Music · 1958
Rock Rolls On as Pop Charts Standardize
In 1958, rock and roll matured and expanded globally while industry standards solidified with the launch of the Billboard Hot 100. Even as icons like Elvis Presley departed for military service, groundbreaking guitar riffs and modal jazz transformed the sonic landscape forever.
- August 4, 1958 | Industry | USA
Billboard Launches the Hot 100
Billboard introduced its main music popularity chart, crowning Ricky Nelson's 'Poor Little Fool' as the very first number-one single.
- March 1958 | Single | Chuck Berry
Johnny B. Goode
Chuck Berry released his timeless rock-and-roll anthem featuring one of the most famous opening guitar riffs in music history.
- March 24, 1958 | News | Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley Drafted into the U.S. Army
The King of Rock 'n' Roll paused his meteoric career to report for military duty at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, shocking millions of young fans.
- April 1958 | Single | Link Wray
Rumble
Link Wray pioneered the power chord and distortion on this menacing instrumental, which became one of the few instrumental tracks ever banned from radio play.
- April 1958 | Album | Miles Davis
Milestones
Miles Davis revolutionized modern jazz by introducing modal structures on this landmark Columbia Records release.
- August 1958 | Single | Cliff Richard
Move It
Widely considered the first authentic British rock and roll record, Cliff Richard's debut single sparked a new musical movement across the UK.
- June 1958 | Album | Billie Holiday
Lady in Satin
Billie Holiday delivered a deeply poignant and emotionally raw vocal performance backed by lush orchestral arrangements in her penultimate album.
- February 1958 | Single | Domenico Modugno
Nel Blu, Dipinto di Blu (Volare)
Domenico Modugno's soaring Italian ballad captured international fame and topped the American charts for five non-consecutive weeks.
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