But no matter. Here is a look starting from the beginning in the early 1940’s and working our way through 1959. The titles in red text managed to reach the charts. Also including those bands (or solo’s) with some form of “rock” in their name!
Barry Gordon – “Rock Around Mother Goose” – #52 Pop – January 1956
The Leslie Brothers – “Ready Rudy Rock and Roll” – January 1956
The Four Tunes – “Rock N’ Roll Call” – January 1956
The Hilltoppers – “Do the Bop” – February 1956
The Jodimars – “Dancin’ the Bop” – February 1956
Georgia Gibbs – “Rock Right” – #36 February 1956
Anita O’Day – “Rock and Roll Waltz” – February 1956
Hey Jackson Quintet – “Rock N’ Roll March” – February 1956
The Shepherd Sisters – “Rock ‘N Roll Cha, Cha, Cha” – February 1956
Buddy Hackett – “Chinese Rock and Egg Roll” – February 1956
Moon Mullican with Boyd Bennett & His Rockets – “Honolulu Rock A Roll-A” – b/w “Seven Nights to Rock” – February 1956
Bobby Mitchell – “Try Rock and Roll” – February 1956
Moon Mullican with Boyd Bennett & the Rockets – “Seven Nights to Rock” b/w “Honolulu Rock-Roll A” – February 1956
Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five – “Rock ‘N’ Roll Call – February 1956
Ernie Freeman – “Rockin’ Around” – February 1956
The Dawn Breakers – “Boy with the Be-Bop Glasses (And the Blue Suede Shoes”) – March, 1956
Bill Woods & His Orchestra – “Bop” – March 1956
Bill Haley and His Comets – “The Saints Rock ‘N’ Roll” – #18 Pop b/w “R-O-C-K” – #16 Pop – March 1956
Bob Gallion – “My Square Dancin’ Mama (She’s Done Learned to Rock and Roll” – March 1956
Sheb Wooley – “The Birth of the Rock ‘N Roll” – March 1956
Helen Grayco – “Rock and Roll Wedding” – March 1956
Ella Mae Morse – “Rock and Roll Wedding” – March 1956
The Midnighters – “Rock, Granny, Roll” – March 1956
Ralph Marterie Orchestra – “Rock and Roll the Barrell” – March 1956
Bill Haley and His Comets – “The Saints Rock N Roll” b/w “R-O-C-K” – March 1956
Eddie Bond and the Stompers – “Rockin’ Daddy” – March 1956
Red Klimo – “Grandma Loves to Rock and Roll” – March 1956
The Singing Dogs – “Hot Dog Rock ‘N Roll” – March 1956
Billy Gayles with Ike Turner’s Rhythm Rockers – Federal Records – April 1956
Dave Appell and the Applejacks – “The Rock and Roll Applejacks” – April 1956
Big Al Sears Orchestra – “Rock and Roll Ball” – April 1956
Wood – “The Rock and the Roll” – April 1956
Sunny Gale – “Rock and Roll Wedding” – #66 Pop – April 1956
Vaughn Monroe – “The Rock N’ Roll Express” – April 1956
The Jordanaires – “Rock N’ Roll Religion” – April 1956
Moon Mullican with Boyd Bennett and His Rockets – “Rock and Roll Mr. Bullfrog” – April 1956
Warren Smith – “Rock ‘N’ Roll Ruby” – April 1956
Louis Jones – “Rock and Bells” – April 1956
The El Dorados – “Rock N Roll’s for Me” – April 1956
The Youngsters – “Rock’n Roll’n Cowboy – April 1956
Jimmy Reed – “Rockin’ with Reed” – April 1956
The Morrison Sisters – “The Rockin’ Boogie Shuffle” – April 1956
Joe Ward – “Rock and Roll Merry-Go-Round” – May 1956
Hank Penny – “Rock of Gibraltar” – May 1956
Gene Vincent & His Blue Caps – “Be-Bop-A-Lula” #7 Pop – May 1956
Joe Reisman and His Orchestra – “Rock and Roll Rhapsody” – May 1956
Bobby Shields – “Land of the Rock and Roll” – May 1956
Johnny Bond – “The Little Rock and Roll” – May 1956
The Capri Sisters – “After School Rock ‘N Roll” b/w “The Occarina Rock” – May 1956
Rusty Draper – “Rock and Roll Ruby” – May 1956
Billy Eckstine – “Condemned for Life (With a Rock and Roll Wife)” b/w ‘The Tennessee Rock ‘N’ Roll” – May 1956
Bob Oakes and His Sultans – “You Gotta Rock and Roll” – May 1956
Steve Gibson and the Red Caps with Damita Jo – “Rock and Roll Stomp” – May 1956
Janis Martin – “Drugstore Rock and Roll” – May 1956
Eartha Kitt – “Honolulu Rock and Roll” – May 1956
Jack Turner – “Everybody’s Rockin’ but Me” – May 1956
Andy Starr – “Rockin’, Rollin’ Stone” – May 1956
Johnny Carroll and His Hot Rocks – “Rock N’ Roll Ruby – May 1956
Joe Maphis (King of the Strings) – “Guitar Rock and Roll” – May 1956
Lloyd Price – “Country Boy Rock” – May 1956
Dave Burton – “Rock N’ Roll Ruby” – May 1956
Bob Burton – “Tired of Rocking” – May 1956
Carl Perkins – “Boppin’ the Blues” – #7 Country – #70 Pop – June 1956
Brad Suggs with the Swingsters – “Bop, Baby, Bop” – June 1956
Pat Patton and His Orchestra – “Blue Jean Bop” – June 1956
Onie Wheeler – “Onie’s Bop” – June 1956
Simon Crum – “Bop Cat Bop” – June 1956
Autry Inman – “Be Bop Baby” – June 1956
The Bop-Chords – Holiday Records – June 1956
Archie Bleyer – #61 Pop – June 1956
Bill Haley and His Comets – “Rockin’ Through the Rye” – #78 Pop – June 1956
Johnnie Desert with Herbie Layne’s Orchestra – “Be-Bop-A-Lula” – June 1956
Dean Jones – “The Tennessee Rock ‘N’ Roll” – June 1956
Mitchell Torok – “When Mexico Gate Up the Rhumba (To Do the Rock and Roll)” – June 1956
Dave Dudley – “Rock and Roll Nursery Rhyme – June 1956
Mabel King – “Alabama Rock and Roll” – June 1956
Tony Cabot Orchestra – “(Rock, Rock) The Ukelele Roll” – June 1956
The Nitecaps – “Bamboo Rock and Roll” – June 1956
Alan Freed and His Rock ‘N Roll Band – “The Camel Rock” – June 1956
Dorothy Collins – “No Rock ‘N Roll Tonight” b/w Rock and Roll Train” – June 1956
Werly Fairburn – “Everybody’s Rockin'” – June 1956
“Fatso” Theus – “Rock ‘N’ Roll Drive-in” – June 1956
Wayne McGinness with the Swingteens – “Rock, Roll and Rhythm” – June 1956
Billy Haley & His Comets – “Rockin’ Through the Rye” – June 1956
Ruckus Tyler – “Rollin’ & A-Rockin'” b/w “Rock Town Rock” – June 1956
Jean Chaple – “I Won’t be Rockin’ Tonight – June 1956
The La Dell Sisters – “Rockin’ Robert” – June 1956
Bob Spencer – “Rock and Roll Lullaby” – July 1956
Camille Howard – “Rock ‘n Roll Mama” – July 1956
The Rhythm Aces – “Rock and Roll March” – July 1956
Jimmy Murphy – “Sixteen Tons Rock and Roll” – July 1956
Patty Andrews – “Too Old to Rock “‘N” Roll” – July 1956
Red Prysock – “Rock and Roll Party” b/w “Rock and Roll Mambo” – July 1956
Bonnie Lou – “No Rock ‘N Roll Tonight” – July 1956
Pearl Bailey – “I Can’t Rock and Roll to Save My Life” – July 1956
Dusty Rose – “Rockin’ Maraccas” – July 1956
“Tennessee” Ernie Ford – “Rock, Roll, Boogie” – July 1956
Mac Curtis – “Grandaddy’s Rockin'” – July 1956
Pee Wee Hunt – “Rockin’ Horse Rock” – July 1956
The Rhythm Rockers – “Fiddle Bop” – August 1956
Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton – “Rock A Bye Baby” – August 1956
The Coney Island Kids – “The Thwistle Rock and Thwistle Roll” b/w “We Want a Rock and Roll President” – August 1956
De Milo Sisters – “Never Too Old to Rock ‘N’ Roll” – August 1956
The Tyrones – “My Rock ‘N Roll Baby” – August 1956
The Jumping Jacks – “Toki-Rol Toki Rock” – August 1956
Art Mooney and His Orchestra and Chorus — “Rock and Roll Tumbleweed” – August 1956
Deep River Boys with Harry Douglass – “You’re Not Too Ol’ (To Rock and Roll)” – August 1956
Little “Butchie” Saunders and His Buddies – “Rock ‘n Roll Indian Dance” – August 1956
The Treniers – “(We Want a) Rock and Roll President” – August 1956
Bobby Lord – “Everybody’s Rockin’ but Me” – August 1956
The Clouds – “Rock and Roll Boogie” – August 1956
Malcolm Yelvington – “Rockin’ with My Baby” – August 1956
Frances Langford – “Rockin’ in the Rocket Room” – August 1956
Annie Laurie – “Rockin’ and Rollin’ Again” – August 1956
Sandy Coker with the Coker Family – “Rock Island Ride” – 1956
Bill Riley – “Rock with Me Baby” – September 1956
Red Foley – “Reelin’ N Rockin'” – September 1956
Gene Vincent and His Blue Caps – “Bluejean Bop” – #34 Pop – September 1956
The Rocketeers – Modern Records – September 1956
Henry Cording with Big Mike and His Parisian Rockets – “Rock and Roll Mops” b/w “Hiccough Rock” – September 1956
The Concords – “Satisfied with Rock ‘N Roll” – September 1956
Don Sargent – “The Rockin’ Chair Roll” – September 1956
Glenn Reeves – “Rockin’ Country Style” – September 1956
Alvis Wayne and the Rhythm Wranglers – “Swing Bop Boogie” b/w ” Sleep, Rock-A-Roll Rock-A-Baby – September 1956
Lee Allen & Band – “Rockin’ at Cosmo’s” – September 1956
Lew Williams – “Bop Bop Ba Doo Bop (Classroom Hop)” – October 1956
Eddie Dean with the Cletro Combo – “Rock and Roll Cowboy” – October 1956
Bill Haley and His Comets – “Rudy’s Rock” – #34 Pop – October 1956
Don Carroll and the Sharpies – “Italian Rock and Roll” – October 1956
Joe Lombardie and the Cats – “Let’s All Rock and Roll” – October 1956
The Maddox Brothers and Rose – “The Death of Rock and Roll” – October 1956
The Collins Kids – “Rock and Roll Polka” – October 1956
Johnny Bragg & the Marigolds – “Juke Box Rock and Roll” – October 1956
Sid King & the Five Strings – “Good Rockin’ Baby” – October 1956
Sammy Masters & His Rockin’ Rhythm – “2-Rock-A-4” – October 1956
Boyd Bennett and His Rockets – “Rockin’ Up a Storm” – October 1956
Ivory Joe Hunter – “You Can’t Stop this Rocking & Rolling” – October 1956
The Rhythm Jesters – “Rock to the Music” – November 1956
Hal Willis – “Bop-A-Dee Bop-A-Doo” – November 1956
The Dappers – “Bop Bop Bu” – November 1956
Sparkle Moore – “Rock-A-Bop” – November 1956
Alan Freed and His Rock ‘N Roll Band – “Rock N’ Roll Boogie” – November 1956
Peter Roberts – “The Ho Ho Rock and Roll: – November 1956
Alan Dean – “Rock and Roll Tarantelle” – November 1956
Sonee West – “Sweet Rockin’ Baby” b/w “Rock-Ola Ruby” – November 1956
Jimmy Boyd – “Rockin’ Down the Mississippi” – November 1956
Curley Langley & His Western All Stars – “Rockin’ an a Rollin'” – November 1956
The New Blockbusters – “Rock and Roll Guitar Parts 1 and 2” – December 1956
Kirby Allan – “Mother Don’t ‘Llow Rock-n-Roll” – December 1956
Johnny Maddox and the Rhythmasters – “Rock and Roll Medley) – December 1956
Bill Haley and His Comets – “Don’t Knock the Rock” – #30 Pop – December 1956
Harold Shultters and His Rocats – “Rock and Roll Mister Moon” – December 1956
Don Reno, Red Smiley and The Tennessee Cutups – “Country Boy Rock ‘N Roll” – December 1956
Logan Valley Boys with Harley and Aubrey – “Rock and Roll Country Style” – 1956
Sammy Masters – “Whop-T-Bop” – 1956
Earl Epps – “Be-Bop Blues” – 1956
Ray Vict and His Bop Rockers – “We Gonna Bop Stop Rock” – 1956
Curly Sanders – “Brand New Rock and Roll” – 1956
Chuck Higgins – “Rock and Roll” – 1956
The Bop-Chords – Holiday Records – 1956
Vern Pullens – “Bop Crazy Baby” – 1956
Bixie Crawford – “Rock and Roll Wedding” – 1956
Gale Minor with Herbie Layne’s Orchestra – “Rock and Roll Waltz” – 1956
The Rhythm Rockers with Hardrock Gunter – “Fiddle Bop” – 1956
Bill Haley and the Comets – “Real Rock Drive” – 1956
Del Lavon with Jimmy Rivers & the Cherokees – “The Rockin’ Chair Roll” – 1956
George Bruce & the Manhattans – “Rock & Rockin’ Roller Coaster Ride” – 1956
But no matter. Here is a look starting from the beginning in the early 1940’s and working our way through 1959. The titles in red text managed to reach the charts. Also including those bands (or solo’s) with some form of “rock” in their name!
Eddie Fontaine – “Rock Love” – January 1955
The Fontane Sisters – “Rock Love” – #13 Pop – January 1955
The Country Cats – “Hop-Scotch” – January 1955
The Five Cats – “Rockin’ Chair” – January 1955
Big Dave and His Orchestra – “Rock and Roll Party” – January 1955
The Ink Spots – “Somebody’s Rocking My Dreamboat” – January 1955
The Dodgers – “Cat Hop” – February 1955
Alvadean Coker – “We’re Gonna Bop” – February 1955
The Rocking Bros. – “Rock-It” – February 1955
Bill Haley and His Comets – “Mambo Rock” – #18 Pop – February 1955
Red Prysock – “Rock ‘N Roll – February 1955
The Lamplighters – “Love, Rock and Thrill/Roll On – February 1955
Buddy Morrow – “Rock ‘N Roll” – February 1955
Nita, Rita & Ruby – “Rock Love” – March 1955
The Dukes – “Ooh Bop She Bop” – March 1955
Sonny Fisher – “Rockin’ Daddy” – March 1955
Cathy Johnson & Friends – “Rockin’ & Yodelin'” – March 1955
The Twilighters – “Wah-Bop-Sh-Wah” – April 1955
The Spence Sisters – “Do Bop Sha Bam” – April 1955
LaVern Baker and the Gliders – “Bop-Ting-A-Ling” – April 1955
The Sons of the Pioneers – “The Tennessee Rock and Roll” – April 1955
Billy Jack Wills & His Western Swing Band – “There’s Good Rocking Tonight” – April 1955
The Diablos featuring Nolan Strong – “Daddy Rockin’ Strong” – April 1955
Les Brown and His Band of Renown – “Rock and Roll Hop” – April 1955
The Abbott Sisters – “We’re Gonna Bop?” – April 1955
Babs Gonzales and Eddie Jefferson – “Rockin’ and Rollin’ the Blues” – April 1955
Don Reno, Red Smiley and the Tennessee Cutups – “Green Mountain Hop”
Bert Convy and the Thunderbirds – “Hoo Bop De Bow (Honey Honey)” – June 1955
Rollee McGill – “Rhythm Rockin’ Blues” – June 1955
Billy Valentine – “Your Love Has Got Me (Reelin’ and A-Rockin’)” – June 1955
Roy Milton – “You Got Me Reeling & Rocking” – July 1955
Eddie Cletro – “Sittin’ and Rockin'” – July 1955
Boyd Bennett and His Rockets’ – “Banjo Rock and Roo” – August 1955
Alan Dale – “Rockin’ the Cha-Cha” – August 1955
Frank Virtuoso & the Virtues – “Roll’in and A-Rockin'” – August 1955
Eddie Zack and Cousin Richie – “I’m Gonna Rock and Roll” – September 1955
Hoyle Nix and His West Texas Cowboys – “Real Rockin’ Daddy” – September 1955
The Heartbeats – “Rockin-N-Rollin-N-Rhythm-N-Blues-N – September 1955
The Champions – “Keep-A-Rockin'” – September 1955
Lenny Dee – “Flea Hop Boogie” – October 1955
Arthur Lee Maye & the Crowns – “Do the Bop” – October 1955
Lola Dee – “Hey! Ba-Ba-Re-Bop” – October 1955
Les Vegas & Billy Woods with the Johnny Guarnieri Quartet – “Rock and Roll Yodel” – October 1955
The Rock Brothers – King Records – November 1955
Bill Haley and His Comets – “Rock-A-Beatin’ Boogie” – #23 Pop – November 1955
Lillian Briggs – “Rock ‘N’ Roll-Y Poly Santa Claus” – November 1955
The Midnighters – “Rock and Roll Wedding” – November 1955
The De Castro Sisters – “Rockin’ and Rollin’ in Hawaii” – November 1955
The Jodimars – “Let’s All Rock Together” – November 1955
The Collins Kids – “Beetle-Bug-Bop” – November 1955
Richard Berry – “Rockin’ Man” – November 1955
Louis Payne Orchestra – “Oriental Rock ‘N Roll” – December 1955
Joe Barone & His Rockets – “Rock ‘N’ Roll March – December 1955
The Gypsies – “Rockin’ Pretty Baby” – December 1955
Kay Starr – “Rock and Roll Waltz” – #1 Pop – December 1955
The Treniers – “Rock ‘N’ Roll Call” – December 1955
Hal Singer – “Rock N’ Roll” – December 1955
Tom Wilson – “Can You Bop? – 1955
Bill Daniel – “Rock and Roll Baby” – 1955
The Bop-A-Loos – Mercury Records – 1955
The Five Encores – “Readin’ Rittin’ ‘Rithmetic Rock ‘N’ Roll” – 1955
Jesse Allen – “Rockin’ and Rollin’ – 1955
Jerry McCain and His Upstarts – “Geronimo Rock and Roll” b/w “Choo Choo Rock” – 1955
Jerry McCain and His Upstarts – “I’m a Ding Dong Daddy from a Rock and Roll City” – 1955
Chuz Alfred and His Combo – “Rock Along” b/w “Rocking Boy” – 1955
Eddy Arnold & His Guitar – “Rocking Alone (In an Old Rocking Chair)” – 1955
Jay-Bob Howdy with Hoyle Nix and His West Texas Cowboys – “Readl Rockin’ Daddy” – 1955
The Four Bells – “(We’re Gonna)” – Rock Around the Clock” – 1955
The Mulcays – “Bop, Bop, Bop, Bop” – 1955
Bonnie Bartlett – “Bop De Loom” – 1955
Jimmy Sears with Kelly Sear and His Home Folks – “Bobby Sox Bop” – 1955
Doug Amerson – “Bop Man Bop” – 1955
Jake Porter’s Combo – “The Bop” – 1955
Charlene Bartley – “Doin the Bop” – 1955
Cliston Chanier – “Rockin’ the Bop” – 1955
Bill Perry with Bel-Aires – “Hoppin’ Boppin’ & Rockin'” – 1955
Joe Houston’s Orchestra – “Rockin’ N Boppin'” – 1955
Bob Williams – “Rockin’ Beat” – 1955
Charles Wayne and the Rattlesnake Ramblers – “Rockin’ Rollin’ Rhythm” – 1955
The Bop-A-Loos – Mercury Records – 1955
Doug Amerson – “Bop, Man, Bop” – 1955
The Hepsters – “Rockin’ ‘N’ Rollin’ with Santa Claus” – 1955
Cliston Chanier – “Rockin’ the Bop” – 1955
Bill Farrell – “Rock Love” – 1955
Elaine Gay – “Rock Love” – 1955
The Wildwood Trio – “The Wildwood Rock” – 1955
Jimmy Cavallo and His House Rockers – “Rock the Joint” – 1955
Dick Warren – “Rock Around the Clock” – 1955
Sterling Mossman – “Hula Cop Hop” – 1955
The Sportsmen – “Hot Rod Hop” – 1955
The Jackson Trio – “Jingle Bell Hop” – 1955
Don Costa and the Frogmen – “Hop-Toad” – 1955
The Miller Bros and Their Band – “Denver Hop” – 1955
But no matter. Here is a look starting from the beginning in the early 1940’s and working our way through 1959. The titles in red text managed to reach the charts. Also including those bands (or solo’s) with some form of “rock” in their name!
But no matter. Here is a look starting from the beginning in the early 1940’s and working our way through 1959. The titles in red text managed to reach the charts. Also including those bands (or solo’s) with some form of “rock” in their name!
Lowell Fulson’s Combo – “Rocking After Midnight” – March 1950
Memphis Slim – “Flock Rocker” – June 1950
Betty Hutton – “His Rocking Horse Ran Away” – November 1950
LaVerne Ray – “Rock and Roll” – 1950
Arthur “Guitar Boogie” Smith & His Cracker-Jacks” – “Mountain Be Bop” – January 1951
Piney Brown – “How About Rocking with Me” – January 1951
Little Willie Littlefield – “Rockin’ Chair Mama” – February 1951
Chuck Norris – “Rockin’ After Hours” – March 1951
Ivory Joe Hunter – “Stop Rockin’ that Train” – March 1951
Tommy Scott – “Rockin’ and Rollin’ – March 1951
Earl Bostic – “Rockin’ and Reelin’ – March 1951
Bobby Nunn with the Robbins – “Rockin'” – April 1951
Floyd Dixon – “Rockin’ at Home” – June 1951
Bill Haley and the Saddlemen – “Rocket 88” – August 1951
Ray Snead – “I’m a Good Rockin’ Baby – November 1951
Jimmy McCracklin’ – “Rockin’ Man” – December 1951
Joe Turner – “Midnight Rockin’ – 1951
Herman Manzy – “I’m Your Rockin’ Man” – January 1952
Memphis Slim and His House Rockers – “Rocking the Pad” – January 1952
Fats Domino – “Reeling and Rocking” – March 1952
Bill Haley with the Saddlemen – “Rock the Joint” – April 1952
Bill Haley with the Saddlemen – “Rocking Chair on the Moon” – July 1952
The Four Jacks – “The Last of the Good Rocking Men” – July 1952
Bill Hale with Haley’s Comets – “Real Rock Drive” – September 1952
Chuck Higgins and His Mellotones – “Pachuko Hop” – 1952
Wally Mercer – “Rock Around the Clock” – 1952
A different version that Bill Haley’s
TNT Tribble Orchestra – “Rocking in Rythm” – 1952
The Treniers – “Rocking on a Sunday Night” – 1952
Tiny Grimes – “Rockin’ and Sockin’ – 1952
Roy Hogsed – “Roll – ‘Em Dice” – 1953
Wynonie Harris – “Bad News Baby” (There’ll Be No Rockin’ Tonight)” – January 1953
Zeb Turner – “Jersey Rock” – February 1953
Billy Ford – “Smooth Rocking” – February 1953
The Treniers – “Rockin’ is Our Bizness” – May 1953
Jack Dupree – “The Blues Got Me Rockin'” – June 1953
Eddie Johnson – “Twin Rock” – July 1953
“Lucky” Joe Almond – “Rock Me” – July 1953
Big Bertha Henderson – “Rock, Daddy, Rock” – September 1953
Johnny Otis Orchestra – “Rock Me Baby” – October 1953
The Rockettes – Parrot Records – November 1953
The Lamplighters – “Be-Bop Wino” – November 1953
Rusty Bryant & Carolyn Club Band – “Castle Rock” – 1953
Milton Trenier & His Solid Six – “Rock Bottom” – 1953
The Maty’s Bros. – “Rock Me Daddy” – 1953
The 5 Willows – “Rock Little Francis” – 1953
The Flairs – “She Wants to Rock” – 1953
This version of the Flairs featured both Richard Berry and Cornell Gunther
The Davis Sisters – “Rock-A-Bye Boogie” – 1953
Charlie Gracie – “Rockin’ and Rollin'” – 1953
“Little” Jimmy Dickens – “Rock Me” – January 1954
Monte Easter – “Just A-Rockin'” -February 1954
The Larks – “Rockin’ in the Rocket Room” – March 1954
Tab Smith Orchestra – “Rock City” – April 1954
Little Walter and His Jukes – “Rocker” – April 1954
Bill Haley and His Comets – “(We’re Gonna) Rock Around the Clock” – May 1954
The Howlin’ Wolf – “Rockin’ Daddy” – May 1954
The Moonglows – “Ooh Rocking Daddy” – June 1954
Bill Haley and His Comets – “Shake, Rattle and Roll” – #7 Pop – July 1954
Harmonica Frank – “Rockin’ Chair Daddy” – July 1954
Elvis Presley – “Good Rockin’ Tonight” – September 1954
The Peppers – “Rocking Chair Baby” – September 1954
Henry Smith and His Blue Flames – “Good Rocking Mama” – September 1954
Gayle Griffith with the LMC Trio – “Rockin’ and a Knockin'” – October 1954
The Peacheroos – “Be Bop Baby” – November 1954
Babs Gonzales – “The Be-Bop Santa Claus” – November 1954
The Rocking Brothers – “Rock It” – December 1954
Bill Haley & the Comets – “Real Rock Drive” – 1954
Oscar Saldana – “Mambo Hop” b/w Bop Hop” – 1954
The Rocking Brothers – “Play Boy Hop” – 1954
Rusty Bryant and the Carolyn Club Band – “House Rocker” – 1954
But no matter. Here is a look starting from the beginning in the early 1940’s and working our way through 1959. The titles in red text managed to reach the charts. Also including those bands (or solo’s) with some form of “rock” in their name!
Fats Waller – “Rockin’ Chair” – March 1942
Thelma Carpenter – “Just-a-Sittin’ and A-Rockin’ – December 1945
Brown’s Ferry Four – “Rockin’ on the Waves” – December 1946
Sonny Cole and the Rhythm Roamers – “Robinson Crusoe Bop” – May 1957
Milt Herth Trio – “Rockin’ in Rhythm” – May 1947
Joe Lutcher & His Society Cats – “Rockin’ Boogie” – October 1947
Big Bill – “Just Rocking” – January 1948
Manhattan Paul – “Rock and Roll” – September 1948
Ellis Walsh & the Barons – “Rockin’ the House” – 1948
Erline “Rock and Roll” Harris – “Rock and Roll Blues” – May 1949
Wild Bill Moore – “Rock and Roll” – June 1949
Paul Williams and His Hucklebuckers – “House Rocker” – July 1949
The Brits loved everything rock and roll and, as time marched on, they continued to support America’s founding rockers! Included, was Elvis Presley who never made an appearance in England – or anywhere outside of North America. He did perform a few times in Canada, but that was the extent of his international travels.
Several stories relate that Elvis developed a very early fear of flying, confirmed by his wife Priscilla. But I have also read that his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, prevented European travel, in particular, due to Parker’s shady past back in his home country of the Netherlands.
Andreas Cornelis van Kuijk: “Colonel” Tom Parker
Seems that Andreas had gotten into trouble with the law in the Netherlands, and acquired at least one quite serious charge whichj loomed heavily over his head, and so – Europe was off limits!
It’s a shame that Elvis couldn’t visit his European cousins. Countries outside of North America accounted for over 40 percent of his record sales! And as many of the UK articles attest, Elvis fans kept holding out hope that, because he was stationed in nearby Germany, that he would ‘hop on over’ to England to do a bit of entertaining.
Elvis and Parker right – Sam Phillips Shake on the Sale of Elvis
Onward to the U.K. with Elvis!
In spite of Elvis never landing on the shores of England, his popularity reigned. What we have here is a collection of music publications items that appeared of the career of Elvis in those earliest of years!
Bill Haley was like no other. He didn’t just arise out of country and rock a billy – He came roaring out with all instruments blazing. Far from being a teenager when he began to hit the charts with rock and roll – he was 26 when “Crazy Man, Crazy” hit and 30 years old when he released his anthem, “Rock Around the Clock”.
Haley and his Comet’s also defied the racial barriers when touring the deep South – appearing often with black musicians of the day – even in the face of severe threats – On one occasion a bundle of dynamite was planted by a KKK faction at a Comet concert but failed to detonate.
No Stopping the Comets
But for nearly a decade Haley would defy the odds of endurance for a pure rock and roll band scoring over 30 charting singles during his run.
Bill Haley was born William John Clifton Haley on July 6th, 1925 in Highland Park, Michigan William John Clifton Haley – He died on February 9th, 1981.
Cousin Lee and His Boys/Down Homers
In 1943, Haley joined Cousin Lee and His Boys included leader Arlee “Cousin Lee” Ellsworth – fiddle player Wayne “Brother Wayne” Wright and Bill “The Smilin’ Cowboy” Haley along with many others.
The next group Haley joined in 1945 was the “Down Homers” out of Harford, Connecticut. The group was comprised of Everett “Shorty Cook” Hinderer. Haley likely played on Down Homers’ sessions but may not have been involved on the two Vogue discs listed below. Haley is definitely pictured with the group in the photo below.
The Down Homers
Haley joined to replace the band’s yodeler who went into the Navy (yes Haley started off as a supreme yodeler). Kenny Roberts was the group’s bass fiddler and he worked very closely with Haley to develop his state presence. They performed out of Fort Wayne, Indiana on radio station WOWO.
Other members included Bob Mason, Guy Campbell and Lloyd Cornell. Kenny Roberts would return from the service to yodel on the below Vogue recordings – relegating Haley to playing guitar on the tracks dispelling theories that Haley was not in this group – it was verified by John Haley in his biography of Bill.
Range Drifters/Four Aces Of Swing/Bill “Jack” Haley & His Western Sextette
The Ranger Drifters
In 1946, Haley formed his first band on his own the “Four Aces of Western Swing” and very popular band performing in the Philadelphia region. With this group Haley was often featured yodeling and was one of the best, becoming known as “Silver Yodeling Bill Haley”.
Four Aces of Western Swing
This band was put together by Haley in part to fulfill a vision he held of a new kind of music – He was joined by his long-time friend James Allsman along with Albert Constantine on accordion and “Bashful Barney” Bernard on bass.
They signed with Jack Howard and cut several tracks in 1949 – Only two were released on Howard’s Cowboy label – Many musicians passed through the band while it lasted – a few being Rusty Keefer, Jimmy Maise and others – Haley gave up on the group sometime late in 1949 and went into a quiet and for him a depressing period.
Billy “Jack” Haley & Western Sextette
1949 Haley would form his All Western Sextet. This was a temporary arrangement of Haley working with various friends and members of his past groups with the intent of raising some additional cash in small venues such as movie houses and children’s venues.
Bill Haley and His Saddle Men
Haley would next form a band in 1952 called “Bill Haley and the Saddle Men”. He doubled up at the time as a DJ on radio station WPWA out of Chester, Pennsylvania. The Saddle Men were signed to the Keystone Records label and then Holiday Records in 1951.
This band was the historic basis of great things to come. Bill was joined by two eager musicians – Billy Williamson (steel guitar) and Johnny Grande (accordion – arranger). For a short time they were rounded out with 400 pound Al Thompson on bass – who also served as the band’s clown. By 1950 Thompson was replaced by Albert (“Al Rex”) Piccirlli and the first solid line-up of future rock pioneers was firmly in place.
Bill Haley in the Comets
As early as late 1951 the stage was set for Haley and his legacy. The Saddle Men would record the bopper “Rocket 88”.
In the summer of 1952 the group would take a new name “Bill Haley with Haley’s Comets”. The idea came from a fellow WPWA employee.
Haley and the Comets would take their next big landmark step when their recording of “Crazy Man, Crazy” would become the first true rocker to enter the American national pop charts.
Two more rockers would follow, first “Shake, Rattle and Roll” in the summer of 1954 and then “Dim, Dim the Lights (I Want Some Atmosphere)” in late 1954. Then came the ‘big one’ “(We’re Gonna) Rock Around the Clock” which catapulted to the top of the charts entering the Hot 100 in May, 1955 and spending eight weeks at the top!
The early members of the Comets at the start of things were Johnny Grande (piano), Billy Williamson (steel guitar), and Marshall Lytle (string bass). Many others would pass through the ranks – over 100 – Others who soon joined were Earl Famous (drums) who was quickly replaced by drummer Charlie Higler – who in turn was replaced by the guy who recommended him, Dick Boccelli. Beyond this in the early recording dates – session musicians were often used.
Even preceding “Crazy Man, Crazy” would be “Rock the Joint” which the group recorded in 1952. The Comets had been signed to Essex Records where “Crazy Man” was cut but then jumped over to Decca Records in New York City. The label has an entry/candidate of releasing the ‘first rock and roll record’ with “Saturday Night Fish Fry” by Louis Jordan in 1949!
By the way, the ‘first rock and roll’ record discussion will probably never be agreed upon especially if rhythm and blues and early rockabilly are tossed in.
Ironically, “Rock Around the Clock” was issued as a ‘b’ side with “Thirteen Women (And Only One Man In Town)” being the intended hit! So much would follow for Bill and his Comets – They would be the first rock and roll act to appear on Ed Sullivan (yes, ahead of Elvis) on August 7th, 1955. In May, they had appeared on Milton Berle’s TV show – Uncle Milty got into the act – dancing around the stage to Rock Around the Clock!
First Rockers! Ed Sullivan
Haley in the Jungle – 1955
There would be several appearances on American Bandstand and then the movies: Alan Freed’s “Rock Around the Clock”, and “Don’t Knock the Rock”. We all know what the movie “Blackboard Jungle” did for Haley as well as for the movie and rock music!
Haley and James Myers would learn that Decca had promoted “Thirteen Women” as the A side of this record and directed all the label’s publicity to the Garber composition. To make things worse – the label describes the song as a “Fox Trot”! James Myers never gave up and shopped “Rock Around the Clock” far and wide – personally delivering new copies to DJ’s who had probably never played the first one’s they received. But the big break comes when Decca is contacted by the director Richard Brook. Notice the promotional poster makes no mention of Haley or his riotous recording.
Richard Brook is looking for a song for his new movie and overheard “Rock Around the Clock” at his home where his teenage daughter was playing the the Comets platter. Decca feels that perhaps the publicity will help the track which never quite made it so they take one dollar from Brooks for the rights. This was the great game changer of all time for rock and roll!
Other young rockers would begin to displace the older – fatherly-like Haley starting in 1957 although the Comets remained wildly popular in the U.K.
Haley & Comets – Europe Tour – February, 1957
Haley would depart Decca when record sales waned – move over to Warner Bros., but it was too late – None of the WB singles would reach the charts. Several incarnations of Comets would carry on sometimes with sometimes without Bill and often competing assemblages of Comets.
June 18th, 1955
Colorado Connections
The co-song writer for Rock Around the Clock, James Myers, would record on Denver’s independent Band Box Record label in the Fall of 1961 cutting two tracks in Philadelphia and contracting them out to Band Box. De Knight under his real name – James Myers – would contract more than a half dozen of his artist recordings to Band Box.
James Myers and Bill Haley
These included songs by Buddy Kain, Terry Sawyer, Bobby Latin, Sue Leban, Dean Hayden, Joe Valino and Steve Gibson and His Red Caps!
Bill Haley appeared in Colorado:
May 15th, 1956 with Bo Diddley at the Denver Coliseum
February 16th, 1964 at The Pitcher 3.2 Club
April 13th, 1970 with The Coasters, The Shirelles, The Drifters, Bo Diddley and Chuck Berry at the Denver Auditorium Arena
Haley and Comets Bright Trail Fades
Haley was an entertainer and continued to perform for many years post-hit-era – He passed through many record labels releasing many singles without any success. Haley passed away at the age of only 55 on February 9th, 1981 – Remarkable how much life he packed into those 55 years.
The original three Comets have also passed on as have many of the more noted members from along the way.
He was cremated and there are no grave stones commemorating his life.
Bill Haley and the Comets Discography (& Related)
78 Picture Disk – Down Homers – Vogue – Out Where The West Wind Blows b/w Who’s Gonna Kiss You When I’m Gone – July, 1946
78 Picture Disk – Down Homers – Vogue – Baby I Found Out All About You b/w Boogie Woogie Yodel – April, 1947
78 – Cowboy – Bill Haley and the 4 Aces of Western Swing – Too Many Parties And Too Many Pals b/w Four Leaf Clover Blues – August, 1948
Earliest known single
78 Cowboy – The 4 Aces of Swing – Tennessee Border b/w Candy Kisses – March, 1949
78 – Cowboy (as Reno Browne and Her Buckaroos) Bill Haley on Vocals – My Sweet Little Girl From Nevada b/w My Palomino and I – Recorded 1949 – Released 1950
Reno Browne was an actress and did not appear on this record – It was Bill Haley & The Saddle Men. Reno appeared in “B” type western movies and this was a PR favor on her behalf.
78 – Center – (as) Johnny Clifton and His String Band – Stand Up and Be Counted b/w Loveless Blues – 1949
78 – Keystone – Bill Haley and the Saddle Men – Deal Me A Hand b/w Ten Gallon Stetson – April, 1950
“Stetson” was composed by Jimmy DeKnight (James Meyers) composer of “Rock Around the Clock”
78 – Keystone – Bill Haley and the Saddle Men – Susan Van Dusan b/w I’m Not To Blame – April, 1950
78 – Atlantic – Bill Haley and the Saddle Men – Susan Van Dusan b/w I’m Not To Blame – April, 1950
This was one of four tracks leased to Atlantic records – two were not released
78 – Holiday – Bill Haley and the Saddlemen – Rocket ’88 b/w Tearstains On My Heart – July, 1951
For this first record on the Holiday label – the group was supplemented by lead guitarist Danny Cedrone. Shortly after it’s release – bass player Al Rex departs the band to form his own and is replaced by Marshall Lytle a guitar player who Haley teaches his style of bass. The Holiday recordings were a conscious effort by label owner Dave Miller to capture a “black sound” without revealing the group was white (ref: “Sound & Glory”).
78 – Holiday – Bill Haley and the Saddlemen – Greet Tree Boogie b/w Down Deep In My Heart – August, 1951
78 – Abbey – Rose Of My Heart – November, 1951
The Saddle Men backed vocalist Curly Herdman on this one-off session
At this point Haley’s band was essentially transformed into what would be recognized as the first true rock and roll band in the world – although they would still perform country when it was necessary.
78 – Holiday 111 – Bill Haley and the Saddlemen – I Don’t Want To Be Alone For Christmas b/w A Year Ago This Christmas
78 – Holiday 113 – Bill Haley and the Saddlemen – Juke Box Cannon Ball b/w Sundown Boogie – 1952
This is the only known Holiday 45 rpm release and was also the final release for the Saddlemen on Holiday
78 – Gotham – Two Timin’ Blues b/w Long Gone Baby – late 1951
Haley adds another vocalist to perform with the Saddle Men on their outdoor engagements – Lou Graham – They accompany him into the studio to record on the Gotham record label
Haley would next add fiddle player Arrett “Rusty” Keefer to the lineup – According to John Haley he was a bass and guitar player as well but primarily “was his prolific ability to write some of the best tunes in the business”. And in the coming years Rusty would be valuable contributor of many Haley/Comets releases.
78 – Essex – Bill Haley with the Saddle Men – Icy Heart b/w Rock the Joint – February, April, 1952
This was to be Haley’s first recorded venture into rock and roll – Once again guitarist Danny Cedrone was invited into the studio to assume lead duties – Cedrone laid down the licks which would be replicated in short order on the Comets monster hit to come.
45 – Essex – Dance With A Dolly (With A Hole In Her Stockin’) b/w Rocking Chair On the Moon – July, 1952
Now in 1952 Haley asked promoter, composer, and record publishing company owner James Myers to support his band with his services. Myers would in short order compose the big one with Max Freedman – “(We’re Gonna) Rock Around the Clock” – Haley also quickly added James “Lord Jim” Ferguson as a hustling and “crafty” band manager.
James Meyers – Haley with “Lord Jim”
It is 1952 and a band meeting takes place with Ferguson – He urges the band to lose the cowboy hats and cowboy getup – and to find a more appropriate name – Haley’s “Comets” are born. Haley switches out the band’s use of a baritone sax with a tenor sax – providing the final element of “the sound” he has searched so hard for.
78/45 – Essex – Stop Beatin’ Around the Bush b/w Real Rock Drive – September, 1952
45 – Essex – Farewell, So Long, Goodbye b/w Live It Up! – 1953
45 – Essex – I’ll Be True b/w Ten Little Indians – December, 1953
Earliest Essex 45 rpm
45 – Trans-World – Crazy Man Crazy b/w Whatcha’ Gonna Do – 1954
45 – Essex – Crazy Man Crazy – Number 12 Pop Charts b/w Whatcha’ Gonna’ Do – May, 1954
“Whatcha’ Gonna Do” was the intended “A” side but teenagers were flipping over “Crazy Man, Crazy” – and the song would change the future direction of the band. The line-up for these tracks included lead guitarist Art Ryerson, Bill Gussack on drums (and new instrument for the group) Billy Williamson on steel guitar, Marshall Lytle on bass, Johnny Grande on piano and Haley on rhythm guitar.
45 – Trans-World – Yes, Indeed b/w Real Rock Drive – 1954
45 – Essex – Live It Up b/w Farewell – So Long Good-Bye – September, 1953
Joey Ambrose – a 19-year-old sax player is brought into the group completing the classic Comet rock line-up. Ambrose brings much additional excitement to the Comets’ stage act – Joey often wades into the audience toting and blowing his sax like a wild man.
1954 Decca Records Era
Bill Haley – far from being the “country bumpkin” many would ascribe to him later, was a devout R&B fan – listening and learning from the genre at every opportunity. The Comets would be thrown out of many southern honky-tonks when they would launch into their new style of music – which nobody seems to understand.
This would all change when James Myers approaches a contact at Decca in New York after being rejected by RCA and Columbia – A&R man for R&B releases Milt Garber. He likes what he hears and signs the Comets to a contract. “(We’re Gonna) Rock Around the Clock” would be the Comets first’ time out along with Garber’s “Thirteen Women”. The record would not take off – even though it was receiving some air play. Starting with “Shake Rattle & Roll” – most of Haley’s releases would chart – Amazingly for the yodeling and singing cowboy he had formerly been – Haley never charted on the Country Charts. He was often scorned by country purists for his “experimental” sound which he never quite nailed until embarking on these Decca years.
45 – Decca – Shake Rattle and Roll – Number 7 Hot 100 – Number 4 UK b/w A.B.C. Boogie – August, 1954
This was the Comets second session with Decca with both tracks being recorded on July 7th, 1954 – with Panama Francis on drums and Danny Cedrone on lead guitar
Having lost the Comets to Decca – David Miller of Essex Records wasn’t about to stand still – After the success of “Rock Around The Clock” Miller floods the market with Comets releases on Essex as well as Trans-World – another Miller label. Eventually Haley would file suit to prevent the release of these tracks which Haley felt lacked the new feel and sound of the Decca tracks – but would halt the suit when Essex went bankrupt.
Things ended up better for Miller eventually with his work in Europe bearing fruit – and over time his releases there (by other artists) would sell over 200 million total copies.
David Miller – Essex
45 – Decca – Dim, Dim the Lights – Number 11 Hot 100 – Number 10 R&B b/w Happy Baby – November, 1954
These two tracks were Haley’s third session which occurred on September 21st, 1954. New studio guitar player Frank “Franny” Beecher would join the Comets for this release. He had formerly played with The Buckaroo Ramblers, then Benny Goodman and Buddy Greco. After this session Haley would ask Beecher to join the Comets permanently for stage appearances.
45 – Essex – Green Tree Boogie b/w Rocket 88 – 1954
45 EP – Essex – For Your Dance Party – 1954
First Extended Play for Bill Haley and the Comets
45 EP – Shake Rattle and Roll – 1954
The first Extended Play released by Decca for Haley and the Comets
The Colonel Comes Calling
In the fall of 1954 Haley was contacted by Colonel Parker – manager for a young Elvis Presley. Parker asked if Elvis could possibly appear on a tour of the Midwest with the Comets – Bill agreed and so Omaha, Nebraska became the venue for their dual appearance, Elvis and Haley would team up again in New York City at a Brooklyn High School concert for no fee.
45 – Decca – (We’re Gonna) Rock Around the Clock – Number 1 8 Weeks Hot 100 – Number 3 R&B – Number 17 UK – January, 1955
This record was released before his first two charting Decca singles but hit big when Blackboard Jungle was released
The song would chart a twice again – first in April of 1968 peaking at number 118 and then again in March of 1974 topping out at number 39 due to it’s appearance and the soundtrack of the Happy Days TV show. It would be the final chart appearance for Haley and the Comets.
45 – Decca – Mambo Rock – Number 18 Hot 100 – Number 14 UK – b/w Birth of the Boogie – Number 17 Hot 100 – March, 1955
45 – Decca – Razzle Dazzle – Number 15 Hot 100 – Number 13 UK – b/w Two Hound Dogs – July, 1955
The Comets song “Razzle Dazzle ” is featured in the motion picture “Running Wild” – May of 1955
45 – Essex – Farewell, So Long, Goodbye b/w Rock the Joint – 1955
September, 1955 – Comets Burn Out
In a shocking move – three of the Comets quit the band in September of 1955 over a pay dispute – Haley is not present when they submit their resignation to management – The Comets would lose the talents of Joey Ambrose, Marshall Lytle, and Dick Richards. They go on to form the Jodimars and record for Capitol Records –
They are soon replaced by bass player Al Rex who had played with The Comets previously, premier sax player Rudy Pompilli, and drummer Don Raymond. Pompilli would stay with The Comets for 21 years – He previously had played with Ralph Marterie’s orchestra. Raymond was a veteran from the Desi Arnez band.
Bill and Buddy – October 14th, 1955
On October 14th, 1955 – Haley becomes separated from his band on the way to a performance in Lubbock – A frantic promoter asks Haley to take the stage without them and says he has a band who can back him up. Backstage Haley meets a young Buddy Holly asking him “Do you know my songs?” “All of them!” Holly replies and so for the first 30 minutes of the performance – Haley takes the mike backed by The Crickets. Finally the Comets arrive.
45 – Decca – Rock-A-Beatin’ Boogie – Number 9 Hot 100 b/w Burn That Candle – November, 1955
Drummer Departs
November 1955 – drummer Don Raymond departs after a fist fight with Haley – having been a Comet for two short months. Ralph Jones formerly of Little Ernie’s Four Horsemen” with Rudy – takes his place.
45 – Decca – See You Later Alligator – Number 6 Hot 100 – Number 7 R&B – Number 7 UK – b/w The Paper Boy – January, 1956
The tiny little voice that opens the song belongs to Comet Franny Beecher. The recording becomes the Comets first gold record.
Racism and Hatred Rear Their Ugly Heads
1956 was a tumultuous year for Haley and his Comets – Politicians, the police, the KKK, DJ’s and other performers launched a vicious campaign against the band and their music calling it the devil’s music and “nigger jungle music”. At one point a rock and roll performance in the deep South is evacuated and police find 7 sticks of dynamite hooked up to a timing device that failed trigger. The KKK appear at many of the Comets performances – The New York Times and many other papers lash out at Haley.
Columbia Pictures Beckons – January, 1956
In January, 1956 Columbia calls again – this time to feature Bill Haley & The Comets in movie paralleling their own rise to fame – It would appropriately be called “Rock Around The Clock”. The adult world protests it’s release but teenagers love it and the soundtrack is one of the best and most exciting in rock history.
The “Super Atrraction” Tour – The Hatred Intensifies
On January 25th Bill Haley & the Comets headline and kickoff a rock ‘n roll tour featuring his Comets as the only white act – accompanied by his dear friend Big Joe Turner, the Platters, the Turbans, the Five Keys, the Drifters and Red Prysock & His Rock ‘n Roll Orchestra.
Backlash is immediate – Audiences are promptly segregated on Southern appearances and the band receives more death threats.
45 – Decca – R-O-C-K – Number 16 Hot 100 – Number 15 R&B – b/w The Saints Rock and Roll – Number 18 Hot 100 – Number 5 UK – April, 1956
“Commie Music”
On March 30th an article appears in the New York Times calling rock and roll music a “communist disease”.
45 – Decca – Hot Dog Buddy Buddy – Number 60 Hot 100 b/w Rockin’ Through the Rye – Number 78 Hot 100 – Number 3 UK – July, 1956
45 – Decca – Rip It Up – Number 25 Hot 100 – Number 4 UK b/w Teenager’s Mother – Number 68 Hot 100 – August, 1956
“Teenage Mother” was a “message song” according to John Haley – perhaps the first ever in Rock ‘n Roll – singing about freedom in music – due to all the intense criticism being heaped on rock and roll in general and Bill Haley & The Comets in particular.
45 – Decca – Rudy’s Rock – Number 34 Hot 100 – Number 26 UK b/w Blue Comet Blues – November, 1956
45 – Trans -World – Yes, Indeed b/w Real Rock Drive – 1956
45 – Decca – Don’t Knock the Rock – Number 30 – Number 7 UK b/w Choo Choo Ch’Boogie – Number 30 – February, 1957
Don’t Knock The Rock Motion Picture Released
The Comets were again featured in this film which was attacked and banned in many cities. The title is a statement thrown back at the critics. In spite of a thin plot – the music is pure and straight ahead rock and roll.
45 – Decca – Forty Cups of Coffee – Number 70 Hot 100 – b/w Hook, Line and Sinker – Number 70 – April, 1957
The Opposition Mounts
Steve Allen mocks rock and roll with his sarcastic readings of song lyrics – After hearing one of these Haley tells his manager to never book the Comets on “that idiots’ show”. Later Allen has Elvis perform “Hound Dog” while dressed in a ridiculous suit – not permitting him to make any stage moves – while singing to a Basset Hound – all designed to belittle the music.
Haley is particularly hurt by criticism from performers which include Teresa Brewer, Frank Sinatra, Mitch Miller, Rosemary Clooney and Meredith Wilson.
FBI Director Edgar Hoover sets up surveillance of the rock music industry – certain that it is communist inspired. The American Communist Party releases its own lambasting of the music! Haley is taken back but never wavers. In interview after interview he maintains his support and love of the music and its fans – black and white.
Some do rally behind Haley with kind words and encouragement such as Kate Smith, Benny Goodman, Sammy Kaye and Duke Ellington.
The Comets Take On the World – The Australian Tour
The Comets head for Australia in January headlining a tour that includes again Big Joe Turner, Lavern Baker, The Platters and Freddie Bell & The Bell Boys. Seven thousand fans attend the Sydney performance and that is topped with 20,000 attending four shows in Brisbane – then 40,000 in Melbourne – When the Australian tour is over – more than 300,000 were treated to the best rock and roll on earth with thousands more turned away and with Haley not giving in presenting integrated rock shows!
The tour takes a health toll on Haley – both physical and mental – but it is then back home for a rest.
45 – Decca – (You Hit the Wrong Note) Billy Goat – Number 60 Hot 100 – b/w Rockin’ Rollin’ Rover – June, 1957
Comet Mania in Britain
Teddy Boys Hail Haley
The Comets board the Queen Elizabeth on January 30th to take their brand of rock ‘n roll to England. They take it by storm – The crowds – the hysteria – the press – the coverage all preview events to come later with the home grown Fab Four.
The legacy of The Comets English tour are so well documented in “Sound and Glory” that alone justifies tracking down a copy to relive that exciting time when Great Britain embraced the greatest rock and roll band on Earth! In a side note “Rock Around The Clock” on the Brunswick label earlier became the first British recording to sell one million copies.
Total concert attendance for the Comet tour exceeded 650,000!
The First Million Seller in the UK!
45 – Decca – The Dipsy Doodle b/w Miss You – August, 1957
Valley Brook, Arcade and Seabreeze Publishing
These were Haley’s publishing companies which he dedicated much of his time to and included a large stable of performers including The Matys Brothers, Dotti Malone, The Morrison Sisters, Kitty Nation, Rusty Keefer, Lou Graham and many others.
45 – Decca – Rock the Joint b/w How Many b/w How Many – October, 1957
45 – Decca – Mary, Mary Lou b/w It’s A Sin – December, 1957
45 – Decca – Skinny Minnie – Number 22 Hot 100 b/w Sway With Me – April, 1958
45 – Decca – Lean Jean – Number 67 Hot 100 August, b/w Don’t Nobody Move – August, 1958
Off to Brazil and Latin America
The Comets head to Brazil and add guitarist and interpreter Joe Oliver – but he is unable to interpret Portuguese which is spoken in Brazil. The concerts are all sold out throughout Latin America.
45 – Decca – Whoa Mabell b/w Chiquita Linda (Un Poquito De Tu Amor) – September, 1958
Writing on the Wall and Comets Moonlight
“In 1958 record sales for Bill Haley and His Comets were slipping at Decca, so the Comets were allowed to do some “moonlighting” work. This was one result and “Week End” made the Billboard Top 40. As Billboard reported at the time, this caused a problem as the Kingsmen were expected to appear on American Bandstand and other TV shows to promote the record but couldn’t because they’d violate the contract with Decca.
A “road band” version of the Kingsmen was formed for concerts and TV appearances as a result. Obviously this is not to be confused with the group that recorded Louie, Louie, but “Week End” is occasionally listed in error as one of the later group’s recordings.”
45 – East West – (as the Kingsmen) – Week End – Number 35 Hot 100 b/w Better Believe It – September, 1958
45 – Decca – Corrine, Corrina b/w B. B. Betty – November, 1958
45 – Decca – I Got A Woman b/w Charmaine – February, 1959
45 – Decca – (Now and Then There’s (A Fool Such As I) b/w Where’d You Go Last Night – March, 1959
45 – Decca – Caldona – Number 113 Bubbling Under b/w Shaky – June, 1959
45 – Decca – Joey’s Song – Number 46 Hot 100 b/w Ooh! Look-A-There, Ain’t She Pretty – October, 1959
45 – Decca – Skokiaan (South Africa Song) – Number 70 Hot 100 b/w Puerto Rican Peddler – January, 1960
1960 – Motion Picture “Here To Stay”
The Comets appear in the German motion picture “Here I Am, Here I Stay” starring Caterina Valente – 1960
The Comets’ story takes a sad turn as Haley’s enterprises tumble into bankruptcy – He extended his efforts too far and has invested in many artists who would never realize any success. But the glory days were gone – Haley would continue with various recording efforts and revivals of sorts – but it would never be the same – as is the story for nearly every rocker. But he did it his way. He believed in rock and roll and saw it through – launching a sound that would change the world!
The final most valid Comet lineup included long timers and business partners Billy Williamson and John Grande – with guitarist Johnny Kay, drummer Ed Ward, Al Rappa, Franny Beecher and Rudy Pompilii rounding out the lineup. Grande departs in 1962 as does Beecher and Ralph Jones – Williamson leaves in early 1963 – There would still be a Comets’ lineup for years to come but they would never again blaze through the sky as they once did.
I saw Bill Haley and the Comets only once – in 1973 in Fresno, California in a “Caravan of Stars” tour that included The Chiffons, the Shirelles, Ron Holden, Dorsey Burnett, Freddy Cannon, Chubby Checker and Big Joe Turner. Turner was escorted onto the stage to a chair due to his age and being crippled – where he sat and pounded out “Shake, Rattle and Roll” with his original lyrics. Bill Haley and the Comets would follow with “Rock Around the Clock” and the world was a great place!
(John Haley reports that with most of the recordings shown below – proceeds were usually confiscated by the I.R.S. for back taxes. – I am only including recordings for which I have located images – His entire discography around the world is stunning and well preserved in “Sound and Glory”.)
45 – Warner Bros. – Chick Safari b/w Hawk – 1960
45 – Warner Bros. – Let the Good Times Roll, Creole b/w So Right Tonight – August, 1960
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