On April 12, 1954, Bill Haley and His Comets recorded “(We’re Gonna) Rock Around the Clock” in New York City, marking the birth of rock ‘n’ roll. The song topped the U.S. Billboard singles chart for eight weeks and was a major hit in the United Kingdom. It was a blend of country & western and rhythm & blues that Haley described as the rock revolution. The 12-bar blues tune featured a bouncy bass beat and blistering guitar solo, setting the standard for the genre.
Recorded as an afterthought for Decca Records at Pythian Temple Studios in Manhattan, the song was captured in just two takes and mixed onto a third tape by producer Milt Gabler, showcasing remarkable engineering for its time. The repetitive lyrics of “Rock Around the Clock” celebrated partying all night, a motif that would be echoed by future rock acts. Despite being the b-side to “Thirteen Women,” the song gained popularity when a 10-year-old boy in Los Angeles fell in love with it and its rebellious teen anthem caught on in the movie “Blackboard Jungle,” inspiring spontaneous dancing in theater aisles.
Legendary guitarist Joe Walsh provided the signature solo on Ringo Starr’s recent remake of “Rock Around the Clock,” illustrating the lasting impact of the song. In the 1970s, the track enjoyed a resurgence as the opening song to the film “American Graffiti” and the theme song of the TV show “Happy Days.” The energetic tune continues to be recognized as the first rock song heard by millions around the world. Despite being overshadowed by Elvis Presley in later years, Haley’s contribution to the genre remains significant and influential.
It was Bill Haley and His Comets who first combined country & western with rhythm & blues to create rock ‘n’ roll, paving the way for future artists. The session that produced “Rock Around the Clock” was originally meant for a different song, but time constraints led the band to record the now-iconic track. The simple yet catchy 12-bar blues tune, with its bouncy bass beat and blistering guitar solo, set a new standard for music. The song’s success led to a global sensation, with its rebellious teen anthem inspiring dancing and mayhem in movie theaters.
Despite the song initially being the b-side to another track, “Rock Around the Clock” gained popularity thanks to a young boy in Los Angeles and its inclusion in the movie “Blackboard Jungle.” The film’s rebellious theme resonated with audiences, leading to widespread recognition of the song. In recent years, the track has been covered by artists like Ringo Starr, keeping its legacy alive. The song’s combination of catchy lyrics, lively beat, and memorable guitar solo continues to captivate audiences and define the rock ‘n’ roll genre.
