1956

What Was Happening in 1956

Suez shatters imperial illusions while Elvis shakes the world from the hips up.

Born in

Number 1 Songs in 1956 — UK and US Charts

UK #1

"I'll Be Home"

Pat Boone

Pat Boone's smooth, parent-friendly pop topped the UK chart for five weeks. He was often marketed as a wholesome alternative to the raw energy of rock and roll performers like Elvis and Little Richard.

US #1

"Heartbreak Hotel"

Elvis Presley

Elvis's first number one single spent eight weeks atop the Billboard chart and announced his arrival as the most significant cultural force of the decade. It was his first release on RCA Victor after leaving Sun Records.

Biggest Films of 1956 — Box Office Hits

The Ten Commandments

Box Office: $122 million (worldwide)

Cecil B. DeMille's biblical epic starring Charlton Heston as Moses was a colossal hit and remains one of the highest-grossing films of all time when adjusted for inflation. The parting of the Red Sea was a landmark in special effects.

Fashion and Style of 1956

Fashion, clothing and visual culture from the era

Architecture and Buildings of 1956

Buildings completed and structures opened in 1956

More About 1956

What Was Happening — A journey through the years