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 Saddlemen

Writes “Rock-a-Beatin’-Boogie” for
another group. Song is used by Alan
Freed to open his radio show

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.
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 1954

Charts in the top 20 in 1956 with “See
You Later, Alligator” (#6)
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