Mr. Pop History – I love this question.

Early rock was R&B so…

It was “Pledging My Love” by Johnny Ace. And – it was early 1955. This was a time when fast-spinning 78′s were being taken over by 45′s. In fact, 1955 was the first year 45′s outsold 78′s.

“Pledging My Love” began moving up the national charts after the untimely death of Johnny Ace in late 1954. At first, most of the pressings were 78′s – because, its mostly R&B black audience demanded the format. But, as more mainstream radio stations began playing the disc, more 45′s were ordered – and, they eventually outsold the 78 version. “Pledging My Love” got to #17 on the national charts.

And, it’s a good one. Always reminds of the movie, “Christine” – the haunted car – whose radio played only 1950′s hit songs – including, “Pledging My Love.”