Rock (1950s)

Johnny Ace (1929–54)

Memorial Album [(1973), MCA], B+

Lee Allen (1926–94)

Walkin' With Mr. Lee [1958, Collectables], B+

Paul Anka (1941– )

30th Anniversary Collection [(1989), Rhino], B
Rock Swings [2005, Verve], C+

LaVern Baker (1929–97)

Soul on Fire: The Best of LaVern Baker [(1991), Atlantic], A–

Hank Ballard (1936– )

Sexy Ways: The Best of Hank Ballard and the Midnighters [(1993), Rhino], B+

Dave Bartholomew (1920–2019)

The Big Beat of Dave Bartholomew: 20 of His Milestone Productions 1949–1960 [1949–60, Capitol], B+(**)
The Spirit of New Orleans: The Genius of Dave Bartholomew [1949–62, Capitol, 2 CD], B+

Jesse Belvin (1933–60)

The Blues Baladeer [1952–58, Specialty], B

Brook Benton (1931–88)

20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of Brook Benton [1959–70, Mercury], A–

Chuck Berry (1926–2017)

After School Session [1955–57, Chess], B+(***)
One Dozen Berrys [1957, Chess], B+(***)
His Best, Vol. 1 [1955–58, Chess], A
Chuck Berry Is on Top [1955–59, Chess], A–
Rockin' at the Hops [1959–60, Chess], B+(**)
New Juke Box Hits [1961, Chess], B+(*)
Twist [1955–61, Chess], A–
On Stage [1963, Chess], B–
The Great Twenty-Eight [1955–64, Chess], A+
Chuck Berry's Golden Decade [1955–64, Chess, 2LP], A
Chuck Berry's Golden Decade Volume 2 [1955–64, Chess, 2LP], A–
Rock 'N Roll Rarities [1957–64, Chess, 2LP], B+(***)
Chuck Berry in London [1965, Chess], B+(***)
Fresh Berry's [1965, Chess], B+(**)
Chuck Berry's Golden Hits [1966, 1989), Mercury], B–
Chuck Berry in Memphis [1967, Mercury], B+(*)
Live at Fillmore Auditorium [1967, Mercury], B
From St. Louie to Frisco [1968, Mercury], B+(*)
Concerto in B-Goode [1969, Mercury], B+(*)
Toronto Rock 'N' Roll Revival 1969 [1969, Sunset Blvd.], B+(***)
Back Home [1970, Chess], B+(***)
San Francisco Dues [1971, Chess], B
The London Chuck Berry Sessions [1972, Chess], B
The Definitive Collection [1955–72, Geffen/Chess/Chronicles], A+
Bio [1973, Chess], B+(**)
The Chess Box [1955–73, Chess, 3CD], A
The Anthology [1955–73, MCA/Chess, 2CD], A
Gold [1955–73, Geffen/Chess, 2CD], A
Chuck Berry [1975, Chess], B+(**)
Rockit [1979, Atco], B+(*)
Chuck [2017, Dualtone], A–

The Big Bopper (1930–59)

Hellooo Baby! The Best of the Big Bopper [1954–59, Rhino], B+

Otis Blackwell (1931–2002)

These Are My Songs! [1978, Inner City], B

Pat Boone (1934– )

20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of Pat Boone [1955–62, MCA], B–

James Brown (1933–2006)

Think! [1960, Polydor], A–
The Federal and King Singles As and Bs 1956–1961 [1956–61, Acrobat, 2CD], A–
Live at the Apollo [1963, Polydor], A
The Singles, Volume Two: 1960–1963 [1958–63, Hip-O Select, 2 CD], A–
Papa's Got a Brand New Bag [1965, King], B+(***)
Cold Sweat [1967, King], A–
Live at the Apollo, Volume 2 [1968, Polydor], A–
Say It Live and Loud: Live in Dallas 08.26.68 [1968, Polydor], A
Gettin' Down to It [1968–69, Verve], B
Soul on Top [1969, Verve], A
Live at Home With His Bad Self [1969, Polydor], A–
Foundations of Funk: A Brand New Bag 1964–1969 [1964–69, Polydor, 2 CD], A
Sex Machine [1969–70, Polydor], A
Super Bad [1970, King], B+(***)
Funk Power 1970: A Brand New Thang [1970, Polydor], A
Hot Pants [1971, Polydor], A–
There It Is [1972, Polydor], A–
20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of James Brown [1958–72, Polydor], A
Get on the Good Foot [1972, Polydor], B+(*)
The Payback [1973, Polydor], A–
Hell [1974, Polydor], A–
Love Power Peace: Live at the Olympia, Paris, 1971 [1971, Polydor], B+
Get on the Good Foot [1972, Polydor], B+
In the Jungle Groove [1969–72, Polydor], A+
The CD of JB: Sex Machine and Other Soul Classics [1961–73, Polydor], A
Motherlode [1967–76, Polydor], A–
The Best of James Brown Volume 2: The '70s [20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection] [1970–76, Polydor], A
The Original Disco Man [1979, Polydor], B+
JB40: 40th Anniversary Collection [1956–79, Polydor, 2 CD], A
Soul Syndrome [1980, Rhino], A–
Star Time [1956–84, Polydor, 4 CD], A+

Nappy Brown (1929– )

Night Time Is the Right Time [1954–62, Atlantic/Savoy, 2 CD], B+
I'm a Wild Man [1994, New Moon Music], B

Roy Brown (1925– )

Good Rockin' Tonight: The Best of Roy Brown [1947–57, Rhino], B
The Complete Imperial Recordings [1956–58, Capitol], B+(*)
Hard Times [1967–68, Bluesday], A–

Ruth Brown (1928–2006)

Miss Rhythm: Greatest Hits and More [1949–60, Atlantic, 2 CD], A

Sonny Burgess (1931– )

We Wanna Boogie [1990, Rounder], B+
w/Dave Alvin: Tennessee Border [1992, Hightone], B

Wynona Carr (1924–76)

Jump Jack Jump! [1955–59, Specialty], B+

The Channels [1956– ]

The Channels Featuring Earl Lewis: Golden Oldies [1956–59, Essential Music Group], B+(*)

The Chantels [1956–1970]

The Best of the Chantels [(1990), Rhino], A–

Ray Charles (1930–2004)

The Early Years [1949–52, King], B+
Ray Charles [1953–56, Atlantic], A
The Great Ray Charles [1956, Atlantic], B+(**)
The Genius After Hours [1956–57, Atlantic], B+(**)
Yes Indeed! [1952–58, Atlantic], A–
w/Milt Jackson: Soul Brothers / Soul Meeting [1957–58, Atlantic, 2 CD], B
What'd I Say [1952–59, Atlantic], A
The Genius of Ray Charles [1959, Atlantic], B+(**)
Ray Charles in Person [1959, Atlantic], B+(*)
Ray Charles Live [1958–59, Atlantic], B+(***)
The Best of Ray Charles: The Atlantic Years [1951–59, Rhino], A–
The Birth of Soul [1951–59, Rhino/Atlantic, 3 CD], A
The Genius Sings the Blues [1952–60, Atlantic], B+(***)
Genius + Soul = Jazz [1960–61, DCC], B
Ray Charles and Betty Carter [1961, ABC], B
Berlin, 1962 [1962, Pablo], B+
Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music [1962–63, Rhino], A
Ingredients in a Recipe for Soul [1963, Sandstone], B
Greatest Country and Western Hits [1962–66, DCC], A–
The Genius: 20 Greatest Hits [1960–68, Platinum], A
Live in Stockholm 1972 [1972, Tangerine], B+(*)
The Genius Hits the Road [1956–72, Concord], B+(*)
Uh Huh: His Greatest Hits [1959–72, Sandstone/DCC, 2CD], A
True to Life [1977, Atlantic], B+(**)
Friendship [1984–86, Columbia/Legacy], C+
Complete Country and Western Recordings [1959–86, Rhino, 4 CD], B+
Genius and Soul: The 50th Anniversary Collection [1949–93, Rhino, 5 CD], B+
Genius Loves Company [2004, Concord/Hear Music], B
w/The Count Basie Orchestra: Ray Sings, Basie Swings [2006, Concord/Hear Music], B+(*)

Chubby Checker (1941– )

The Best of Chubby Checker: 1959–1963 [Cameo Parkway] [1959–63, ABKCO], A–

The Clovers [1948– ]

Down in the Alley: The Best of the Clovers [(1991), Rhino], A

The Coasters [1956–1972]

The Very Best of the Coasters [1954–60, Rhino], A+
50 Coastin' Classics [1954–68, Rhino, 2 CD], A+

Eddie Cochran (1938–60)

The Early Years [1956, Ace], B
Legendary Masters [1956–59, Capitol], A–

Sam Cooke (1931–64)

w/The Soul Stirrers: Sam Cooke With the Soul Stirrers [1951–57, Specialty], A–
Hits of the 50's [1960, RCA], B–
My Kind of Blues [1961, RCA], B+(*)
Twistin' the Night Away [1962, RCA], A–
Night Beat [1963, RCA], A–
The Rhythm and the Blues [1961–63, RCA], B
Ain't That Good News [1964, RCA], A–
Sam Cooke at the Copa [1964, Abkco], A–
Keep Movin' On [1963–64, Abkco], A–
The Man and His Music [1957–64, RCA], A+
Portrait of a Legend 1951–1964 [1951–64, Abkco], A

Bobby Darin (1936–73)

Splish Splash: The Best of Bobby Darin Volume One [1958–71, Atco], B
Mack the Knife: The Best of Bobby Darin Volume Two [1958–61, Atco], B+
Live From Las Vegas [1963, Capitol], B
The Swinging Side of Bobby Darin [1962–65, Capitol Jazz], A–
The Legendary Bobby Darin [1962–73, Capitol], B+

The Del Vikings

20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of the Del Vikings [1957–61, Hip-O], B+(**)

The Dells [1952– ]

The Best of the Vee-Jay Years [1955–65, Shout! Factory], B+(**)

Sugar Pie DeSanto (1935– )

Down in the Basement [1959–66, Chess], B+
Refined Sugar [2005, Jasman], B+(*)

Bo Diddley (1928–2008)

Bo Diddley / Go Bo Diddley [1955–58, Chess], A
I'm a Man: The Chess Masters, 1955–1958 [1955–58, Hip-O Select, 2 CD], A–
Bo Diddley Is a Gunslinger [1960, Checker], B+(**)
w/Chuck Berry: Two Great Guitars [1964, Chess], B+(*)
The Definitive Collection [1955–66, Geffen/Chess], A
Rare and Well Done [1955–68, Chess], A–
The Chess Box [1955–74, Chess, 2 CD], A+

Dion DiMucci (1937– )

Dion Hits [1958–63, Ace], A–
Kickin' Child: The Lost Album 1965 [1965, Norton], C–
Bronx Blues: The Columbia Recordings (1962–1965) [1962–65, Columbia], A–
The Essential Dion [1961–68, Columbia/Legacy], B+
Recorded Live at the Bitter End August 1971 [1971, Omnivore], B
King of the New York Streets [1958–99, Capitol, 3 CD], B+
Son of Skip James [2007, Verve Forecast], B+(*)
Tank Full of Blues [2012, Blue Horizon], B+(**)
Blues With Friends [2020, Keeping the Blues Alive], B+(*)

Fats Domino (1928–2017)

Blues Kingpins [1949–55, Capitol/The Right Stuff], B
My Blue Heaven: The Best of Fats Domino [1949–61, EMI], A+
The Fats Domino Jukebox: 20 Greatest Hits the Way You Originally Heard Them [1949–61, Capitol], A
They Call Me the Fat Man [1949–62, EMI, 4 CD], B+
Live From Austin TX [1986, New West], B+(***)
Alive and Kickin' [2000, Tipitina's], A–

Don and Dewey

Jungle Hop [1957–64, Specialty], B+(**)

Lonnie Donegan (1931–2002)

Putting On the Styles [1955–66, Sequel, 3 CD], B

The Drifters [1953– ]

Let the Boogie Roll: The Greatest Hits 1953–1958 [1953–58, Atlantic, 2 CD], A–
The Very Best of the Drifters [1959–64, Rhino], A+
All-Time Greatest Hits and More: 1959–1965 [1959–65, Atlantic, 2 CD], A
The Drifters' Golden Hits [1959–66, Atlantic], A

Willie Egan (1933–2004)

Wow Wow/Rockin' the Blues: The Complete Vita/Mambo Sessions [1955–56, Empire Musicwerks], A–

Esquerita

Capitol Collectors Series [1958–59, Capitol], B

The Everly Brothers [1954–1973]

Songs Our Daddy Taught Us [1958, Cadence], B+(**)
Cadence Classics: Their 20 Greatest Hits [1957–60, Rhino], A
This Is the Everly Brothers: 16 of Their Greatest Hits [1957–60, Music Club], A–
It's Everly Time! [1960, Collectors' Choice], B+
A Date With the Everly Brothers [1961, Collectors' Choice], B+
The Everly Brothers Sing Great Country Hits [1963, Collectors' Choice], B+
The Very Best of the Everly Brothers [1964, Warner Brothers], A–
Roots [1968, Collectors' Choice], B

The Falcons

The Definitive Falcons Collection: The Complete Recordings [1956–63, History of Soul, 4CD], A–

The Five Keys

Dream On [1959–60, Charly], B+

The "5" Royales [1952–1965]

Monkey Hips and Rice [1952–62, Rhino, 2CD], A

The Flamingos [1952– ]

The Best of the Flamingos [1953–61, Rhino], B

Connie Francis (1938– )

20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of Connie Francis [1957–62, Polydor], A–

Paul Gayten (1920–91)

w/Annie Laurie, Dave Bartholomew, Roy Brown: Regal Records in New Orleans [1949–51, Specialty], B+(**)

Charlie Gracie (1936– )

The Best of Charlie Gracie: 1956–1958 [Cameo Parkway] [1956–58, ABKCO], A–

Bill Haley (1925–81)

From the Original Master Tapes [1954–56, MCA], A–
20th Century Masters -The Millennium Collection: The Best of Bill Haley and His Comets [1954–56, MCA], A–

Roy Hamilton (1929–69)

Anthology [1953–62, Collectables, 2 CD], B+

Wynonie Harris (1915–69)

Everybody Boogie! [1945, Delmark], A–
Rockin' the Blues [1944–50, Proper, 4 CD], A–
Bloodshot Eyes: The Best of Wynonie Harris [1947–54, Rhino], A

Dale Hawkins (1938– )

Oh! Suzy Q: The Best of Dale Hawkins [(1995), Chess], B+

Clarence "Frogman" Henry (1937–2024)

Ain't Got No Home: The Best of Clarence "Frogman" Henry [1956–64, MCA], A–

Buddy Holly (1936–59)

From the Original Master Tapes [1956–58, MCA], A
The Definitive Collection [1956–58, Geffen/Decca/Chronicles], A
The Buddy Holly Collection: 50 Classic Recordings [1954–59, MCA, 2 CD], A

Joe Houston

Cornbread and Cabbage Greens [1952–56, Specialty], A–
Blows Crazy! [1951–63, Ace], B+

The Isley Brothers [1954– ]

Shout: The RCA Sessions [1959–60, RCA], B+
The Isley Brothers Story, Vol. 1: Rockin' Soul [1959–68, Rhino], A
Givin' It Back [1971, Epic/Legacy], B+
The Best of the Isley Brothers [1969–72, Buddah, 2 LP], A–
3 + 3 [1973, Epic/Legacy], A–
Live It Up [1974, Epic/Legacy], B
The Heat Is On [1975, T-Neck], B+
Go For Your Guns [1977, T-Neck], B
Beautiful Ballads, Volume 2 [1972–85, Epic/Legacy], B+(**)
It's Your Thing: The Story of the Isley Brothers [1959–96, Columbia/Legacy, 3 CD], A–
The Essential Isley Brothers [1959–96, Epic/Legacy, 2 CD], A–
The Definitive Collection [1959–2005, Hip-O], B

Bullmoose Jackson (1919–89)

Badman Jackson That's Me [(1995), Charly], B

Jan and Dean [1958–1966]

Jan and Dean's Golden Hits [1959–62, Liberty], C+
Jan and Dean Take Linda Surfin' [1963, Liberty], B+(*)
Surf City and Other Swingin' Cities [1963, Liberty], B–
Drag City [1963, Liberty], A–
Dead Man's Curve / The New Girl in School [1964, Liberty], B
The Little Old Lady From Pasadena [1964, Liberty], A–
Ride the Wild Surf [1964, Liberty], B
Jan and Dean's Pop Symphony No. One [1966, Liberty], B–
Drag City / Jan and Dean's Pop Symphony No. One [1963–66, One Way], B
Folk 'n Roll [1966, Liberty], C–
Filet of Soul [1966, Liberty], B–
Filet of Soul Redux: The Rejected Master Recordings [1966, Omnivore], B
Anthology Album [1963–66, United Artists, 2 LP], A–
Gotta Take That One Last Ride [1963–66, United Artists, 2 LP], A+

Little Willie John (1937–68)

Fever: The Best of Little Willie John [(1993), Rhino], A–

Ella Johnson (1923– )

w/Buddy Johnson: Say Ella [1942–57, Jukebox Lil], B+

Jerry Lee Lewis (1935–2022)

Jerry Lee Lewis [1958, Sun], B+(***)
The Killer Keys of Jerry Lee Lewis [1956–60, Sun], B+(***)
The Golden Cream of Country [1956–63, Sun], B
A Taste of Country [1956–63, Sun], B+(***)
Original Sun Greatest Hits [1956–63, Rhino], A+
Rare Tracks [1956–63, Rhino], A
The Essential Jerry Lee Lewis: The Sun Years [1956–63, Legacy, 2CD], A–
Live at the Star Club [1964, Rhino], A
The Greatest Live Show on Earth [1964, Smash], A–
Country Songs for City Folks [1965, Smash], B+(**)
By Request: More of the Greatest Live Show on Earth [1966, Smash], B+(**)
Soul My Way [1967, Smash], B+(**)
Another Place, Another Time [1968, Smash], B+(***)
w/Linda Gail Lewis: Together [1969, Smash], B+(*)
She Still Comes Around (To Love What's Left of Me) [1969, Smash], B+(**)
Sings the Country Music Hall of Fame Hits, Vol. 1 [1969, Smash], B+(***)
Sings the Country Music Hall of Fame Hits, Vol. 2 [1969, Smash], B+(**)
She Even Woke Me Up to Say Goodbye [1970, Mercury], B+(***)
Live at the International, Las Vegas [1970, Mercury], B+(***)
The Killer Live (1964–1970) [1964–70, Hip-O Select, 3CD], A–
There Must Be More to Love Than This [1971, Mercury], B+(**)
Touching Home [1971, Mercury], B+(**)
Would You Take Another Chance on Me? [1971, Mercury], B+(**)
The "Killer" Rocks On [1972, Mercury], B+(**)
Who's Gonna Play This Old Piano? [1972, Mercury], B+(**)
Sometimes a Memory Ain't Enough [1973, Mercury], B+(*)
The Session . . . Recorded in London With Great Artists [1973, Mercury], B+(***)
Southern Roots: Back Home in Memphis [1973, Mercury], B+(***)
I-40 Country [1974, Mercury], B+(*)
Boogie Woogie Country Man [1975, Mercury], B+(*)
Odd Man In [1975, Mercury], B+(**)
Country Class [1976, Mercury], B+(*)
Country Memories [1977, Mercury], B+(***)
Jerry Lee Keeps Rockin' [1977, Mercury], B+(*)
Killer Country [1963–77, Mercury], B+
Jerry Lee Lewis [1979, Elektra], B+(**)
The Knox Phillips Sessions: The Unreleased Recordings [1970, Time Life], A–
When Two Worlds Collide [1980, Elektra], B+(*)
Killer Country [1980, Elektra], B+(**)
All Killer No Filler: The Jerry Lee Lewis Anthology [1956–80, Rhino, 2 CD], A–
The Definitive Collection [1957–81, Hip-O/Chronicles], A–
Live From Austin TX [1983, New West], A–
Young Blood [1995, Sire], B+(*)
Rockin' My Life Away [1989, Tomato], A
Last Man Standing [2006, Artists First], B+(**)
Mean Old Man [2010, Verve Forecast], B+(*)
Rock and Roll Time [2014, Vanguard], B+(**)

Smiley Lewis (1913–66)

I Hear You Knocking: The Best of Smiley Lewis [1950–56, Capitol], B+

Jimmy Liggins (1922–83)

Jimmy Liggins and His Drops of Joy [1947–53, Specialty], A–
Jimmy Liggins and His Drops of Joy: Vol. 2: Rough Weather Blues [1947–53, Specialty], A–

Joe Liggins (1915–87)

Joe Liggins and the Honeydrippers [1950–54, Specialty], A
Joe Liggins and the Honeydrippers: Vol. 2: Dripper's Boogie [1950–54, Specialty], B+(***)

Little Anthony and the Imperials [1958– ]

The Best of Little Anthony and the Imperials [(1989), Rhino], A–

Little Richard (1935–2020)

Here's Little Richard [1957, Specialty], B+(**)
The Georgia Peach [1955–57, Specialty], A
18 Greatest Hits [1955–63, Rhino], A
Shag On Down by the Union Hall, Vol. 2 [1955–64, Specialty], B+
Get Down With It: The Okeh Sessions [1966, Epic/Legacy], B+

Darlene Love (1941– )

The Sound of Love: The Very Best of Darlene Love [1962–75, Phil Spector/Legacy], B+(**)

Nellie Lutcher (1915–2007)

The Best of Nellie Lutcher [1947–51, Capitol], B+(**)

Frankie Lymon (1942–68)

The Best of Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers [1956–60, Rhino], A
The Very Best of Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers [1956–60, Rhino], A

Johnny Maestro

The Best of Johnny Maestro [1958–85, Shout! Factory], B–

Bobby Marchan (1930–99)

There's Something on Your Mind: The Greatest Hits [1960–72, Fuel], B+(**)

Janis Martin (1940– )

The Female Elvis: Complete Recordings 1955–60 [1955–60, Bear Family], B

Big Maybelle (1924–72)

The Last of Big Maybelle [1972, Muse], B+

Percy Mayfield (1920–84)

Poet of the Blues [1950–54, Specialty], A
Vol. 2: Memory Pain [1950–57, Specialty], B+(***)

Clyde McPhatter (1932–72)

Deep Sea Ball: The Best of Clyde McPhatter [1956–59, Atlantic], A–
Forgotten Angel [1953–64, 32 Jazz, 2 CD], A–

The Moonglows [1951– ]

Their Greatest Hits: The Chess 50th Anniversary Collection [1954–59, MCA/Chess], A–

Rick Nelson (1940–85)

The Legendary Masters Series, Volume 1 [1957–60, EMI America], A
The Best of Rick Nelson, Volume 2 [1957–62, EMI America], A–
Greatest Hits [1957–72, Capitol], A

Art Neville (1937–2019)

His Specialty Recordings: 1956–58 [1956–58, Specialty], A–

Roy Orbison (1936–88)

Lonely and Blue [1960, Monument/Legacy], B
Crying [1962, Monument/Legacy], B
In Dreams [1963, Monument/Legacy], B+(**)
16 Biggest Hits [1960–64, Monument/Legacy], A
The Monument Singles: A Sides (1960–1964) [1960–64, Monument/Legacy], A
For the Lonely: 18 Greatest Hits [1956–65, Rhino], A
Mystery Girl [1988, Virgin], B
The Essential Roy Orbison [1956–88, Monument/Legacy, 2 CD], B+(**)

The Orioles [1948–1957]

Sing Their Greatest Hits [1948–54, Collectables], B+(**)
For Collectors Only [1948–57, Collectables, 3CD], B+(**)

Carl Perkins (1932–98)

Original Sun Greatest Hits [1954–57, Rhino], A

Esther Phillips (1935–84)

Esther Phillips Sings [1966, Atlantic], B
Burnin': Live at Freddie Jett's Pied Piper, L.A. [1970, Atlantic], B+(**)
Confessin' the Blues [1966–70, Atlantic], A–
The Best of Esther Phillips [1962–70, Rhino, 2CD], A–
Black-Eyed Blues [1973, Kudu], A–
Jazz Moods: Hot [1972–75, Epic/Legacy], B+
The Essential Esther Phillips: The Kudu Years [1971–77, Legacy, 2CD], A–
Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song): 1984 / New York City [1984, Jazzwerkstatt], B+(*)

The Platters [1953– ]

The Very Best of the Platters [1955–60, Mercury], A–
20th Century Masters [The Millennium Collection: The Best of the Platters] [1955–61, Mercury], A–
Enchanted: The Best of the Platters [1956–67, Rhino], A–

Johnny Powers

Long Blond Hair [(1992), Norton], B

Elvis Presley (1935–77)

The Sun Sessions CD [1954–56, RCA], A
w/Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins: The Million Dollar Quartet [1956, RCA], B+
Elvis Presley [1956, RCA], A+
Elvis [1956, RCA], A–
Elvis 56 [1956, RCA], B+
Loving You [1957, RCA], A–
The King of Rock 'n' Roll: The Complete 50's Masters [1953–58, RCA, 5 CD], A–
Elvis Is Back! [1960, RCA], B+
Tiger Man [1968, RCA], A
Memories: The '68 Comeback Special [1968, RCA, 2 CD], B+
Suspicious Minds [1969, RCA, 2 CD], A–
Elvis: Back in Nashville [1971, RCA/Legacy, 4CD], B–
An Afternoon in the Garden [1972, RCA], B
The Top Ten Hits [1956–72, RCA, 2 CD], A
Close Up [1957–72, RCA/BMG Heritage, 4 CD], B
Way Down in the Jungle Room [1976, RCA/Legacy, 2CD], B+(*)
The Country Side of Elvis [1954–76, RCA, 2 CD], B+(***)
30 #1 Hits [1956–76, RCA], A
2nd to None [1954–76, RCA], B+
A Valentine Gift for You [(1985), RCA], A–
The Great Performances [(1990), RCA], B+

Lloyd Price (1933–2021)

Lawdy! [1952–56, Specialty], A–
Vol. 2: Heavy Dreams [1952–56, Specialty], B+(**)
20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of Lloyd Price [1956–60, MCA], A–
Greatest Hits: The Original ABC-Paramount Recordings [1956–60, MCA], A

Red Prysock (1926–93)

Rock 'n Roll: The Best of Red Prysock [1954–57, AVI], B+
Swingsation [1951–61, Polygram], B

The Ravens [1946–1956]

Old Man River [1947–50, Savoy], A–
Their Complete National Recordings 1947–1950 [1947–50, Savoy Jazz, 3 CD], B+(**)

Billy Lee Riley (1933–2009)

Blue Collar Blues [1992, Hightone], B+(**)

Bobby Rydell (1942– )

The Best of Bobby Rydell: 1959–1964 [Cameo Parkway] [1959–64, ABKCO], B+(**)

Doug Sahm (1941–99)

San Antonio Rock: The Harlem Recordings 1957–1961 [1957–61, Norton], B+(*)
Doug Sahm With the Sir Douglas Quintet: Rough Edges [1969, Mercury], B+(***)
The Best of Doug Sahm and Friends: Atlantic Sessions [1973, Rhino], B
Groover's Paradise [1974, Warner Brothers], B+
Live From Austin TX [1975, New West], A–
The Best of Doug Sahm and the Sir Douglas Quintet 1968–1975 [1968–75, Mercury], A–
Hell of a Spell [1979, Takoma], B+(***)

Neil Sedaka (1939– )

The Hungry Years [1975, Varese], B+

The Shirelles [1958– ]

The Very Best of the Shirelles [1958–63, Rhino], A+

Shirley and Lee [1951–1963]

The Legendary Masters Series, Vol. 1 [1952–58, EMI], B+
Let the Good Times Roll [1952–59, Ace], B+(***)

Huey "Piano" Smith (1934–2023)

Having a Good Time [1957–58, Ace], A–
Serious Clownin': The History of Huey "Piano" Smith and the Clowns [1956–60, Rhino], A
This Is . . . Huey "Piano" Smith [1956–62, Music Club], A–
Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Blues [1956–62, Hallmark], A–
That'll Get It: Even More of the Best [1956–62, Westside], B+(**)

The Spaniels

The Very Best of the Spaniels Volume 1: Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight [1953–60, Collectables], A–
The Very Best of the Spaniels Volume 2: Stormy Weather [1953–60, Collectables], B+
Golden Hits [(1994), Juke Box Treasures], A–

Phil Spector (1941– )

A Christmas Gift for You [1963, Abkco], B
Phil Spector's Greatest Hits [1958–67, Warner/Spector, 2 LP], A–
Back to Mono [1958–69, Abkco, 4 CD], B

Billy Stewart (1937–70)

20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of Billy Stewart [1962–68, Chess/MCA], B+
One More Time [1956–69, Chess], B+

Barrett Strong (1941– )

20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of Barrett Strong [1959–61, Motown], B

Allen Toussaint (1938–2015)

The Bright Mississippi [2008, Nonesuch], A–
American Tunes [2013–2015, Nonesuch], B+(**)

The Treniers

They Rock! They Roll! They Swing! The Best of the Treniers [(1995), Legacy/Epic], B

Ike Turner (1931– )

Blues Kingpins [1952–61, Capitol/The Right Stuff], B+
River Deep Mountain High [1966, A&M], A–
Ike and Tina Turner: w/Tina Turner: Come Together [1970, Liberty], A–
What You Hear Is What You Get: Live at Carnegie Hall [1971, United Artists], B+(***)
'Nuff Said [1971, United Artists], B+(*)
I Like Ike: The Best of Ike Turner [1951–72, Rhino], A–
Ike and Tina Turner: w/Tina Turner: Proud Mary: The Best of Ike and Tina Turner [1960–75, EMI America], A–

Big Joe Turner (1911–85)

Jumpin' with Joe: The Complete Aladdin and Imperial Recordings [1947–50, EMI], B+
w/Smilin' Smokey Lynn, Big Maceo, H-Bomb Ferguson: Shouting the Blues [1949–53, Specialty], B+(**)
Greatest Hits [1951–58, Atlantic], A
The Very Best of Big Joe Turner [1951–59, Rhino], A–
Rhythm and Blues Years [1952–59, Atlantic], B+(***)
Things That I Used to Do [1977, Pablo OJC], B+(***)
Big, Bad and Blue: The Big Joe Turner Anthology [1938–83, Rhino, 3 CD], A–

Ritchie Valens (1941–59)

The Ritchie Valens Story [1958–59, Del-Fi], B

Gene Vincent (1935–71)

The Capitol Collector's Series [1956–63, Capitol], A–
The Screaming End: The Best of Gene Vinent and His Blue Caps [(1997), Razor & Tie], A

Billy Ward and the Dominoes (1921– )

Sixty Minute Men: The Best of Billy Ward and the Dominoes [(1993), Rhino], B+

Johnny "Guitar" Watson (1935–96)

The Very Best of Johnny "Guitar" Watson [1952–63, Rhino], B+
Ain't That a Bitch [1976, Collectables], B+
A Real Mother for Ya [1977, Collectables], B
Funk Beyond the Call of Duty [1977, Collectables], B
The Funk Anthology [1976–94, Shout! Factory, 2 CD], B

Larry Williams (1935–80)

Bad Boy [1957–58, Specialty], B+

Chuck Willis (1928–58)

Let's Jump Tonight! The Best of Chuck Willis [1951–56, Columbia/Legacy], A–
Stroll On: The Chuck Willis Collection [(1994), Razor & Tie], B+

Jackie Wilson (1934–84)

The Very Best of Jackie Wilson [1957–67, Rhino], A–
The Very Best of Jackie Wilson [1957–72, Ace], A–

Link Wray (1929–2005)

Rumble: The Best of Link Wray [1958–79, Rhino], B+(**)

Various Artists

Beatles Beginnings: Quarrymen One: Skiffle – Country – Western [1926–59, Rhythm and Blues], A–
Beatles Beginnings: Quarrymen Two: Rock 'n' Roll [1952–59, Rhythm and Blues], A–
The Best of Ace Records, Vol. 2: The R&B Hits [1955–60, Scotti Brothers], A
The Aladdin Records Story [(1994), Capitol, 2 CD], B+
Atlantic Rhythm and Blues 1947–1974, Vol. 1: 1947–1952 [1947–52, Atlantic], B+
Atlantic Rhythm and Blues 1947–1974, Vol. 3: 1955–1958 [1955–58, Atlantic], A
Atlantic Rhythm and Blues 1947–1974, Vol. 5: 1961–1965 [1961–65, Atlantic], A–
Atlantic Rhythm and Blues 1947–1974, Vol. 6: 1966–1969 [1966–69, Atlantic], A
The Best of Doo Wop Ballads [(1989), Rhino], A
The Best of Doo Wop Uptempo [1954–63, Rhino], A+
The Best of Excello Records [1954–66, AVI/Excello], A–
The Best of Excello Records, Vol. 1: Sound of the Swamp [1956–65, Rhino], A–
The Best of Excello Records, Vol. 2: Southern Rhythm 'n' Rock [1954–66, Rhino], A
The Best of New Orleans Rhythm and Blues, Volume 1 [(1988), Rhino], A
The Best of New Orleans Rhythm and Blues, Volume 2 [(1988), Rhino], A
The Brill Building Sound [(1993), Era, 4 CD], A–
Chess Rhythm and Roll [1947–67, Chess, 4 CD], B+
Creole Kings of New Orleans [1950–58, Specialty], A+
Creole Kings of New Orleans: Volume Two [1960–2058, Specialty], A–
Keb Darge and Little Edith's Legendary Wild Rockers [1958–64, BBE], B+(**)
Keb Darge and Little Edith's Legendary Wild Rockers 3 [1956–66, BBE], B+(***)
The Doo Wop Box [1948–87, Rhino, 4 CD], A–
Excello Vocal Groups [1955–60, Excello], B+(***)
The First Rock and Roll Record [1916–56, Famous Flames, 3CD], A–
Gettin' Funky: The Birth of New Orleans R&B [1941–50, Proper, 4CD], B+
The Golden Era of Rock 'n' Roll 1954–1963 [1954–63, Hip-O, 3CD], A
Groove 'n' Grind: '50s and '60s Dance Hits [1957–67, Rhino], A–
Ham Hocks and Cornbread: The Pounding, Pulsating Roots of Rock 'n' Roll [1945–52, JSP, 4 CD], B+(**)
Highlights From the Mercury Blues 'n' Rhythm Story [1945–55, Mercury/Chronicles], A–
The King's Record Collection, Volume 1 [1946–56, Hip-O], A–
The King's Record Collection, Volume 2 [(1998), Hip-O], B+
Loud, Fast and Out of Control [(1999), Rhino, 4 CD], B+
The Mercury Blues 'n' Rhythm Story 1945–1955 [1945–55, Mercury/Chronicles, 8CD], B+(***)
Modern Vocal Groups, Volume 3 [1949–55, Ace], B
Modern Vocal Groups, Vol. 4 [1954–56, Ace], B+(*)
New Millennium Doo Wop Party [1954–61, Rhino], A+
New Millennium Rock 'n' Roll Party [1954–59, Rhino], A
New Orleans Party Classics [1955–91, Rhino], B+
Night Train to Nashville: Music City Rhythm & Blues 1945–1970 [1946–69, CMF/Lost Highway, 2 CD], A–
The Only Doo-Wop Collection You'll Ever Need [1954–65, Shout! Factory, 2 CD], A–
The R&B Box: 30 Years of Rhythm and Blues [1944–74, Rhino, 6 CD], A+
Risque Rhythm: Nasty 50's R&B [(1991), Rhino], A–
Rock 'n' Roll Fever! The Wildest From Specialty [1956–59, Specialty], B+(**)
Rock 'n' Roll Party: Volume 1: The Early '50's [1947–56, RCA], B+(**)
Rock This Town: Rockabilly Hits, Vol. 1 [(1991), Rhino], A
Rock This Town: Rockabilly Hits, Vol. 2 [(1991), Rhino], A–
The Roots of British Rock [1956–62, Sire, 2 LP], A–
The Roots of Rock 'n' Roll 1946–1954 [1946–54, Hip-O, 3CD], A
The Roots of Rock'n Roll [1948–57, Savoy], B+
Rip It Up: The Best of Specialty Records [1946–58, Craft], A
Specialty Records Greatest Hits [1946–58, Specialty], A
The Speciality Story [1944–64, Speialty, 5CD], A–
Spotlite on Hull Records, Volume 1 [(1994), Collectables], B
Stompin' at the Savoy: The Original Indie-Label [1944–61, Savoy Jazz, 4 CD], B+(**)
The Sun Records Collection [(1994), Rhino, 3 CD], B+
Sun Story [(1987), Rhino], A–
Swing Baby Swing! [1947–51, Music Club], B+
The Ultimate College Party: 50s and 60s Party Anthems [1953–62, Jasmine, 2CD], A
Whistle Bait! 25 Rockabilly Rave-Ups [1955–59, Columbia/Epic/Legacy], A–

Introduction