1952 Popular Music, Songs and Artists

Bill Haley and the Saddlemen

Rock the Joint
Before Bill Haley became known as Bill Haley and the Comets, he performed with his group, Bill Haley and the Saddlemen. In 1952, they recorded Rock the Joint, a song previously recorded by Jimmie Preston. Although Haley’s version didn’t chart on Billboard, it became foundational in his rock and roll transition.

Don Howard

Oh Happy Day
This is not the Oh Happy Day familiar to churchgoers. Written and performed by Don Howard, the song debuted at a high school dance where enthusiastic students requested it be performed 13 times in one night. Recorded at a local studio, the track became a regional hit before climbing to No. 4 on the Billboard charts nationally. Time magazine dubbed it the “Mystery Hit,” describing it as “the rarest kind of hit—unplanned and unplugged.”

Frank Sinatra

I Get a Kick Out of You
This song, with its iconic line “I get no kick from cocaine,” is considered one of the earliest to reference drug use critically. Written by Cole Porter for the 1934 Broadway musical Anything Goes, the song was originally sung by Ethel Merman. It became one of three standout hits from the show, alongside You’re the Top and Anything Goes. Frank Sinatra’s 1953 rendition cemented the song as a jazz and pop standard.

Gene Kelly

Singin’ in the Rain
The song Singin’ in the Rain originated in the early days of sound cinema, appearing in the 1929 MGM musical The Hollywood Revue of 1929. Judy Garland and others recorded it over the years, but its iconic status was secured in the 1952 film Singin’ in the Rain. Starring Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O’Connor, the movie is considered one of the greatest musicals ever made. Gene Kelly’s unforgettable performance of the title song, complete with a joyous dance in the rain, remains one of cinema’s most celebrated moments.

The Four Aces

Heart and Soul
Published in 1938 with music by Hoagy Carmichael and lyrics by Frank Loesser, Heart and Soul is often one of the first songs taught to beginner pianists. The Four Aces recorded it in 1952, and their version peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard charts.

Hank Williams

Jambalaya (On the Bayou)
A tribute to the famous Cajun dish, Jambalaya (On the Bayou) was written and released by Hank Williams in 1952. The song topped the country music charts and crossed over into pop, inspiring countless covers. The Carpenters included a version on their Now and Then album, which reached No. 12 in the UK.

Karen Chandler

Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me
Written by Harry Noble in 1952, Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me is considered an early pop-rock era hit. Karen Chandler’s recording reached No. 7 on the charts, making it her only charting single and a memorable part of early 1950s pop music.

The Mills Brothers

Glow Worm
Originally titled Das Glühwürmchen, this song was part of Paul Lincke’s 1902 operetta Lysistrata. When translated into English, it became Glow Worm. Johnny Mercer later expanded the lyrics, and the Mills Brothers recorded it in 1952, turning it into a chart-topping hit.

Johnny Ray

Walkin’ My Baby Back Home
Written in 1930 by Roy Turk (lyrics) and Fred E. Ahlert (music), Walkin’ My Baby Back Home charted in 1931. Nat King Cole popularized it with a hit version in 1951, and Johnny Ray followed with another successful rendition in 1952. In 1953, the song became the title of a movie starring Donald O’Connor.

Top Artists and Songs of 1952