Rock Around the Clock

Bill Haley and His Comets recorded one of the first successful rock and roll anthems in the year 1954. “Rock Around the clock” was number one on the charts eight weeks in a row, with approximately 25 million copies of this hit single sold worldwide. During this time period there were four societal rules that were not to be broken. “Rock Around the Clock” shattered two of these rules to pieces; these rules were to conform to society as well as obey authority figures. According to archives in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, “Haley has been called ‘the Father of Rock and Roll’” and for good reason. He gave birth to one of the greatest music sensations of all time, becoming successful in everything but conformity. He made waves larger than a tsunami and he was proud of it. “Before [‘Rock Around the Clock’] became a hit in summer 1955…rock ‘n’ roll was virtually an underground movement, something kids listened to on the sly;” thus, the second cardinal rule of society was broken. Teenagers were listening to this music whether the authorities approved or not. “Put you glad rags on and join me, hon, we’ll have some fun when the clock strikes one.” Haley made it clear by this line, as well as the remainder of the song, that “the beat generation” had arrived and it was going to be celebrated all day and all night. In one fell swoop the work of Max C. Freedman and James E. Myers, recorded by Bill Haley and His comets, rejected conformity and set the stage for all musicians to come; he ignited a musical revolution.