1954

What Was Happening in 1954

Roger Bannister breaks the impossible barrier as rock and roll begins to rumble.

Born in

Number 1 Songs in 1954 — UK and US Charts

UK #1

"Secret Love"

Doris Day

Originally featured in the film Calamity Jane, this upbeat ballad topped the UK chart for one week in 1954. Doris Day was one of the biggest stars of the era on both sides of the Atlantic.

US #1

"Little Things Mean a Lot"

Kitty Kallen

This gentle pop ballad topped the Billboard chart for nine weeks in the summer of 1954 and was the best-selling record of the year, though rock and roll was just around the corner.

Biggest Films of 1954 — Box Office Hits

White Christmas

Box Office: $30 million (domestic)

Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye starred in this festive musical, shot in VistaVision. The title song was already the best-selling single of all time, and the film became the highest-grossing picture of 1954.

Fashion and Style of 1954

Fashion, clothing and visual culture from the era

Architecture and Buildings of 1954

Buildings completed and structures opened in 1954

More About 1954

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