From American Songwriter · Jacob Uitti · · 40s
Parents Scared of 1950s One-Hit Wonders
Three 1950s songs that made parents nervous.
In brief
Three 1950s songs that made parents nervous. Parents in the 1950s feared three one-hit wonders: 'Tequila' by The Champs, 'Short Shorts' by The Royal Teens, and 'Susie Q' by Dale Hawkins. Originally reported by American Songwriter.
Tequila by The Champs
In 1958, The Champs released 'Tequila', an instrumental song with brief liquor references that parents feared.
“Tequila”
Short Shorts by The Royal Teens
The Royal Teens' 1958 single 'Short Shorts' made parents nervous about kids wearing short shorts at sock hops.
“Short Shorts”
Susie Q by Dale Hawkins
Dale Hawkins' 1957 hit 'Susie Q' defined 1950s rock and roll, scaring parents despite kids' love for it.
“Susie Q”
The bottom line
Parents in the 1950s feared three one-hit wonders: 'Tequila' by The Champs, 'Short Shorts' by The Royal Teens, and 'Susie Q' by Dale Hawkins.
