William John Clifton Haley, professionally known as Bill Haley, was the pioneer of rock & roll music in the 20th century. He was the first white artist to record a rhythm & blues hit, "Rocket 88," in 1951, and later scored a rockabilly hit with "Rock The Joint" in 1952.
In 1953, Haley entered the Billboard & Cashbox Top 20 with his composition "Crazy Man Crazy," which some historians believe is the first rock & roll record. He enjoyed two million-sellers with "Dim Dim The Lights" and "Shake, Rattle & Roll" in 1954.
Haley's recording of "Rock Around The Clock" was used in the MGM movie Blackboard Jungle in 1955 and became his first #1 hit, which remains the greatest-selling single record of all time. From 1955 to 1960, he enjoyed 22 Top 30 Hits and appeared in four movies.
In 1960, Haley fled to Mexico due to legal issues and became known as the "Spanish King Of Twist." He had a best-selling record in Latin America with "Florida Twist" and starred in three movies.
Haley had a major worldwide comeback in 1968, and his 1970 album "Rock Around The Country" was artistically successful. He appeared in The London Rock and Roll Show in 1973 and toured extensively with the Richard Nader Revival Package Shows.
In 1976, his saxophonist Rudy Pompilli died of lung cancer, and Haley retired for three years. He returned to music in 1979 and toured the UK and Germany, performing a command show for the Queen.
In 1981, Haley passed away on February 9th after a tour of South Africa due to a brain tumor. There are currently four bands playing under the "The Comets" banner, including the official band led by Al Rappa and a band featuring drummer John "Bam Bam" Lane.
