The Baby Boom Years: 1957 View larger

The Baby Boom Years: 1957

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The definitive collection of 1950s American music, news, fashion, fads and kitsch that continues to influence the world.

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BORN

  • Katie Couric
  • Spike Lee
  • Gloria Estefan
  • Mario Van Peebles

MUSIC

  • Barry Gordy, Jr. invests $700 to found Motown Records.

FASHION

  • Christian Dior celebrates his 10th Anniversary as the dominant spirit of French fashion, then passes away a few months later from a heart attack. A daring, plunging neckline is all the rage. So are loafers, Bermudas, buckles, pegged pants and knee socks.

SPORTS

  • The Milwaukee Braves defeat the NY Yankees to win the World Series 4-3.
  • Athlea Gibson becomes the first black athlete to win at Wimbledon.

WORLD

  • Russia’s Sputnik launches the Space Age.
  • Britain tests its first hydrogen bomb
  • Common Market formed in Europe.

TRIVIA QUESTIONS

  • The Tonight Show is a television sensation. It became the late-night viewing model for the next decade. Who was its original host?
  • “It’s such a comfort to take the bus and leave the driving to us” was the ad campaign for what transportation service?
  • What is a “sock hop” and how did it get its name?
  • Yee haw! Once upon a time, westerns ruled the boob tube. That time was 1957. More than a dozen were on TV. We dare you to name three.
  • Praised for its innovation, the Wankel never achieved widespread acceptance and is barely remembered today. Just what’s a Wankel?
  • Kids raced home from school to watch a show that went national this year, was deemed subversive, was hosted by Dick Clark and started a teenage frenzy. Name that show!
  • Whosit? Whatsit? Theodore Geisel used a pseudonym and wrote this instant American classic children’s book.


R.I.P.

  • Humphrey Bogart
  • Joseph McCarthy
  • Diego Rivera
  • Louis B. Mayer

Billboard Top 10 Pop Hits

  1. All Shook Up — Elvis Presley with The Jordanaires
  2. Wake Up Little Susie — The Everly Brothers
  3. Diana — Paul Anka
  4. Party Doll — Buddy Knox
  5. That’ll Be The Day — The Crickets
  6. Jailhouse Rock — Elvis Presley
  7. Little Darlin’ — The Diamonds
  8. Peggy Sue — Buddy Holly
  9. School Days — Chuck Berry
  10. Whole Lot Of Shakin’ Going On — Jerry Lee Lewis