The 1940's had a number of ground-breaking recordings and important news that helped paved the way for rock music as we know it today.

It wasn't until July 1940 that Billboard magazine began charting pop records, with the very first number one "I'll Never Smile Again" being recorded by Tommy Dorsey on Victor Records.  In June 1948, Columbia introduced the LP record, which played at 33¹/₃ rpm.

Below I have listed some of the influential recordings of the 40's which included great artists such as Louis Jordon, John Lee Hooker and The Ravens.

1945

Caldonia by Erskine Hawkins (Bluebird)
Rock Me Mama by Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup (Bluebird)
That's The Stuff You Gotta Watch by Buddy Johnson (Decca)

1946

Buzz Me by Louis Jordan (Decca)
I've Got a Right to Cry by Joe Liggins (Excelsior)
Let The Good Times Roll by Louis Jordan (Decca)
R.M. Blues by Roy Milton (Juke Box)

1947

Bobby Sox Blues by  Johnny Moore (Excelsior)
I Love You, Yes I do by Bull Moose Jackson (King)
Open The Door Richard by Dusty Fletcher (National)
True Blues by Roy Milton (Specialty)

1948

Bye Bye Baby Blues by The Ravens (Savoy)
Elevator Boogie by Mabel Scott (Excelsior)
Good Rockin' Tonight by Wynonie Harris (King)
Pleasing You (As Long As I Live) by Lonnie Johnson (King)

1949

Boogie At Midnight by Roy Brown (De Luxe)
Boogie Children (Boogie Chillen) by John Lee Hooker (Modern)
Deacon's Hop by Big Jay McNeeley (Savoy)
D' Natural Blues by Lucky Millinder (RCA Victor)
Don't Put Me Down by Joe Liggins (Speciality)
Drinkin' Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee by Stick McGhee Atlantic
Empty Arm Blues by Amos Milburn (Aladdin)
Homesick Blues by Charles Brown (Aladdin)
It's Midnight by Little Willie Littlefield (Modern)
Pot Likker by Todd Rhodes (King)
Saturday night Fish Fry by Louis Jordan (Decca)