The 1950 candidates in What Was the First Rock ‘n’ Roll Record? by Jim Dawson and Steve Propes are:

• “The Fat Man” by Fats Domino
• “Rollin’ and Tumblin” by Muddy Waters
• “Birmingham Bounce” by Hardrock Gunter and the Pebbles
• “I’m Movin’ On” by Hank Snow and His Rainbow Ranch Boys
• “Teardrops From My Eyes” by Ruth Brown with Budd Johnson’s Orchestra
• “Hot Rod Race” by Arkie Shibley and His Mountain Dew Boys