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This velvet-voiced host welcomed viewers to his NBC show for nearly a decade, famously ending his musical segments with his romantic signature theme, "Moon River."
Andy Williams
This virtuoso trumpeter and bandleader was famous for his piercing high notes and his massive 1960s instrumental hit, "Java."
Al Hirt
David Seville made audio history in 1958 when he sped up recording tape to create the high-pitched voices of this fictional musical trio.
Alvin and the Chipmunks
This legendary vocal group, led by the clear tenor of John Phillips, had everyone dreaming of warmer weather with their 1965 masterpiece "California Dreamin'."
The Mamas and the Papas
This North Carolina native and smooth baritone hosted a long-running variety show on CBS, scoring massive personal hits like "Catch a Falling Star" and "Magic Moments."
Perry Como
This master of the smooth "Nashville Sound" was a legendary fingerstyle guitarist, producing iconic hits like "Mister Sandman" and "Yakety Axe."
Chet Atkins
Sheb Wooley topped the pop charts in 1958 with this hilariously bizarre song about a strange creature who "had one horn and one big eye."
The Purple People Eater
This Canadian singer-songwriter's poetic, melancholy acoustic masterpieces like "If You Could Read My Mind" became massive international hits.
Gordon Lightfoot
This legendary bandleader brought "champagne music" into American homes every Saturday night, famously featuring bubbles, an accordion, and the Lennon Sisters.
Lawrence Welk
This bandleader and virtuoso was famous for bringing the sweet, melodic sound of the vibraphone to jazz and pop music with his iconic quartet.
Lionel Hampton
This parody master and accordion player had a massive 1960s hit with "Hello Muddah, Hello Fadallah," detailing a miserable child's letters home from summer camp.
Allan Sherman
This iconic folk-rock group took a centuries-old traditional English ballad about a fair and turned it into a haunting 1966 hit featuring the phrase "parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme."
Simon and Garfunkel
This exceptionally talented singer and classical pianist hosted her own popular 1950s musical variety show, famous for her warm smile and hits like "Wheel of Fortune."
Dinah Shore
This instrument took center stage in 1952 when Anton Karas scored a massive Billboard Number 1 hit with "The Third Man Theme."
Anton Karas
This 1960 Brian Hyland hit caused quite a stir, telling the story of a shy girl wrapped in a blanket who was "afraid to come out of the locker."
Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini
This acoustic singer-songwriter took listeners out to the Colorado wilderness with beautiful, soothing 1970s hits like "Take Me Home, Country Roads."
John Denver
This smooth, country-pop singer hosted a massively popular CBS variety hour from 1969 to 1971, famously opening with his smash hit "Gentle on My Mind."
Glen Campbell
This country singer and actor scored an unexpected, towering 1961 smash hit with his spoken-word musical story about a brave miner named "Big Bad John."
Jimmy Dean