Bill Haley - The Father Of Rock & Roll

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The hype around the supposed fiftieth anniversary of rock & roll felt off. Bill Haley, who had a significant role in its inception, passed away in 1981, feeling overlooked in the narrative. On April 12, 1954, Haley & His Comets released “Rock Around The Clock,” dubbed the “National Anthem Of Teenagers” and the best-selling rock single ever. Elvis Presley recorded his first disc, “That’s Alright,” on July 6, 1954, which only gained local traction in Memphis. That same year, Haley & His Comets earned their first gold record for “Shake, Rattle & Roll” and made waves with “Dim Dim the Lights.” Other future legends like Bo Diddley and Chuck Berry were still on the horizon, while Buddy Holly was just starting as a duo with Bob Montgomery. Little Richard juggled odd jobs, and Fats Domino wouldn’t shift to a mainstream rock & roll style until 1955. By then, Haley's dynamic sound was introduced globally through the film “Blackboard Jungle,” which propelled “Rock Around The Clock” into the spotlight. With over 200 million copies sold, the song has been recorded by more than 500 artists in 32 languages and featured in 40 films, including as the theme for “Happy Days.”