This selection has been chosen with the aim of recalling the cheerful, bright and breezy style of music that – over fifty years later – our memories tell us seemed prevalent in the 1950s. Typically the entertainment profession at the time was trying to provide an antidote to the post-war misery and austerity that was still afflicting so many countries. Listening to these happy sounds one can be forgiven for forgetting that the early 1950s witnessed rationing and shortages of most luxury items. Of particular interest are examples of light music featuring the young Bert Kaempfert, Franck Pourcel, Cyril Ornadel and Mahlon Merrick alongside established favourites such as Ray Martin, Robert Farnon and Sidney Torch.

This selection has been chosen with the aim of recalling the cheerful, bright and breezy style of music that – over fifty years later – we perceive as having been prevalent in the 1950s. Typically, the entertainment profession at the time was trying to provide an antidote to the post-war austerity that was still afflicting so many countries. Listening to these happy sounds, one may be forgiven for forgetting that the early 1950s witnessed continued rationing and shortages of most luxury items. Of particular interest are examples of light music featuring the young Bert Kaempfert, Franck Pourcel, Cyril Ornadel and Mahlon Merrick alongside established favourites such as Ray Martin, Robert Farnon and Sidney Torch.