R&B Through History
The Hits of 1959
1959 R&B TOP SINGLES
Explore the groundbreaking R&B and early Soul single releases of 1959. Click any card to load its details, source album, and a fun fact below! (← Back to Main Dashboard)
1959
Proto-Soul / Sophisticated SoundsTop 10 Single Releases
Selected Song Details
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Key Takeaways: 1959 Singles
The year 1959 was a critical turning point. While rock and roll's initial rebellious energy was still present, the music was evolving rapidly. This year saw the birth of "proto-soul," with artists like **Ray Charles** ("What'd I Say") and **James Brown** ("Try Me") pushing the boundaries with gospel-infused fervor. A major innovation came from **The Drifters** with "There Goes My Baby," which broke new ground by incorporating a full string orchestra into a rock and roll song, creating a more dramatic, cinematic sound. It was also the year that **Berry Gordy's Motown Records** scored one of its first major hits with Barrett Strong's "Money (That's What I Want)," signaling the arrival of a new musical powerhouse from Detroit. The era of sophisticated soul was just around the corner.