1. Rock and roll: This genre emerged in the mid-1950s and quickly became the most popular genre of music in the United States. Rock and roll combined elements of blues, rhythm and blues, country, and other genres to create a new, uniquely American sound. Some of the most iconic rock and roll artists of the 1950s include Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Jerry Lee Lewis.
2. Doo-wop: This genre emerged in the late 1940s and was popular throughout the 1950s. Doo-wop is characterized by its sweet, often sentimental melodies and harmonies. Some of the most iconic doo-wop groups include The Platters, The Penguins, and The Crewcuts.
3. Rhythm and blues: This genre emerged in the 1940s and was popular throughout the 1950s. Rhythm and blues is characterized by its strong, often dance-able beats and its focus on social and political issues. Some of the most iconic rhythm and blues artists of the 1950s include Ray Charles, B.B. King, and Etta James.
4. Country and Western: This genre emerged in the 1920s and was popular throughout the 1950s. Country and Western music is characterized by its simple melodies, often about rural life and everyday struggles. Some of the most iconic Country and Western artists of the 1950s include Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and Patsy Cline.
5. Jazz: This genre emerged in the early 1900s and was popular throughout the 1950s. Jazz is characterized by its improvisational nature and its complex, often dissonant harmonies. Some of the most iconic jazz artists of the 1950s include Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Thelonious Monk.
These are just a few examples of the many sounds that emerged in the 1950s. It was a time of great musical innovation and creativity, and the music of the 1950s continues to influence popular music today.