CA 101H Top 20 Songs That Shaped the 20th Century: 1950s

The end of World War II was the beginning of U.S. global power as well as a milestone in the nation’s economic prosperity and domestic political currents. (40 min.)

This program frames the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union as the defining conflict for five decades after the close of World War II. (132 min.)

Listen to a recording by Hank Williams, Sr.

Watch and listen to a 78 rpm recording by Hank Williams, Sr.

Read a brief biography of Hank Williams, Sr. published in Contemporary Musicians.

Companion website for the American Masters episode that profiles Hank Williams, Sr. Provides biographical and other information about his life and career.

Listen to a recording of the original version of this song performed by Big Mamma Thornton.

Listen to a recording by Elvis Presley

Watch Elvis Presley perform Hound Dog live on the Milton Berle show in 1956.

Listen to a report by Elizabeth Blair about the history of these songs and the careers of Elvis Presley, Mike Leiber, Jerry Stoller and Otis Blackwell.

Listen to excerpts from an interview with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller by Terry Gross for NPR's Fresh Air. Hound Dog is one of the songs discussed.

The Artist page for Elvis Presley at NPR. Includes links to stories, interviews and more.

Includes recordings of Elvis performing Hound Dog, White Christmas and Your Cheatin' Heart.