Romantic 1950s Love Songs for Guitar

The 1950s gave us unforgettable classics like Donna, Blueberry Hill, and Since I Don’t Have You — songs that still make people sway, sing along, and remember their first dances.

Each tutorial here includes full song demos, easy-to-follow chords, and strumming patterns so you can bring these romantic 1950s songs to life on your own guitar.

Take Good Care Of My Baby was recorded by Bobby Vee and released as a single in 1961 before appearing on his 1962 album Take Good Care of My Baby.

Written by the celebrated songwriting team of Carole King and Gerry Goffin, the heartfelt ballad became Vee's biggest career hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping charts in several countries. Released before promotional music videos became common, the song instead gained popularity through radio airplay and television appearances. Its polished production and emotional lyrics helped define the early teen-pop sound of the 1960s.

The song has since been covered by numerous artists, including Dion, Bobby Vinton and Shaun Cassidy, but Bobby Vee's original recording remains the definitive version. Looking for more Bobby Vee? Check out the song  The Night Has A Thousand Eyes on my Popular 50s Guitar Songs.

Runaway was released by Del Shannon as a single in February 1961 before appearing on his debut album Runaway with Del Shannon later that year.

Written by Del Shannon and keyboardist Max Crook, the song became an international sensation, reaching No. 1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart. Its unforgettable instrumental break featured Crook's homemade Musitron, an early electronic keyboard that gave the recording its distinctive futuristic sound.

Released before the era of promotional music videos, the song gained its popularity through radio and television appearances. "Runaway" has since been covered by artists including Elvis Presley, Bonnie Raitt and the Traveling Wilburys, cementing its status as one of rock and roll's enduring classics.

Hallelujah I Love Her So was recorded by Eddie Cochran and released as a single in late 1959. Originally written and recorded by Ray Charles in 1956 for his album Ray Charles (also issued as Hallelujah I Love Her So), Cochran transformed the rhythm-and-blues classic into an energetic rock-and-roll performance highlighted by his unmistakable guitar work.

His version became a Top 30 hit in the United Kingdom and demonstrated the versatility that made him one of rock's most influential pioneers. Produced before music videos existed, the song found success through radio broadcasts and live performances. Over the years it has also been recorded by artists including The Beatles during their early live years, Stevie Wonder and Humble Pie.

Looking for more Eddie Cochran? Check out songs like Twenty Flight Rock and Jeannie Jeannie Jeannie and I Remember on my Popular 50s Guitar Songs page.

Blueberry Hill was recorded by Fats Domino and released as a single in 1956 before appearing on his 1957 album This Is Fats. Written by Vincent Rose, Larry Stock and Al Lewis, the song had been recorded by several artists, including Gene Autry and Louis Armstrong, before Domino transformed it into one of rock and roll's defining recordings.

His relaxed vocal style and distinctive New Orleans piano helped the single reach No. 2 on the Billboard pop chart while topping the R&B chart for eleven weeks. Released years before promotional music videos, its popularity came through radio and television. Domino's version remains the best-known interpretation and has been preserved as an American musical classic.

Looking for more Fats Domino? Check out songs like Ain't That A Shame and I'm Walkin on my Popular 50s Guitar Songs.

Honeycomb was recorded by Jimmie Rodgers and released as a single in 1957 before appearing on his debut album Jimmie Rodgers.

Written by Bob Merrill, the cheerful, upbeat tune became Rodgers' signature hit, spending four weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 100 and earning widespread international success. Its catchy melody and Rodgers' smooth vocal delivery helped establish him as one of the leading pop singers of the late 1950s.

Released before the era of promotional music videos, the song gained popularity through radio airplay and television appearances. "Honeycomb" has since been recorded by numerous artists, but Rodgers' original version remains the best-known interpretation and a lasting favorite from the golden age of pop music.

Poetry In Motion was recorded by Johnny Tillotson and released in 1960 as a single that quickly became one of his signature hits.

Written by Paul Kaufman and Mike Anthony, the song reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped charts in several countries. Its smooth melody, light doo-wop influences, and innocent lyrics perfectly capture the charm of the late 1950s teen-pop era, despite its 1960 release. Tillotson's warm, effortless vocal delivery helped make the song an enduring favorite on oldies radio.

Today, Poetry in Motion remains one of the defining love songs of the early rock-and-roll period and a timeless classic that continues to evoke the optimism and romance of the era.

We Belong Together was originally recorded by the R&B duo Robert & Johnny and released as a single in 1958. Written by Robert Carr and Johnny Mitchell, the heartfelt ballad became a regional hit before growing into a beloved doo-wop classic.

Nearly three decades later, Los Lobos introduced the song to a new generation with their faithful 1987 recording for the soundtrack of La Bamba, the biographical film celebrating the life of Ritchie Valens. Although the Los Lobos version was not released as a major chart single, it became widely recognized through the film's success and remains one of the group's most memorable soundtrack performances.

Both recordings continue to be appreciated for their timeless harmony and enduring emotional appeal.

Donna was recorded by Ritchie Valens and released as a single in 1958 before appearing on the posthumous album Ritchie Valens.

Written by Valens as a tribute to his high school sweetheart, Donna Ludwig, the tender ballad showcased a softer side of the young rock-and-roll pioneer. The single reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 while its energetic B-side, "La Bamba," also became a major hit.

Released before promotional music videos existed, the song achieved its popularity through radio and television appearances. Following Valens' tragic death in the 1959 plane crash known as "The Day the Music Died," "Donna" became an enduring symbol of his remarkable talent and lasting musical legacy.

Looking for more Ritchie Valens? Check out the song  Come On Let's Go on my Popular 50s Guitar Songs page.

Since I Don't Have You was recorded by The Skyliners and released as a single in 1958 before appearing on their debut album The Skyliners.

Written by lead vocalist Jimmy Beaumont along with Joseph Rock, Janet Vogel, Wally Lester and Jack Taylor, the emotional doo-wop ballad became the group's signature recording, reaching No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its lush harmonies and heartfelt lyrics have helped it remain one of the defining love songs of the 1950s.

Released before music videos became commonplace, the song found its audience through radio and live performances. It has since been covered by artists including Guns N' Roses, Don McLean, Art Garfunkel and Brian Setzer, introducing the classic to new generations.

To Know Him Is to Love Him was recorded by The Teddy Bears and released as a single in 1958 before appearing on their only studio album, The Teddy Bears Sing!.

Written by the group's young producer, Phil Spector, the title was inspired by the inscription on his father's gravestone: "To Know Him Was to Love Him." The recording became an international success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and launching Spector's legendary career as a producer. Released before the era of promotional music videos, its popularity spread through radio and television.

The song has since been recorded by artists including Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris, ensuring its place among the timeless classics of the late 1950s.