Welcome to 50’s study hall. In this section, I will be publishing a series of lists that will allow readers to use them as a reference for the given topic. Please feel free to message me if any of the info needs correcting, or if you have anything to add. I hope this section will help readers to find lots of Fifties Facts in one single place!
For this session, we will be studying every gal’s favorite subject: BOYS! Boys are fun to study anyway, but boys from the Fifties? They were the dreamiest! Fifties fellas were mature and dapper with a fierce dash of rebelliousness. They were clean cut, well-dressed and I bet they smelled good too. And to top it off, the fellas on this list were some of the very first idols and heartthrobs of America (and the world!)
So if you wanna learn the who’s who hotties of The Best Era Ever, sit down and take out your notebooks. It’s study hall time.
🔥Now with Bonus Ratings by Retro Dee!
Heartthrobs of the 1950’s (and early ’60s)
Billy Fury
Birth name: Ronald Wycherley
DOB: Apr. 17, 1940, Liverpool, England
Died: Jan. 28, 1983, London, England
Hair: dark blond
Eyes: blue
Height: 5’10”
Famous For: His hits “Maybe Tomorrow” which was his first solo hit song in 1959 and “Colette”. In the late 50’s, Fury worked along side friend Eddie Cochran.
Why He’s Dreamy: His lips and boyish appearance and that forelock that hangs down.
🔥Retro Dee’s Rating: 5
Bobby Darin
Birth name: Walden Robert Cosotto
DOB: May 14, 1936, The Bronx, NY
Died: Dec. 20, 1973, Los Angeles, CA
Hair: brown
Eyes: brown
Height: 5’9”
Famous For: Being both a fantastic big-band crooner and a Rock n Roll artist. Hits include “Splish Splash”, “Dream Lover”, “Queen of the Hop”, and “Beyond The Sea”. He also wrote many songs that were recorded by other artists and he was featured in movies. He married actress Sandra Dee (they later divorced). Sadly, Bobby Darin died from complications during heart surgery on December 20, 1973 at the age of 37.
Why He’s Dreamy: Not only was he a crooner and a Rock n Roll star, he was sophisticated, handsome and boyish all at the same time!
🔥Retro Dee’s Rating: 6.5
Bobby Freeman
Birth name: Robert Thomas Freeman
DOB: Jun. 13, 1940, Alameda, CA
Died: Jan. 23, 2017, San Francisco, CA
Hair: black
Eyes: brown
Famous For: His hit “Do You Want To Dance” which charted at #5 on the Pop Charts (and #2 on the R&B Charts) in 1958. Other hits include: “Betty Lou Got A New Pair Of Shoes” and “Need Your Love”. He also had a few lesser known songs in the early 60’s. Freeman was a native of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Why He’s Dreamy: Young Bobby Freeman was as handsome as he was talented, and a pleasure to watch on stage.
🔥Retro Dee’s Rating: 7
Bobby Rydell
Birth name: Robert Lewis Ridarelli
DOB: Apr. 26, 1942, Philadelphia, PA
Died: Apr. 5, 2022
Hair: brown, pompadour
Eyes: brown?
Height: 5’8”
Famous For: Mainly a star of the early 60’s, he started his career in the late 50’s after winning a TV talent show. His first hit was “Kissin’ Time” in 1959, but he was more popularly known for “Volare” in 1963. He starred in Bye Bye Birdie with Ann Margret the same year. Like many artists of the time, Rydell’s Italian last name (Ridarelli) was changed to something more American.
Why He’s Dreamy: His lips, eyes, and cool demeanor.
🔥Retro Dee’s Rating: 6.5
Bobby Vee
Birth name: Robert Thomas Velline
DOB: Apr. 30, 1943, Fargo, ND
Died: Oct. 24, 2016, Rogers, MN
Hair: brown
Eyes: brown
Famous For: Being a singer and Teen Idol. His popularity peaked in the early 60’s. His many hits include: “Rubber Ball”, “Take Good Care of my Baby”,“The Night Has 1000 Eyes” and “Run to Him”. He collaborated with The Crickets on the album “Bobby Vee Meets The Crickets” in the early 60’s.
Why He’s Dreamy: Bobby Vee was the boy next door. Cute, but human-enough seeming to be approachable. He had that boyish grin those full lips.
🔥Retro Dee’s Rating: 6.5
Bobby Vinton
Birth name: Robert Vinton Jr.
DOB: Apr. 16, 1935, Canonsburg, PA
Hair: brown, ultra curly
Eyes: blue
Famous For: He was actually a 1960’s recording star, with hits that included “Blue Velvet”, “Blue on Blue”, and “Roses Are Red (Violets Are Blue)” Apparently, he liked singing about blue.
Why He’s Dreamy: Nice teeth.
🔥Retro Dee’s Rating: 5.5
Birth name: Charles Hardin Holley
DOB: Sept. 7, 1936, Lubbock, TX
Died: Feb. 3, 1959, Clear Lake, IA
Hair: dark brown, curly
Eyes: brown
Height: 6’2”
Famous For: Being the lead singer, guitarist and song writer for The Crickets and one of the Pioneers of early Rock N Roll. He played a Fender Stratocaster, the avant-guard instrument of that era. Hits include: “That’ll Be The Day”, “Oh Boy!”, “Peggy Sue”, “Everyday”, “It’s So Easy”. He was tragically killed in a plane crash while on tour at the age of 22.
Why He’s Dreamy: Look at him, he’s the perfect man. Dapper, gorgeous, sexy, manly, yet boyish and just a little bit nerdy.
🔥Retro Dee’s Rating: 9
Buddy Knox
Birth name: Buddy Wayne Knox
DOB: Jul. 20, 1933, Happy, TX
Died: Feb. 14, 1999, Bremerton, WA
Hair: light brown, curly
Eyes: blue
Famous For: His 1957 pop hit “Party Doll”, and other hits like “Chi-Hua-Hua” and “She’s Gone”. He toured with Buddy Holly and The Crickets (et. al.) in 1958. He also starred in several movies in the early 60’s.
Why He’s Dreamy: He looked like a young Gary Valentine.
🔥Retro Dee’s Rating: 6
Birth name: Carl Lee Perkins
DOB: Apr. 9, 1932, Tiptonville, TN
Died: Jan. 19, 1998, Jackson, TN
Hair: brown
Eyes: blue
Height: 6’1”
Famous For: Being “The King of Rockabilly.” He was a singer, guitarist and song-writer who infused elements of both Country and Rock n Roll in such classic songs as “Matchbox”, “Blue Suede Shoes”, “Honey Don’t” and many others. He was one-fourth of Sun Record’s Million Dollar Quartet, with Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash.
Why He’s Dreamy: Manly and ruggedly handsome, Carl Perkins will always be a tattooed Rockabilly gal’s dream come true.
🔥Retro Dee’s Rating: 5
David Nelson
Birth name: David Oswald Nelson
DOB: Oct. 24, 1936, New York, NY
Died: Jan. 11, 2011, Century City, CA
Hair: brown, preppy 50’s style
Eyes: blue
Height: approx. 6’0″
Famous For: Being the older son on the 1950’s TV show “Ozzie and Harriet” (the older brother of singer Ricky Nelson). David directed several episodes of the show and also starred in the 1959 movie The Big Circus. He was in several other movies over the years and graduated from the University of Southern California.
Why He’s Dreamy: He’s the preppy type with perfect hair, dapper clothes and pretty blue eyes.
🔥Retro Dee’s Rating: 7
Dion
Birth name: Dion Francis DiMucci
DOB: Jul. 18, 1939, Brooklyn, NY
Hair: black
Eyes: brown
Height: 5’8”
Famous For: Starting his career as the lead singer of Dion and The Belmonts as a teen. Their classic Malt Shop era hits include: “I Wonder Why” and “Teenager In Love”. In the early 1960’s, Dion went solo and became successful on his own with with ever-popular hits like “Run Around Sue” and “The Wanderer”. He continued to tour into the 90’s.
Why He’s Dreamy: He was a cute Italian boy with a voice to swoon over.
🔥Retro Dee’s Rating: 6
Don Everly
Birth name: Isaac Donald Everly
DOB: Feb. 1, 1937, Brownie, KY
Died: Aug. 21, 2021
Hair: brown
Eyes: green
Height: 5’10”
Famous For: Being half of the duo, The Everly Brothers. They are revered for their fantastic use of close harmony in their songs. Their many hits include: “All I Have To Do Is Dream”, “Wake Up Little Susie”, “Bye Bye Love”, “Bird Dog”, “Walk Right Back” and “Cathy’s Clown”. Their popularity has spanned many decades.
Why He’s Dreamy: Everything! His looks, his voice, his hair and his nondescript eye color.
🔥Retro Dee’s Rating: 8
Duane Eddy
D.O.B.: Apr. 26, 1938, Corning, NY.
Hair: brown
Eyes: brown
Famous For: His instrumental (guitar) classics such as “Rebel Rouser” (which has been featured in many films such as Forest Gump), “Peter Gunn” and “Because They’re Young”. His career began in the 50’s, but he went on to make many albums and also star in several films.
Why He’s Dreamy: He’s a bad-ass instrumentalist and his eyes look kind of saddish, like he might have a softer side.
🔥Retro Dee’s Rating: 5.5
Edd “Kookie” Byrnes
Birth name: Edward Byrne Breitenberger
DOB: Jul. 30, 1932, New York, NY
Died: Jan. 8, 2020, Santa Monica, CA
Hair: dark blond
Eyes: blue
Height: 6’0″
Famous For: His character on “77 Sunset Strip” and other productions. He was also known for the song “Kookie Kookie Lend Me Your Comb”, a duet with Connie Stevens in 1959.
Why He’s Dreamy: His hair. And the way he combed his hair. It’s all about the hair, baby!
🔥Retro Dee’s Rating: 6.5
Birth name: Edward Ray Cochran
DOB: Oct. 3, 1938, Albert Lea, MN
Died: Apr. 17, 1960, Bath, England UK
Hair: light brown, classic 50’s greaser style
Eyes: dark blue
Height: 5’8.5″
Famous For: His raucous, upbeat Rock N Roll hits: “Summertime Blues”, “C’Mon Everybody”, “Twenty Flight Rock”, and many others. In his short life, he appeared in four movies, produced music and collaborated with fellow early Rock n Roll artists such as Gene Vincent and Billy Fury. He dressed in denim and leather, a typical rebel look of that era. In 1960, Cochran was tragically killed in a car crash at the age of 21 in Bath, England.
Why He’s Dreamy: Handsome and bad-ass boyish are the things that made Eddie Cochran a total dreamboat. And no matter how rough he was on that guitar, his hair always looked perfect.
🔥Retro Dee’s Rating: 6.5
Elvis Presley
Birth name: Elvis Aron Presley
DOB: Jan 8. 1935, Tupelo, MS
Died: Aug. 16, 1977, Memphis, TN
Hair: blond, dyed black
Eyes: blue
Height: 6’0”
Famous For: Being The King of Rock N Roll. His hits include: “Hound Dog”, “Blue Suede Shoes”, “Jailhouse Rock”, “All Shook Up”, “Don’t Be Cruel”, “Heartbreak Hotel”, and more. He also starred in several films spanning through the 1960’s. Elvis has become one of the most recognized and impersonated American Icons of all time. He died suddenly at the age of 42 from an apparent heart attack. He was one of the very first inductees into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame when it opened in 1986.
Why He’s Dreamy: If men had Pinup contests, Elvis would have won for the entire 50’s decade. His nice lips, coy smile, slick hair and bedroom eyes captured the hearts of gals everywhere.
🔥Retro Dee’s Rating: 7
Fabian
Birth name: Fabiano Anthony Forte
DOB: Feb. 6, 1943, Philadelphia, PA
Hair: brown, pompadour
Eyes: hazel (as described by Fabian himself)
Height: 6’0”
Famous For: Starting his career after being randomly discovered by a record exec. in the late 50’s. He’s mainly known for pop songs and he was featured in a few movies in the 1960’s. Some of his music hits were “Shivers”, “I’m A Man”, “Hound Dog Man” and “Tiger”.
Why He’s Dreamy: Nice smile, pretty eyes.
🔥Retro Dee’s Rating: 5
Frankie Avalon
Birth name: Francis Thomas Avallone
DOB: Sept 18, 1940, Philadelphia, PA
Hair: brown, coarse
Eyes: brown
Height: 5’8”
Famous For: Being in beach movies with Annette Funicello, but before that he was a singer in the late 50’s/ early 60’s. Hits include: “Venus”, “Bobby Sox to Stockings”, “Just Ask Your Heart” and “Dee Dee Dinah”.
Why He’s Dreamy: He’s the like Italian boy down the street who brings you flowers and candy, except with more money.
🔥Retro Dee’s rating: 5
Frankie Ford
Birth name: Vincent Francis Guzzo, Jr.
DOB: Aug. 4, 1939, Gretna, LA
Died: Sept. 28, 2015, Gretna, LA
Hair: brown
Eyes: light brown
Height: 5’8″
Famous For: His biggest hit, “Sea Cruise” in 1959 which peaked at #14 and has remained a dance favorite for decades. His other hits included “Roberta” (1959) and several songs into the 1960’s.
Why He’s Dreamy: He was very handsome, nice eyes and sort of devilish smile. He’s the best looking Italian guy I’ve ever seen.
🔥Retro Dee’s Rating: 7
Gene Vincent
Birth name: Vincent Eugene Craddock
DOB: Feb. 11, 1935, Norfolk, VA.
Died: Oct. 12, 1971, Los Angeles, CA
Hair: brown and super curly
Eyes: maybe brown
Famous For: Classic Rockabilly Hits like “Be-Bop-A-Lula”, “Pistol Packin’ Mama” and “Say Mama” (with The Blue Caps) Vincent worked in England along side pal Eddie Cochran. He survived the car crash in which took Cochran’s life in 1960. He died suddenly from a stomach ulcer 11 years later at the age of 36.
Why He’s Dreamy: Other than being Gene Vincent, which automatically makes him hot, he had a cute smile and that almost untameable curly hair.
🔥Retro Dee’s Rating: 4.5
Hal and Herbie Kalin
Birth names: Harold and Herbert Kalin
DOB: Feb. 16, 1934, Port Jervis, NY
Died: Aug. 24, 2005 (Hal), July 21, 2006 (Herbie)
Hair: brown
Eyes: brown
Famous For: The Kalin Twins are most famous for their 1958 hit, “When”. They had a few other songs, but disappeared after the Malt-Shop era. Though their career was short, these identical brothers had fans all over the world.
Why They’re Dreamy: Well, they’re twins, and that’s always cute. And they had that neat 50’s hair.
🔥Retro Dee’s Rating: 5
James Dean
Birth name: James Byron Dean
DOB: Feb. 8, 1931, Marion, IN
Died: Sept. 30, 1955, Cholame, CA
Hair: brown, James Dean style
Eyes: blue
Height: 5’8”
Famous For: Being the quintessential 1950’s rebel. The ruggedly handsome Dean starred in many films in the mid-50’s such as Rebel Without A Cause. True to his rebel persona, he lived fast and raced cars as a hobby. In 1955, he was killed in a car crash at the age of 24. His famous quote is: “Dream as if you’ll live forever. Live as if you’ll die today.”. Dean is often depicted in American Pop-Art portraits.
Why He’s Dreamy: Well, I don’t know actually. He’s not my type.
🔥Retro Dee’s Rating: 3
Jerry Allison
Birth name: Jerry Ivan Allison
DOB: Aug. 31, 1939, Hillsboro, TX
Died: August 22, 2022, Nashville, TN
Hair: brown
Eyes: blue
Height: approx. 5’10”
Famous For: Being the drummer, back up vocals and song writer for The Crickets. He married Peggy Sue Gerron, the inspiration for the classic hit song, “Peggy Sue”. Allison was inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame with his fellow band mates Joe B. Mauldin and Niki Sullivan in 2012.
Why He’s Dreamy: He’s a freakin’ Cricket. They’re all dreamy. And Jerry always had that smile like he was about to start trouble, but in a good way.
🔥Retro Dee’s Rating: 6.5
Jerry Lee Lewis
DOB: Sept. 29, 1935, Ferriday, LA
Died: Oct. 28, 2022
Hair: blond, wild and curly
Eyes: blue
Height: 5’11”
Famous For: Being an early Rock N Roll / Rockabilly star and playing crazy awesome piano. He’s nick-named “The Killer”. His most well-known classic hits include: “Great Balls of Fire” and “Whole Lotta Shakin Goin On” and several others. His marriage to his 14 year old cousin Myra in 1959 sparked nationwide controversy.
Why He’s Dreamy: Maybe “dreamy” isn’t the right word, but devilishly sexy could work in the old footage where he’s playing that piano standing up and his hair hangs in his face.
🔥Retro Dee’s Rating: 5
Jimmie Rodgers
Birth Name: James Frederick Rodgers
D.O.B: September 18, 1933, Camas, WA.
Died: Jan. 18, 2021
Hair: brown
Eyes: brown
Famous For: His 1957 hit “Honeycomb”, as well as his 1958 hits “Kisses Sweeter Than Wine”, “Oh-oh I’m Falling In Love Again”, “Secretly” and “Are You Really Mine?” Despite a suffering a beating in the late 60’s, and other serious health problems, Rodgers continued to perform into the 21st Century to sell-out crowds.
Why He’s Dreamy: Great hair, cute smile and honest eyes.
🔥Retro Dee’s Rating: 6
Jimmy Clanton
DOB: Sept. 2, 1938, Baton Rouge, LA.
Hair: light brown, DA
Eyes: blue
Height: ?
Famous For: His hits “Go Jimmy Go” and “Just A Dream” which he wrote and recorded in 1958. Being from Louisiana, he was known as the “Swamp Pop R&B Teenage Idol.” He was also in the film “Go Johnny Go” featuring the song by Chuck Berry.
Why He’s Dreamy: He looks like the popular guy in one of those really old yearbooks.
🔥Retro Dee’s Rating: 6.5
Birth name: Joseph Benson Mauldin, Jr.
DOB: Jul. 8, 1940, Lubbock, TX
Died: Feb. 7, 2015, Nashville, TN
Hair: blond, fine, slicked back
Eyes: blue
Height: approx. 5’8”
Famous For: Being the double bassist for The Crickets. Also co-wrote songs. He joined The Crickets at age 15 and remained in the group for the rest of his life. Mauldin was inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame with Jerry Allison and Niki Sullivan in 2012.
Why He’s Dreamy: He was adorable! And he remained cute, even when he got older. Aww, we love you, Joe B.!
🔥Retro Dee’s Rating: 7.5
Johnny Burnette
Birth name: John Joseph Burnette
DOB: Mar. 25, 1934, Memphis, TN
Died: Aug. 14, 1964, Clearlake, CA
Hair: brown, pompadour
Eyes: blue
Famous For: Various recordings in the 50’s, songwriting and acoustic guitar. He started off in a group with his brother Dorsey Burnette and friend Paul Burlison who were later known as “The Rock n Roll Trio”. He also wrote songs for Ricky Nelson. He is also famous for the hit “Dreamin'” released in 1960. Burnette’s biggest solo hit was “You’re Sixteen” in 1961. In 1964, Burnette was killed in a boating accident in Clearlake, California at the age of 30.
Why He’s Dreamy: Pretty eye color.
🔥Retro Dee’s Rating: 5
Johnny Cash
Birth name: John R. Cash
DOB: Feb. 26, 1932, Kingsland, AR
Died: Sept. 12, 2003, Nashville, TN
Hair: brownish-black and slicked back
Eyes: brown
Height: 6’2”
Famous For: Being Johnny Cash, The Man In Black, an American Rockabilly Rebel. Classic hits include: “Ring of Fire”, “Walk The Line”, “Folsom Prison Blues”, “A Boy Named Sue” and many more. He performed along side his second wife, June Carter Cash. Cash’s life story was depicted in the 2005 film Walk The Line staring Joaquin Phoenix.
Why He’s Dreamy: I wouldn’t say “dreamy” per se, but I suppose he could be sexy in a kick-ass, Rockabilly kind of way.
🔥Retro Dee’s Rating: 3
Johnny Mathis
Birth name: John Royce Mathis
DOB: Sept. 30, 1935, Gilmer, TX.
Hair: black
Eyes: brown
Height: 5’7”
Famous For: Ballads such as “Chances Are”, “It’s Not For Me To Say”, “The Twelfth of Never”, “Misty” and “Wonderful Wonderful”. Also known for his many renditions of classic Christmas songs.
Why He’s Dreamy: Nice eyes and great lips. He was very handsome in his youth.
🔥Retro Dee’s Rating: 7
Johnny Tillotson
DOB: Apr. 10, 1938, Jacksonville, FL.
Hair: brown
Eyes: brown
Height: ?
Famous For: Hits like “Dreamy Eyes” (1958), “Poetry In Motion” (1960) and other early 60’s hits such as “Jimmy’s Girl” and “Judy, Judy, Judy”. He went on to make several other songs throughout the 60’s and 70’s.
Why He’s Dreamy: Nice hair.
🔥Retro Dee’s Rating: 6
Marlon Brando
DOB: April 3, 1924, Omaha, NE
Died: July 1, 2004
Hair: brown
Eyes: brown
Height: 5’9″
Famous For: In 1951, Marlon Brando starred in “A Streetcar Named Desire”
Why He’s Dreamy: In the 50’s, Marlon Brando was as sexy as they get. However, he was a lot older than most of the men on this page, but I added him anyway because he’s a classic.
🔥Retro Dee’s Rating: 8
Neil Sedaka
DOB: Mar. 13, 1939, Brooklyn, NY.
Hair: brown, wavy
Eyes: brown
Height: 5’5″
Famous For: Hits like “Oh! Carol”, “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do”, “Stairway To Heaven” (NOT the same as the Led Zeppelin one), and his biggest hit “Calendar Girl” (1961). He is also a pianist, record producer and a prolific songwriter and has co-written over 500 songs.
Why He’s Dreamy: Nice eyes, great sweaters.
🔥Retro Dee’s Rating: 6
Niki Sullivan
DOB: Jun. 23 1937, South Gate, Los Angeles, CA
Died: Apr. 6, 2004
Hair: dark blond, slicked neatly back
Eyes: blue
Height: approx. 6’2”
Famous For: Being the “4th Cricket”. He played rhythm guitar on 50 of The Crickets’ recordings between 1956 and 1957. Unlike Buddy Holly, he played a Gibson electric. In 1958, he left the group for reasons unknown. In 2012 he was inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland with fellow original members Jerry Allison and Joe B. Mauldin.
Why He’s Dreamy: He was gorgeous with or without glasses. He had that boyish, yet manly look like fellow Cricket, Buddy Holly. Niki was a total babe, there’s no denying that!
🔥Retro Dee’s Rating: 7.5
Pat Boone
Birth name: Charles Eugene Boone
DOB: Jun. 1, 1934, Jacksonville, FL
Hair: brown, parted, short and neat
Eyes: blue
Height: 5’9”
Famous For: Making a bunch of songs, many films (over 25, including April Love in 1957) and having a TV show. He made white bucks (shoes) popular. His songs include: “Ain’t That A Shame”, “Remember You’re Mine”, and the ballad “Love Letters in the Sand” in which he sings in a Bing Crosby-like style. He also covered many songs such as Little Richard’s “Tutti Frutti” and “Long Tall Sally”.
Why He’s Dreamy: Almost too perfect, like someone you might meet in Pleasantville, Pat Boone was gorgeous: his eyes, nose, smile… He was a great looking man!
🔥Retro Dee’s Rating: 7
Paul Anka
Birth name: Paul Albert Anka
DOB: Jul. 30, 1941, Ottowa, Canada
Hair: black, curly bangs
Eyes: hazel
Height: 5’6”
Famous For: Being a breakout singer/song-writer in the 1950’s with hits such as: “Lonely Boy”, “Time To Cry”, “Diana”, “Puppy Love” and “Put Your Head on My Shoulder”. At age 16 he wrote “It Doesn’t Matter Anymore”, one of the last songs recorded by Buddy Holly. As Paul Anka continues his epic career into the 21st century.
Why He’s Dreamy: Both the words “dreamy” and “gorgeous” describe young Paul Anka well. He was a real treat to watch for gals everywhere!
🔥Retro Dee’s Rating: 7
Paul Newman
DOB: Jan. 26, 1924, Shaker Heights, OH.
Died: Sept. 26, 2008
Hair: light brown
Eyes: blue
Height: 5’10”
Famous For: Paul Newman was a classic movie star who by 1954, was already 30. So although he was not a teen heartthrob in the 50’s, he was one of THE biggest heartthrobs of all time. Mr. Newman remained notably attractive well into his older age as he continued his career for many decades.
Why He’s Dreamy: He’s Paul Newman.
🔥Retro Dee’s Rating: 8.5
Phil Everly
Birth name: Phillip Everly
DOB/Place: Jan. 19, 1939, Chicago, IL
Died: Jan. 3, 2014, Burbank, CA
Hair: dark blond
Eyes: blue
Height: 5’10.5″
Famous For: Being half of the duo, The Everly Brothers. They are revered for their fantastic use of close harmony in their songs. Their many hits include: “All I Have To Do Is Dream”, “Wake Up Little Susie”, “Bye Bye Love”, “Bird Dog”, “Walk Right Back”, and “Cathy’s Clown”. Their popularity has spanned six decades.
Why He’s Dreamy: I could write an epic on what a gorgeous young man Phil Everly was. From his teens into his 30’s, he was undeniably sexy in every way. Handsome, boyish, and talented beyond his years. Then put his brother Don beside him, and you have the dreamiest act the world has ever known.
🔥Retro Dee’s Rating: 10+++
Ricky Nelson
Birth name: Eric Hilliard Nelson
DOB: May 8, 1940, Teaneck, NJ
Died: Dec. 31, 1985, De Kalb, TX
Hair: dark blond, brushed back and styled
Eyes: blue
Height: 6’0”
Famous For: The 1950’s TV show “Ozzie and Harriet”. As a teen, he became a major recording star with hits like “Walkin’”, “Poor Little Fool”, “Travelin’ Man”, and “It’s Late”. Children include actress Tracy Nelson and of twin brothers Matthew and Gunnar (from the 90’s Rock duo “Nelson”). Mr. Nelson was sadly killed in a plane crash at the age of 45 on Dec. 31, 1985.
Why He’s Dreamy: Ricky Nelson went from kid brother to dreamboat in the late 50’s, making girls everywhere swoon. His gorgeous eyes, full lips, perfect face structure (and, of course, that hair!) make him one of the best looking boys of the era.
🔥Retro Dee’s Rating: 7.5
Birth name: Richard Steven Valenzuela
DOB: May 13, 1941, Pacoima, Los Angeles, CA
Died: Feb. 3, 1959, Clear Lake, IA
Hair: black, classic 50’s style
Eyes: brown
Height: 5’7”
Famous For: Being a teen singing sensation and phenomenal guitarist who yielded classic hits such as “Donna”, “La Bamba” and “Come On Let’s Go”. As he quickly rose to stardom, Ritchie left High School to go on tour in 1958. Not even one year later, he was killed tragically in a plane crash with Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper. He was only 17.
Why He’s Dreamy: With a smile that could light up a room and guitar work that could blow even the harshest critics away, it’s not hard to see why Ritchie Valens was a major heartthrob in his short career.
🔥Retro Dee’s Rating: 6
Sam Cooke
Birth name: Samuel Cook
DOB: Jan. 22, 1931 Clarksdale, MS
Died: Dec. 11, 1964, Los Angeles, CA
Hair: black
Eyes: brown
Height: 5’10”
Famous For: Being known as the King of Soul. His hits include “You Send Me” (1957), “Summertime” (1957), “Wonderful World” (1960), “Chain Gang” (1960) and “Twistin’ The Night Away” (1961) and several more. He had 30 US Top 40 hits during his career.
Why He’s Dreamy: Sam Cook was really handsome. Not only was his music something a gal could get lost in, his eyes and smile were too.
🔥Retro Dee’s Rating: 7.5
Tommy Steele
DOB: Dec. 17, 1936, Bermondsey, London, UK
Hair: blond, 50’s style
Eyes: blue
Height: 5’7″
Famous For: Being the UK’s first teen idol and Rock n Roll star. His hit “You Got Me Singing The Blues” topped UK charts in 1957. “The Tommy Steele Story” was the first album by a UK star to make it to number one.
Why He’s Dreamy: I think Tommy Steele is considered one of those “Teddy Boys” — the handsome, dapper types of preppy fellas in the UK that girls would go mad for. He had “Teen Dream” written all over him.
🔥Retro Dee’s Rating: 5.5
Troy Donahue
Birth name: Merle Johnson, Jr.
DOB: Jan. 27, 1936, New York, NY
Died: Sept. 2, 2001, Santa Monica, CA
Hair: blond, 50’s style
Eyes: blue
Height: 6’3″
Famous For: Being a sex symbol in the late 50’s and in the 60’s. He played opposite Sandra Dee in A Summer Place (1959) which was his first major role.
Why He’s Dreamy: Blonde, blue-eyed and tall. Troy Donahue was handsome as the day is long! Any gal could get lost in the idea of being his leading lady.
🔥Retro Dee’s Rating: 8
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Retro Dee's Guide to the Best Era Ever 
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