Rare Footage from 1952

1950s

Explore 33 rare behind-the-scenes clips and footage of famous musicians from 1952.

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

Dave DudleyOtis "Big Smokey" SmothersSidney BechetSonny TerryJohnny BondsooY&TThe D.O.C.duke ellington sDuke Ellingtonduke ellington reJoe Willie WilkinsTeddy DarbySleepy John EstesDel McCoury BandDon SchlitzR.E.M.Bukka WhiteLed ZeppelinFred McDowellStingMaeScat singingThomas A. DorseyLloyd PriceOscar PettifordWoody HermanThe BandRideHarry BabasinJunior ParkerGuitar SlimThe Chambers BrothersThe PlattersR. KellySongwriterRhythm and blues