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Arts & Culture

Magic Moments: The Best Of '50s Pop

The McGuire Sisters, who reunite for the first time since 1967, sing a medley of their greatest hits in this stroll down memory lane.
Courtesy of TJL Productions
The McGuire Sisters, who reunite for the first time since 1967, sing a medley of their greatest hits in this stroll down memory lane.

Airs Saturday, June 3, 2017 at 3 p.m. on KPBS TV

This program is part of our TV Membership Campaign. Support the quality programming you depend on from KPBS. Give Now!

Give at the $240 level and receive a 3-DVD set OR a 6-CD set. This gift also includes a KPBS License Plate Frame (if you're a new member). Also enjoy access to KPBS Passport and myKPBS Film Club. There is a combo package which includes the 3-DVD set and 6-CD set at the $300 level, and the "Soundtrack Magic Moments Live" CD only is at $60.
Courtesy of My Music
Give at the $240 level and receive a 3-DVD set OR a 6-CD set. This gift also includes a KPBS License Plate Frame (if you're a new member). Also enjoy access to KPBS Passport and myKPBS Film Club. There is a combo package which includes the 3-DVD set and 6-CD set at the $300 level, and the "Soundtrack Magic Moments Live" CD only is at $60.

By popular demand, the MY MUSIC series brings back the happiest hits from the days of poodle skirts and penny loafers with "Magic Moments: The Best Of 50s Pop," an unforgettable concert featuring singing sensations from a kinder and gentler time.

From “Love Is a Many Splendored Thing” performed by the Four Aces to Patti Page singing her immortal “Old Cape Cod,” these are truly magical memories from the days when songs appealed to audiences of all ages.

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Patti Page sings "Old Cape Cod" in this cavalcade of 1950s pop music recording legends, who reunite to perform their biggest hits.
Courtesy of TJL Productions
Patti Page sings "Old Cape Cod" in this cavalcade of 1950s pop music recording legends, who reunite to perform their biggest hits.

The beloved “Mr. C.,” Perry Como, launches the parade of 50s favorites with vintage footage of the show’s 1958 top 10 title track “Magic Moments.”

Another archival clip presents the always emotional Johnnie Ray with “Cry,” a million-seller from 1951, while Pat Boone croons his romantic classic from 1957, “Love Letters in the Sand.”

Pat Boone hosts and sings his hit song, "Love Letters in the Sand," in this reunion of 1950s pop music recording legends.
Courtesy of TJL Productions
Pat Boone hosts and sings his hit song, "Love Letters in the Sand," in this reunion of 1950s pop music recording legends.

Among the new performances, taped on stage from Atlantic City, are balladeer Don Cherry with the 1955 smash “Band of Gold” and the Four Coins offering their ageless vocalizing on 1957’s “Shangri-La.” Dating from the same year, the gold record “Little Darlin’” is faithfully re-created by doo-wop group the Diamonds.

The lovely ladies of song are represented with a trio of million-selling, chart-topping tunes of the 50s. Film star Debbie Reynolds sings a sweet serenade with “Tammy” from 1957; Gogi Grant reprises her dramatic 1956 hit “The Wayward Wind”; Rosemary Clooney, in a flashback film segment, is seen in a wistful rendition of her 1954 evergreen “Hey There.”

Mel Carter performs "Sit Right Down and Write a Letter" and "All in the Game" in this celebration of 50s pop music.
Courtesy of TJL Productions
Mel Carter performs "Sit Right Down and Write a Letter" and "All in the Game" in this celebration of 50s pop music.

More great group sounds are heard from the stunning McGuire Sisters, who offer a medley of sentimental standards such as “Sincerely,” “Sugartime” and “Something’s Gotta Give.”

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Lynn Evans of the Chordettes returns to the stage to recall that trio’s playful 1958 favorite “Lollipop,” while the Four Preps reunite for “26 Miles (Santa Catalina)” and “Big Man.”

Co-hosted by singers Pat Boone and Phyllis McGuire with Nick Clooney, "Magic Moments: The Best Of 50s Pop" spotlights the performers whom audiences have never stopped loving and who continue to warm the hearts and ears of lovers of vintage American music.

This program originally aired in 2009.

Preview: Magic Moments: The Best Of '50s Pop