One of the great pioneers of Rock 'n' Roll in the 1950s was Little Richard from Macon, Ga. Frank Sinatra dominated the charts of the 1950’s with hits such as „New York, New York“. Between 1955 and 1959, Chuck Berry produced such top 10 hits as "Sweet Little Sixteen," "Rock And Roll Music," and "Johnny B. Goode." Self described as the "world's oldest teenager," Rufus Thomas started out performing with the Rabbit Foot Minstrels in the mid 30's. He released "Bear Cat" in the 50's on Sun Records and "Walking The Dog" in the 60's on Stax records. Jimmy Reed was one of the most influential bluesmen of the post-World War II period. Reed sold more records in the 1950s and early 1960s than any other blues artist save B.B. King Miles Davis grew up in a middle-class family in East St. Louis. Miles Davis said that the greatest musical experience of his life was hearing the Billy Eckstine Orchestra, (with Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker), when it passed through St. Louis. John Coltrane's spirit inhabits his sound--a sound so astonishingly individual and powerful that it has endured mightily since those club dates in the '50s and '60s when it was reported to have hypnotized audience members who ranged from the uninitiated of jazz to the aficionados; a sound that continues to melt hearts, open minds, and unleash passions. Patsy Cline began recording for Four Star Records in 1955. Hank Cochran has had over a thousand songs recorded by such artists as Ella Fitzgerald, Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson and Elvis Presley. Buddy Holly , a man destined for success, was killed in an aircraft crash in 1959. The news that Buddy, Richie Valens, and the Big Bopper, among others, were killed in a plane crash, stunned millions of fans all over the world. The void left in music history will never be filled. All three were at the peak of their popularity and had collectively, in 12 months, sold over 10 million records worldwide. Many musicians possess elements of genius, but only one -- the great Ray Charles -- so completely embodies the term that it's been bestowed upon him as a nickname. Charles displayed his genius by combining elements of gospel and blues into a fervid, exuberant style that would come to be known as soul music. While recording for Atlantic Records during the Fifties, the innovative singer, pianist and bandleader broke down the barriers between sacred and secular music. The gospel sound he'd heard growing up in the church found its way into the music he made as an adult.