The #1 R&B song on May 17, 1955

Unchained Melody By Roy Hamilton

Other #1 songs on May 17, 1955

#1 Hit Song

Cherry Pink (and Apple Blossom White)
Perez Prado

UK #1 Song

Stranger in Paradise
Tony Bennett

#1 Country Song

In the Jailhouse Now
Webb Pierce

Notable May 17 birthdays in the 1950s

Sugar Ray Leonard

Born May 17, 1956
Howard Hampton

Born May 17, 1952
Howard Ashman

Born May 17, 1950