American Songwriter has published a short listicle highlighting three seminal 1950s tracks that the outlet considers essential listening for anyone hoping to appreciate classic rock's origins. The piece frames these songs as foundational to the genre, arguing that their influence rippled through decades of later musicians. It is one of several similar retrospective "best of" music lists the publication regularly runs.

The three picks are Buddy Holly's "Everyday" (1958), praised for its restraint and later impact on artists such as Paul McCartney and Rivers Cuomo; Little Richard's "Tutti Frutti" (1957), noted for its high-energy piano-driven joy; and Chuck Berry's "Johnny B. Goode" (1958), credited as a cornerstone that shaped rock guitar and storytelling for figures including John Lennon and David Bowie. The article briefly notes Holly's death at age 22, cutting short his career.