Music Milestones from Elvis to Johnny Cash.
The 1950s kicked off with a series of landmark moments in music history. On New Year's Day 1950, "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" by Gene Autry soared to the top of the charts becoming a classic , while Sam Phillips opened the Memphis Recording Service, laying the groundwork for rock 'n' roll. The decade also saw the tragic loss of country legend Hank Williams and the release of Carl Perkins' influential debut album. A young Merle Haggard witnessed Johnny Cash's transformative performance at San Quentin Prison, foreshadowing their future impact on music.
January 1, 1950
”Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer” by Gene Autry hits #1 on the Billboard singles chart.
Becomes first #1 song to fall completely off the chart a week after hitting the top spot.
January 1, 1950
Sam Phillips opens Memphis Recording Service where Elvis Presley will make his first recording in July, 1953.
January 1, 1953
Country music pioneer Hank Williams died while on the way to a New Year’s Day show in Ohio. He was 29.
January 01, 1957
Sun Records releases The Dance Album of Carl Perkins on New Year’s Day 1957.
It is Perkins debut Album containing the #1 hit “Blue Suede Shoes”.
January 1, 1959
Johnny Cash plays his first jailhouse show at San Quentin prison in San Rafael, California. "In the audience” is 21-year-old Merle Haggard, serving time for burglary. Cash would record Live At San Quentin ten years later.
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