1952

What Was Happening in 1952

A new Queen ascends the throne as the atomic age casts its shadow over a nervous world.

Born in

Number 1 Songs in 1952 — UK and US Charts

UK #1

"Here in My Heart"

Al Martino

This was the very first UK number one single when the NME published the first official chart on 14 November 1952. It held the top spot for nine consecutive weeks.

US #1

"Cry"

Johnnie Ray

Johnnie Ray's emotional delivery earned him the nickname 'The Prince of Wails'. The single topped the Billboard chart for 11 weeks and made Ray one of the first teen idols.

Biggest Films of 1952 — Box Office Hits

The Greatest Show on Earth

Box Office: $36 million (worldwide)

Cecil B. DeMille's Technicolor circus spectacular won the Academy Award for Best Picture. It starred Charlton Heston and Betty Hutton and featured real Ringling Bros. performers.

Fashion and Style of 1952

Fashion, clothing and visual culture from the era

Architecture and Buildings of 1952

Buildings completed and structures opened in 1952

More About 1952

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