Music · 1949
The Birth of the 45 and Cool Jazz
In 1949, the music industry underwent a major technological and stylistic evolution with the introduction of the 45 RPM vinyl format and the rise of cool jazz. From Broadway blockbusters to the early sparks of rock and roll, dynamic artists reshaped the sound of postwar America.
- Single | Hank Williams | Country
Lovesick Blues
Hank Williams catapults to national superstardom with this yodeling country smash, which spent sixteen weeks at the top of the Billboard charts.
- Single | Gene Autry | Christmas Pop
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Gene Autry records the definitive Christmas classic, selling millions of copies and creating an enduring holiday pop culture phenomenon.
- Recording Sessions | Miles Davis | Jazz
Birth of the Cool Sessions
Miles Davis leads a groundbreaking nonet in New York to record innovative arrangements that lay the foundation for cool jazz.
- Debut Recording | Fats Domino | R&B
The Fat Man
Pianist Fats Domino records his debut single in New Orleans, featuring a driving boogie-woogie beat widely considered one of the first rock records.
- Format Debut | RCA Victor | March 1949
Launch of the 45 RPM Record Format
RCA Victor revolutionizes the music industry by launching the 7-inch 45 RPM vinyl record alongside Eddy Arnold's single Texarkana Baby.
- Venue Opening | Dec 15, 1949 | NYC
Opening of Birdland Jazz Club
Named in honor of Charlie Parker, Broadway's legendary jazz venue opens its doors with a stellar lineup of top bebop musicians.
- Single | Louis Jordan | Jump Blues
Saturday Night Fish Fry
Jump blues pioneer Louis Jordan dominates the R&B charts with a two-sided storytelling single that heavily prefigures rock and roll.
- Musical Premiere | April 1949 | Broadway
South Pacific Broadway Premiere
Rodgers and Hammerstein's hit musical opens to instant acclaim, launching classic standard songs like Some Enchanted Evening.
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