FOR THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 3, 2018

DEAR READERS: Last week, while sifting through all of the 1956 Cash Box publications, I spotted a foretelling editorial in the March 17th issue. No byline appears anywhere on the page.

Not mentioned in the piece is that both "Blue Suede Shoes" and "Heartbreak Hotel" were in just their second week on their "Nation's Top 50 Best Selling Records," with Carl Perkins at No. 11, and Elvis Presley at No. 13. Both records reached No. 1 on one or more charts.

It seemed interesting enough to share with you:

"Rock And Roll May Be The Great UNIFYING FORCE!

"The overwhelming sensation in the record business this week is the fact that two records which started essentially in the country field have become hits also in the pop and rhythm and blues areas. These two are "Blue Suede Shoes" by Carl Perkins and "Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley. It has been a long time since an out and out country record has made an impact in the pop market. But the more important factor is that these records have also gone R&B. For it demonstrates clearly the possibilities that exist - and which are becoming more definite all the time - of bridging all three markets with one record.

"For a number of years, we at The Cash Box have believed and written that the time was approaching when the distinctions in the three different types of pop music would become less and less pronounced. All signs seemed to point to that eventuality. The reasons were very clear. Greater mobility and more dynamic means of communication have brought the taste and mode of living of people in various areas of our country to the attention and knowledge of those in all other areas.

"There seemed to be missing only that one factor which had the power to galvanize the entire music business into one channel. But now it has become evident that there is a factor which may do it - rock and roll.

"The rock and roll beat may very well turn out to be the great unifying force in the music world. There is no doubt that it's just that beat which is carrying both "Blue Suede Shoes" and "Heartbreak Hotel" into the top ring of all categories. It is this factor which could open the door for records, songs and artists to make their way from one field to another without the barriers which have always stopped such movement.

"The result of such a development can only be beneficial not only to the music business but to the entire entertainment field. How many great artists are lost to the general public because they are in a specialized field which is thought not broad enough to appeal to a larger audience? How many great records and songs never leave the country or R&B areas because pop locations feel their appeal isn't great enough?

"If this movement can bring us one great artist, one great song, one great record, it will have paid off. And since it is already starting to do that, the results should be tremendous.

"We in the music business can be very proud of this development. For it is rock and roll which is instigating it all. It is the music business which is so vitally affecting the entire entertainment world and by an extension of that, the lives of everyone in our country."