Rock Around the Clock

"Rock Around the Clock" is a pop song from 1953. Although first recorded by Sunny Dae & the Knights, the more famous version by Bill Haley and his Comets is not strictly speaking a cover version as the song had been written specifically for Haley, but for various reasons he was unable to record it himself until 1954. Although not the first rock and roll record (that honor belongs to Haley's cover version of the 1951 Jackie Brentson RnB song, "Rocket 88") it is considered by many to be the song that put rock and roll on the map in America. The lyrics were based on numerous blues tunes about romantic prowess, but in Haley's hands they took on a more innocent teenage atmosphere of dancing all night long.

Haley's version was first released in 1954, as a B-side to "Thirteen Women (and Only One Man in Town)." It was not until 1955, when "Rock Around the Clock" was used under the opening credits of the film Blackboard Jungle, that the song truly took off. It was strong, simple, and loud, and you could dance to it.

The record producer was Milt Gabler, and the song was credited to "Jimmy DeKnight" and Max Freedman although its exact authorship is disputed.

"Rock Around the Clock" became the first rock and roll recording to hit the top of the American record charts, a feat it repeated on charts around the world. Haley would re-record the song many times over the years, but never recaptured the magic. In 1974, the song returned to the American charts when it was used as the theme for the movie American Graffiti and the TV series Happy Days. Haley's version is believed to have sold more than 25 million copies over the last 50 years, and is said to be playing somewhere in the world every minute of the day.