With one exception, the Great 88 survey for the best songs of 1955 and earlier has been an eclectic mix, and the 10th annual edition is no exception. With one extremely notable exception, the listener choices frequently change from year to year, with three of this year’s Top Five reaching the upper ranks two years or less. Two of those showed promise for new consistency, with LaVern Baker achieving the honor for the second straight year, and Shirley and Lee returning to the Top Five after missing that rank by only two votes in 2020. And while the Crew Cuts reached the upper level for the first time ever, the Penguins retained a perfect record, making the list for the 10th consecutive year. And even more surprising, this year’s survey for the earliest years set an all-time record for votes cast in a first-round Great 88 survey.
Here’s the top five songs from 1955 and earlier alphabetically by artist:
“Tweedlee Dee” by LaVern Baker
“Mr. Sandman” by The Chordettes
“Gum Drop” by The Crew Cuts
“Earth Angel” by The Penguins
“Feel So Good” by Shirley and Lee
Voting is now open for the last two first round surveys of the year, covering the best songs of 1958 and 1962. Check out the full schedule here, and get updates on Twitter
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