1950

What Was Happening in 1950

A new half-century dawns as the Cold War freezes and the Korean conflict ignites.

Born in

Number 1 Songs in 1950 — UK and US Charts

UK #1

"No official UK singles chart until 1952"

N/A

The first official UK singles chart was published by the NME on 14 November 1952. Before this, popularity was tracked informally through sheet music sales and radio play.

US #1

"Goodnight Irene"

Gordon Jenkins and The Weavers

This folk standard topped the Billboard charts for 13 weeks in the summer and autumn of 1950, becoming the best-selling record of the year in the United States.

Biggest Films of 1950 — Box Office Hits

Cinderella

Box Office: $85 million (worldwide)

Walt Disney's animated adaptation of the classic fairy tale was a massive critical and commercial hit, helping to revive the Disney studio after a financially difficult decade during the war years.

Fashion and Style of 1950

Fashion, clothing and visual culture from the era

Architecture and Buildings of 1950

Buildings completed and structures opened in 1950

More About 1950

What Was Happening — A journey through the years