Peering Into the Past: 1954

"The King"'s Beginnings — AP Graphics Bank

In 1954, Elvis Presley recorded and released his first single "That's All Right," catapulting him to fame.

What's on the Tube?

Popular television shows in 1954 included "I Love Lucy," "Dragnet" and "The Jackie Gleason Show."

TV Dinners Debut

In 1954, the Swanson Company introduced the TV dinner, designed to be easily made and eaten while watching television.

Forever?

Marilyn Monroe married baseball superstar Joe DiMaggio at San Francisco City Hall on January 14, 1954. Nine months later the couple divorced. They cited a "conflict of careers" as the reason for the split.

The Communist Hunter

On April 22, 1954, Sen. Joseph McCarthy began televised hearings, in which he investigated the U.S. Army. McCarthy claimed the Army was "soft" on Communism. The hearings were a disaster for McCarthy, leading to his eventual political downfall.

Murrow and McCarthy

CBS anchor Edward R. Murrow. Murrow's "See It Now" broadcast on March 9, 1954, contributed to the downfall of Sen. Joseph McCarthy.

Hemingway Wins Nobel Prize

Ernest Hemingway won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954 for his famous works "The Sun Also Rises," "A Farewell to Arms," "For Whom the Bell Tolls," and "The Old Man and the Sea."

Leading Lady

In 1954, Audrey Hepburn won an Academy Award for "Best Actress in a Leading Role" for her performance in "Roman Holiday."