Rare Footage from 1951

1950s

Explore 38 rare behind-the-scenes clips and footage of famous musicians from 1951.

The 1950s in Music

The 1950s saw the birth of rock and roll, the explosion of bebop jazz, and the rise of electric blues. Artists like Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Miles Davis were reshaping popular music, while behind the scenes, Sam Phillips was experimenting at Sun Studio and Atlantic Records was capturing the raw energy of rhythm and blues. Footage from this era is exceptionally rare — most of what survives comes from early television appearances, newsreels, and the occasional home movie.

Artists

L.A.B.Jam sessionP.O.D.Tennessee Ernie FordLonzo and OscarDavid BaughanSineThe Ink SpotsClaude KingThe PretendersWilma LeeLil GreenLarry DodsonLes BinksRobert WorbyRob HalfordDerek HillandSue FoleySonny Boy Williamson ITampa RedThe BandOtis "Big Smokey" SmothersCreamVan HalenSmokey HoggJimmie DavisJoe Willie WilkinsVerdine WhiteEarth, Wind & FireClark TerryPrinceSam CookeThe TheY&Tponcho sanchezR.E.M.Theola KilgoreLive (band)Floyd DixonSongwriterThe SoundJohn Lee HookerMuddy WatersSon House