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3 Songs From 1955 That Still Make Me Smile Today
This piece revisits three feel-good songs from 1955, each of which became a breakthrough hit for its artist and remains fondly remembered today. It highlights how the tracks helped launch or cement the careers of Little Richard, Pat Boone and The Platters, and notes their lasting influence through numerous cover versions by later artists.
– "Tutti Frutti" by Little Richard – his first big hit, written with Dorothy LaBostrie, later covered by Elvis Presley, Pat Boone and The Beatles – "Ain't That A Shame" by Pat Boone – his first No. 1 single, written by Fats Domino, who also released his own version in 1955 – "Only You And You Alone" by The Platters – their breakthrough hit, written by producer/manager Buck Ram, later covered by Reba McEntire and Travis Tritt
In short
- Three uplifting 1955 hits still bring joy decades later
- Little Richard, Pat Boone and The Platters each scored breakthrough songs
- All three tracks were later covered by numerous other artists
Explained simply
In 1955, rhythm and blues, pop and early rock ’n’ roll were reaching wider audiences, and songs often crossed between musical styles through recordings by different performers. A hit could introduce a singer or group to the public, while later cover versions helped keep a song familiar to new listeners.
Little Richard’s “Tutti Frutti” was his first major hit; he wrote it with Dorothy LaBostrie. Pat Boone’s first No. 1 single was “Ain’t That a Shame”, written by Fats Domino, who recorded his own version that year. The Platters broke through with “Only You and You Alone”, written by their producer and manager, Buck Ram.
The songs’ later versions, by artists including Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Reba McEntire and Travis Tritt, show how recordings can carry a song across generations and audiences. These three hits also became important early milestones in the careers of their performers.