In 1954, Rock Around the Clock by Bill Haley & His Comets was first released as the B-side to “Thirteen Women.” It wasn’t until its use in the 1955 film, The Blackboard Jungle by Richard Brooks, that the song became a mega-hit.
While this rock and roll classic may have appealed to members of the Silent Generation and Baby Boomers, Bill Haley – born in 1925 – was certainly of the Greatest Generation.
Rock Around the Clock is widely considered one of the most influential songs of the Twentieth Century. It was the first rock and roll song to reach #1 on the Billboard Pop chart, changing music history.
Later in the 70s, Rock Around the Clock would again cement its place in American media as the theme song for Happy Days.
What are your thoughts on Rock Around the Clock? Do you appreciate its place in music history or is it still a bit raucous and silly?
Have a listen below and tell us what you think in the comments or on social media!
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