The 1950s brought rock and roll to a growing audience of U.S. teenagers. The performance of songs changed during the 50s as well. This decade unveiled Elvis Presley, who startled parents and television censors with his gyrating hips. Other musicians broke onto the scene during the 50s as well, including Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ray Charles, Paul Anka, Rickie Nelson and Frankie Avalon. A plane crash ended the careers of several musicians in the 1950s, including Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper, J.P. Richardson.
The 1950s brought a number of memorable songs to American popular culture. "Rock Around the Clock" was an early rock-and-roll song by Bill Haley & His Comets that debuted in 1955. Presley's "Jailhouse Rock" and "All Shook Up" came later in the decade, in 1957. Jerry Lee Lewis's "Great Balls of Fire" in 1958 and Bobby Darin's cover of "Mack the Knife" in 1959 rounded out the decade. These are just a few of the decade's well-known hits.
Popular culture in the U.S. in the 1950s was highlighted by gadgets and gizmos that made their way into the national awareness. One reason for this development was new plastic technology and other scientific advances. For example, Silly Putty was introduced just before the start of the 1950s. Matchbook cars came later, in 1954. The introduction of Lionel trains to the household toy set became widespread in the 1950s. The invention of the Hula Hoop came in 1957, and the use of them became a fad starting the following year.
Television shows that were popular in the 1950s also provided a musical outlet. One such show was "American Bandstand." Ed Sullivan was the host of another television show with musical segments that provided widespread exposure for Presley and others. The comic strip "Peanuts" began in the 1950s. Other popular television shows during the 1950s included "Lassie," "Dragnet," "The Twilight Zone," "I Love Lucy," "The Honeymooners" and "The Mickey Mouse Club."