Elvis Presley debuts with “Heartbreak Hotel,” scandalizes the media with “Hound Dog,” wins over adults with “Love Me Tender,” and comes to personify Rock ‘n Roll in the first full year of the Rock Era. Meanwhile, upstart indie labels continue scoring big hits, Dean Martin croons his way to his first #1, and “hi-fi” hitmakers Nelson Riddle and Les Baxter sell millions as top-40 radio explodes, teens become record collectors and Seeburg unveils the 200-selection jukebox.
#1 Song of the Year
![](https://www.chartcrush.com/wp-content/uploads/No1s/1956-Elvis-Presley-Dont-Be-Cruel.png)
Artists of the Year
- Elvis Presley
- The Platters
- Pat Boone
Artist with Most Charting Songs
- Elvis Presley (9)
Average #1 Artist Age
- 28.7
#1 Songs
- Dean Martin – Memories Are Made of This (January, 5 wks)
- The Platters – The Great Pretender (February, 2 wks)
- Kay Starr – Rock and Roll Waltz (March, 3 wks)
- Les Baxter, His Chrous & Orchestra – The Poor People of Paris (La Goualante du Pauvre Jean) (March, 6 wks)
- Elvis Presley – Heartbreak Hotel (May, 7 wks)
- Gogi Grant – The Wayward Wind (June, 7 wks)
- Pat Boone – I Almost Lost My Mind (August, 2 wks)
- The Platters – My Prayer (August, 2 wks)
- Elvis Presley – Don’t Be Cruel (September, 10 wks)
- Jim Lowe – The Green Door (November, 2 wks)
- Elvis Presley – Love Me Tender (November, 4 wks)