Bill Haley (& his Comets) Classic Rockers

Biography Born in Highland Park, Michigan, on July 6, 1925 Family had roots in the South and eventually settled in PA Blind in one eye

Biography Came from a musical family – mother played piano, father played mandolin. Taught himself guitar at age 7 Began touring as a Country & Western artist at age 15

Music Records “Rock This Joint” in 1952 with the SaddlemenRock This Joint Writes “Rock-a-Beatin’-Boogie” for another group. Song is used by Alan Freed to open his radio showRock-a-Beatin’-Boogie Signs with Decca Records

Music – “Crazy Man Crazy” “Crazy Man Crazy” sold more than a million copies and reached the top 20 in 1954 was the first rock and roll song to be televised nationally when it was used on the soundtrack for a 1953 television play starring James Dean

Music – “Rock Around the Clock” “Rock Around the Clock” is recorded in 1954 but is not an instant hit Song is used behind the opening credits of the 1955 movie Blackboard Jungle. Spurred by the movie it reaches #1 and stays there for 8 weeks.Blackboard Jungle

Music Covers Big Joe Turner’s “Shake, Rattle & Roll” (#12), became the first ever rock 'n' roll song to enter British singles charts in December 1954Shake, Rattle & Roll Charts in the top 20 in 1956 with “See You Later, Alligator” (#6)See You Later, Alligator

Later Career Declines in the U.S. but remains popular overseas Attempts to start own record label The Mexico Connection

Later Biography Lived his last years in Harlingen, Texas. Died alone February 9, 1981