrating hips are branded as 'vulgar.' Ratings skyrocket. The socially conservative publication America runs the headline: "Beware of Elvis".
June 26th
Jazz greats Clifford Brown and Richie Powell die in a car crash at 25 and 24 respectively. They were travelling overnight from Philadelphia to Chicago in heavy rain for a scheduled performance.
July 22nd
The first UK album chart is published. Songs for Swingin' Lovers! by Frank Sinatra is number one.
August
Bill Haley & His Comets release Rock 'n' Roll Stage Show.
October
Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong releases Ella and Louis.
October 19th
Elvis Presley releases Elvis.
December
Billie Holiday releases Lady Sings the Blues.
1956
Ravi Shankar releases Music of India.
1956
There are riots at four different concerts by Fats Domino. Rock and roll fever is blamed, although the venues were ill-equipped to handle large crowds of boisterous teens.
