25 Teen Idols of the 20th Century
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Frank Sinatra (1940s +)
Sinatra started his career in the Swing Era as a singer with big bands leaders Harry James and Tommy Dorsey. His fans were called "bobby soxers" because of the ankle-height socks they'd wear, as they weren't yet old enough to wear "nylons."
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Bobby Rydell (1950s-1960s))
Rydell was in the film version of "Bye Bye Birdie." The stage production of the show didn't have a speaking part for the character of "Hugo," but the movie script was re-written specifically to expand the part for him. He had hits with the songs "Wild One" and "Volare."
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Ricky Nelson (1950s +)
Nelson began his career acting on The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet TV show and hits with "Poor Little Fool" and "I'm Walkin." He reached number one again in 1972 with "Garden Party" which he wrote after a Madison Square Garden audience booed him because he wasn't playing his old songs.
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Paul Anka (1950s-1960s)
His early hits included "Diana," "Lonely Boy" and "Put Your Head on My Shoulder." He also wrote the English lyrics for Sinatra's signature song, "My Way."
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Elvis Presley (1950s +)
Presley is one of the most popular singers of the 20th Century. He's often referred to simply as "Elvis," and also the "King." His first hit was "Heartbreak Hotel." When he first became popular with young people in the '50s, his uninhibited style was very controversial.
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The Beatles (1960s +)
One of the biggest bands in history, British band The Beatles' first hit was "Love Me Do" in 1962. But it was their appearance on America's "The Ed Sullivan Show" in early 1964 that their fame and popularity exploded in a way that thrilled young people and probably frightened many adults.
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Rolling Stones (1960s +)
Another British band that started around the same time as the Beatles, their sound and image was a little "tougher" than the Fab Four. Known for hits "Time Is On My Side" and "I Can't Get No Satisfaction."
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The Monkees (1960s)
Knows as the "Pre-Fab Four," the Monkees were formed for a TV show about a band. Young teens helped make them extremely popular, especially their diminutive lead singer, Davy Jones.
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Bobby Sherman (1960s-1970s)
Squeakly-clean good looks and sparkly blue eyes helped this TV actor gain fame with the teen-set. He enjoyed a career total of 7 Top 40 hits, including "Little Woman" and "Easy Come Easy Go."
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Partridge Family (1970s)
Son of actor Jack Cassidy, lead singer David Cassidy was mostly responsible for the success of this TV family that was modeled after real sixties group, The Cowsills.
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Bay City Rollers (1970s)
This Scottish band had a brief time as teen idols, and are best known for their tune, "Saturday Night." A remake of the song by Ned's Atomic Dustbin can be heard in Mike Myers' film, "So I Married An Axe Murderer."
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Shaun Cassidy (1970s)
The oldest son of actress Shirley Jones and Jack Cassidy (and half-brother to David Cassidy) Shaun was another TV actor who capitalized on his fame by recording pop songs. His re-make of "Da Doo Ron Ron" reached No. 1 on the US Charts.
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Jackson 5 (1970s +)
One of the biggest acts of the century, the Jackson Five included a young Michael Jackson at the front. Their first hit was "I Want You Back." They inspired just about every boy-band that followed.
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Leif Garrett (1970s)
Another young actor capitalized on his fame by recording albums. His singles, "I Was Made for Dancin'," and a cover of "Runaround Sue" charted modestly.
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Osmonds (1970s)
Devout Mormons The Osmonds started out as a barbershop quartet in the 60s. Later joined by Donny Osmond, they came to fame in the early 70s when they changed their style to match that of the Jackson 5.
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DeFranco Family (1970s)
Another family-group, the DeFranco's biggest hit was "Heartbeat (It's a Love Beat)" which featured the lead vocals of then 13 year old Tony DeFranco.
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Duran Duran (1980s)
British rockers Duran Duran were one of the leading bands of the MTV generation. They were among the first bands to have their videos shot by professional directors in 35 mm, giving them a more polished look.
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Rick Springfield (1980s)
Both pop star and soap-opera actor, Springfield had hits with "Jessie's Girl" and "Don't Talk to Strangers."
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Debbie Gibson (1980s)
Gibson was the youngest artist to write, produce and perform a Number 1 Billboard single with her song "Foolish Beat." She's gone on to starring in Broadway musicals and indie films and TV.
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Tiffany (1980s)
Tiffany Darwish is most known for her remake of "I Think We're Alone Now." She gained fame by touring, of all things, shopping malls and became a pop sensation.
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Backstreet Boys (1990s)
Also knows as BSB, are the best-selling boy band of all time with 130 million record sales.
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NSync (1990s)
Formed in Orlando, NSync started the career of Justin Timberlake. Their second album, No Strings Attached sold over one million copies in one day.
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New Kids on the Block (1980s-1990s)
Also knows as NKOTB, this Boston boy band started the career of Donnie Walberg (brother of Mark.) The group was formed by Maurice Starr as a "white counterpart to New Edition."
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Hanson (1990s)
Best knows for their 1997 hit, "MMM Bop", this band of brothers sold over 16 million records worldwide.
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Britney Spears (1990s)
Britney started on the 90s revival of Disney's The Mickey Mouse Club as a child. Her first two albums established her as a pop icon and title tracks "Baby One More Time" and "Oops! I Did It Again" became number one hits.
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