Charting the Music of the Fifties -- Volume 1: 1950-1954

What is the number nine popular single of 1950-54? "Cry," by Johnnie Ray & the 4 Lads. The Grammy Hall of Fame recording launched Ray's superb career. What is the number nine album of 1950-54? "The Great Caruso" by Mario Lanza, who starred in a series of operatic films during the 1950s. How about the number nine country single? "The Shot Gun Boogie" by "Tennessee" Ernie; the song was a rock & roll precursor. The number nine R&B single? "Have Mercy, Baby" by The Dominoes, with Clyde McPhatter singing the lead vocal. A little over one year later, McPhatter would leave the Dominoes to form the Drifters. The number nine summertime single is "Come On-a My House" by Rosemary Clooney, despite that she disliked the song. At number nine in Australia is Dennis Day's version of "Mona Lisa." In the UK, number nine is "Answer Me" by Frankie Laine -- the record was nearly banned because of religious connotations. The book features rankings of singles and albums in these genres, and in children's, Christmas, classical and gospel music, plus film soundtracks. All of the recordings are ranked according to scores computed from their weekly chart positions in "Billboard," "Cash Box," "New Musical Express," "Your Hit Parade," or other resources. The book is a chronicle of our musical past, with much of the music still sounding great in the present.