These days the term “oldies” encompasses many music styles, after all anything before the 2000’s is technically vintage! Years ago oldies referred to 50’s rock and pop music of that era, but as time passes more songs are added.
For this list we will not include classic rock, HipHop, dance, or other genres post 1960, instead we will focus on music before that era between the 1930’s and late 50’s! These are great songs for getting started with singing. Here are the 15 best oldies karaoke songs.
1. Lonely Teardrops – Jackie Wilson
Jackie Wilson has a lot of music that is perfect for karaoke, at least if you have an incredible voice! This song has soul, rock, and R&B roots with an incredible vocal performance. If possible, get the crowd to clap along as they do in his original live version.
Sing Lonely Teardrops karaoke here.
2. Splish Splash – Bobby Darin
Bobby Darin wrote this teeny bopper rock hit in the late 50’s, and it’s not too hard to sing. And if you like the old Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennet singing styles, Bobby Darin also has plenty of those, in fact he has rock, country, jazz, and plenty of great ballads for karaoke.
Sing Splish Splash karaoke here.
3. Hey Good Lookin' – Hank Williams
If you want some country oldies with great twang, you can’t beat Hank Williams! Many of his songs are great for karaoke, the key though is getting that proper country vibe mixed with blues and rock.
Sing Hey Good Lookin' karaoke here.
4. Mr. Sandman – The Chordettes
The Chordettes also sang the song “Lollipop” which is suited for karaoke, especially if you have a group looking for a song. Mr. Sandman is a classic mix of pop ballad and doo wop styles and sounds great if you have a good voice, if not, it is still a fun song to sing!
Sing Mr. Sandman karaoke here.
5. My Blue Heaven – Gene Austin
This is a real oldie as it was released by Gene Austin in the 1920’s! The older version is more of a jazz pop standard but later Fats Domino covered the song in a rocking manner. Either way it has all the hallmarks of oldies music with its carefree, loving, and hopeful lyrics.
Sing My Blue Heaven karaoke here.
6. Hound Dog – Big Mama Thornton
This song was originally an R&B hit by Big Mama Thornton, and later covered and made popular by Elvis. So whether you want to sing it as a blues hit or in a more upbeat rockabilly manner, it is certainly one of the best oldies out there!
7. Please Mr. Postman – The Marvelettes
This song came out in 1961 under the soon to be Motown label. It was first sung by The Marvelettes and then later covered by The Beatles. The first version is more soul and doo wop while the later has more of a rocking sound. Either way it is a great karaoke song, especially if you want to sing in a group.
Sing Please Mr. Postman karaoke here.
8. Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy – The Andrews Sisters
We can’t forget the Big Band and swing style music in our oldies! The Andrews Sisters were the most famous girl group of the 40’s and they sang with many others including Bing Crosby. This song is also great for group singing, it will just take some practice for everyone to get the fast words right!
Sing Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy karaoke here.
9. Papa Loves Mambo – Perry Como
Perry Como has lots of oldie’s hits that are perfect for karaoke, this one is a crowd favorite. If you have a decent voice it won’t be too hard to pull this rocking crooner hit off. This song came out right as Rock’n’Roll was getting big so it has a mix of that and jazz standards!
Sing Papa Loves Mambo karaoke here.
10. Peggy Sue – Buddy Holy
Buddy Holly was one of the most popular 50’s rockers during his era, in fact he was more accessible than Elvis. Elvis was so good looking and provocative in his movements while Buddy was an average looking nice guy, he made rock seem easier to achieve! Even now as a karaoke pick his music isn’t too difficult for those without the best voices.
11. Swingin' on a Star – Bing Crosby
If you can croon like Bing Crosby or Frank Sinatra, this song will be a great karaoke pick. It’s a silly and fun hit that isn’t that hard to perform, in some places it’s more talking than singing. This is the type of tune that you just have a good time with!
Sing Swingin' on a Star karaoke here.
12. Let’s Have a Party – Wanda Jackson
Many of the rockers of the 1950’s were men, the female singers often performed the pop and jazz styles instead. But Wanda Jackson was an exception to that rule, she was the rockabilly queen! If you have an ability to belt out a rocking tune, this oldie may be the perfect choice!
Sing Let’s Have a Party karaoke here.
13. Moon River – Andy Rivers
This hit from Breakfast at Tiffany’s has been covered by Audrey Hepburn, Andy Williams, and other pop and jazz singers. If you need a lighter and more emotional karaoke pick, this song will fit the bill. Of course it helps to have a decent singing voice to pull it off properly, the notes aren’t too hard, but the emotion behind it is.
14. Dream a Little Dream of Me – Cass Elliot
This song was written in 1931 and has had many covers in and outside of the U.S. since, so it has basically been an oldie for many generations. It’s not the best song to play during a heavy party time, it’s more for showing off your vocal talents. Cass Elliot of the Mamas and Papas performed a great version of this song for reference.
Sing Dream a Little Dream of Me karaoke here.
15. Maybellene – Chuck Berry
Chuck Berry is one of the first names that comes to mind when you think of oldies as he is one of the founders of modern rock. This song covers all the hallmarks of rock with fast cars, relationship trouble, and it is also a cover of an earlier oldie called “Ida Red,” so it is an oldie within an oldie!
Sing Maybellene karaoke here.
So there you have 15 of the best oldies for karaoke, if you look more at songs from these eras you will find many other great hits. In fact many modern songs sample or cover these past tunes, so in some cases they may sound familiar.
Oldies are great for karaoke as many people love them and they were written during an era when vocals really mattered so they are great singing practice! If you are looking to sing more karaoke at home you can check out Singa karaoke for free.