Episode 226, “New Life For Mid-50s Music,” contrasts the originals and later cover versions of nine million-selling records, including Que Sera Sera, It’s a Sin to Tell a Lie, Blueberry Hill, Learnin’ the Blues, and I Almost Lost My Mind.

The post Episode 226, “New Life For Mid-50s Music,” appeared first on Sam Waldron.

Episode 225, “50s Album jazz,” samples 15 of the most influential jazz albums of the ‘50s. Performers include Chet Baker, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Charlie Parker, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Milt Jackson, Henry Mancini, Frank Sinatra, and Les Paul.

The post Episode 225, “50s Album jazz,” appeared first on Sam Waldron.

Episode 224, “Jimmy Durante,” focuses on one of the 20th century’s most beloved performers, including more than a dozen of his own recordings and several audio clips from live TV appearances, plus the CBS Evening News report of his death in 1980.

The post Episode 224, “Jimmy Durante,” appeared first on Sam Waldron.

Episode 223, “1958 Hit Parade,” presents 20 of the best-selling single records of 1958, including performances The Kalin Twins, The Everly Brothers, Pat Boone, Dean Martin, Elvis Presley, Perez Prado, Chuck Berry, and 13 more.

The post Episode 223, “1958 Hit Parade,” appeared first on Sam Waldron.

Episode 222, “Around the World,” presents music about Mexico, Jamaica, Argentina, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Sweden. Performers include Frank Sinatra, The Four Lads, Tommy Dorsey, Kyu Sakamoto, Dinah Shore, Vic Damone, The Kingston Trio, and Fats Domino.

The post Episode 222, “Around the World,” appeared first on Sam Waldron.

Episode 221, “Eight Stories,” focuses on eight standout performers and one interesting songwriter. Performers include The Platters, Mel Torme, Connie Francis, Pat Boone, Perry Como, Hank Williams and Nat King Cole.

The post Episode 221, “Eight Stories,” appeared first on Sam Waldron.

Episode 220, “B.B. King,” focuses on the life and music of this accomplished blues musician. Recordings include “Every Day I Have the Blues,” “Why Do Things Happen to Me?” “You Upset Me Baby,” and four tracks from a celebrated live performance during which King gives men and woman each some relationship advice.

The post Episode 220, “B.B. King,” appeared first on Sam Waldron.

Episode 219, “Songs About Money,” presents musical perspectives on having money, spending money, needing money, losing money, and asking for money. Performers include Frank Sinatra, Eddy Arnold, Pearl Bailey, Nat King Cole, Dean Martin, and Roy Rogers.

The post Episode 219, “Songs About Money,” appeared first on Sam Waldron.

Episode 218, “Songs About Dreams,” includes 20 recordings of songs about dreams and dreaming. Performers include Frank Sinatra, Tommy Sands, Doris Day, Hank Locklin, Chet Atkins, Patsy Cline, Bobby Darin, and Pat Boone.

The post Episode 218, “Songs About Dreams,” appeared first on Sam Waldron.

Episode 217, “Easy Listening,” presents 18 recordings that were among the staples of “easy listening” radio stations in the 1950s. Performers include The Four Preps, Brenda Lee, Johnny Mathis, Julie London, Patti Page, Pat Boone, Frank Sinatra and Mantovani.

The post Episode 217, “Easy Listening,” appeared first on Sam Waldron.