Bill Haley

Bill Haley (July 6, 1925 - February 9, 1981) was a rock and roll musician.

He was born in Detroit, Michigan and was raised in Pennsylvania. He made a number of unsuccessful country music singles in the 1940s, including with the band the "Downhomers", including working for Cowboy Records 1948-1949 whilst working as a touring musician and later a DJ. In 1951 he and his band, The Saddlemen, changed styles, recording cover versions of Jackie Brenston's "Rocket 88" and "Rock this Joint". The relative success of the latter of these convinced Haley that he could be a successful rock and roller. In 1952 The Saddlemen became Bill Haley & the Comets;, who were important in launching the music to a wider (white) audience. The band's famous cover of Rock Around the Clock is a serious contender for the title of first rock and roll record.