Telstar

Exactly 50 years ago, British instrumental act the Tornados hit first number one for the first week of a three-week run at the top of Billboard‘s Hot 100 chart with their only Top 40 hit, “Telstar.”

Named after a communications satellite that was released earlier in the year, “Telstar” sounded like music that has become associated with space.  That distinctive sound comes courtesy of a keyboard instrument known as a clavioline.

For more on the Tornados and “Telstar,” check out this website devoted to the band.