When The Jukebox Blew A Fuse: Rockabilly, Doo-Wop, R&B, and More, 1950-1959 Hardcover – January 25, 2026

Nickolodeons helped to establish the soundscape for the innovative artistry of the 1950s. From drug stores to small dance halls, from teenage sock hops to whisky-soaked juke joints, nickels, dimes, and quarters from random music consumers yielded chart-topping pop hits. And balladeers like Perry Como, Pat Boone, Connie Francis, Frankie Laine, and Jo Stafford held their own on music machines. But there was also a successful invasion of new, rebellious young rockers. Likewise, a once segregated cadre of black R&B stars, ranging from Louis Jordan and B.B. King to Ruth Brown and LaVern Baker, also joined the expanding jukebox chorus. Beyond these single black vocalists, a significant number of group harmony ensembles and doo-wop teams secured pay-for-play audio recognition. Most significant of all; though, were the country-oriented rockabillies and wild rock 'n' rollers. These highly visible folks included Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Fats Domino.New sounds flourished. New dances emerged. And teenagers gathered around jukeboxes to hail compositions by Chuck Berry and Carl Perkins. Read more