Songs from Your Parents' or Gandparents' Generation that Still Rock - '50s Version

Take some time every now and then to learn a little history. Not the boring school type of history where you have to memorize dates and significant events that impacted your life in some way, but a more lively and entertaining musical history that may have impacted, inspired or influenced the music you listen to and enjoy today.

Don't limit yourself only to what is currently offered on your radio station of choice. There are many great songs being released for the youth generation today and having teenage kids myself, I try to stay up to date with what is being marketed toward them via the top 40 radio stations they are listening to whenever we are in the car together. Although most of it is unimaginative and lacks creativity and energy (to my ears anyway), I still make it a point to listen. Occasionally, one of these songs raises its voice above the rest of the Xerox audio clutter spilling out of my car speakers and even ends up on my iPod for future enjoyment.

If I can look ahead and continue to find a common musical ground in the popular music of today, even at this stage of life far beyond my teenage years, then the younger generation should be able look back and sift through the music of yesterday and find some audio treasures sprinkled in with the carbon copy clutter of that era.

You may think that the music your parents grew up with is uncool or outdated and can be dismissed as something from a time long ago and far away that has no part in your life. Give it a listen every now and then. You may be surprised to find something you can tolerate or might even enjoy. So put your History textbook away and turn up the volume for a real History lesson. Here is a small sampling of some songs from your parents' generation that still rock after all of these years.*

Johnny B. Goode - Chuck Berry
Rock Around the Clock - Bill Haley and the Comets
Blue Suede Shoes - Elvis Presley version
Roll Over Beethoven - Chuck Berry
Summertime Blues - Eddie Cochran
Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On - Jerry Lee Lewis
Rumble - Link Wray
At the Hop - Danny and the Juniors
Honky Tonk Part I - Bill Doggett
Shout - Isley Brothers
Rebel Rouser - Duane Eddy
What'd I Say - Ray Charles
Good Golly Miss Molly - Little Richard
Train Kept a Rollin' - Johnny Burnette
Bo Diddley - Bo Diddley

*These songs are for educational and reference purposes only and are performed and written by the credited artists.