By the Summer of 1957, you could almost feel the major labels straining their necks to retain relevance in a sea of regional label-sponsored rock and roll.

A backlash had always existed, but instead of fighting rock and roll head on by ignoring it (a strategy that obviously did not work), the major labels took an “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” mentality. It started when Elvis signed with RCA, and now even staid old Columbia Records began to begrudgingly add music deliberately marketed to teenagers. Rock and Roll was in such full swing that it pretty much called the shots, at least for time being.

Featured tracks include:

School Day – Chuck Berry

Bye Bye Love – The Everly Brothers

Lucille – Little Richard

Searchin’ – The Coasters

Young Blood – The Coasters

Wonderful! Wonderful! – Johnny Mathis

It’s Not For Me To Say – Johnny Mathis

Shangri-La – The Four Coins

Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On – Jerry Lee Lewis

Words of Love – The Diamonds

Suzie Q – Dale Hawkins

Let the Four Winds Blow – Roy Brown

That’ll Be the Day – Buddy Holly