Haley & The Comets recorded "Rock Around The Clock" in 1954 but ti became a smash hit when it was included in the movie "The Blackboard Jungle". You are correct: it was always rock and roll. Sadly, it died in 1976 when disco and punk ruled and teen idol-like groups took over the airwaves. JT - 1936
If memory serves me corretly Bill Haley & the Comets hit #1 on the charts July 9, 1956 with Rock Around the clock, though it was rcorded earlier. I know, I was senior in high school then. Incidentally, it is today's youngstes that have come up with the term "rockabilly," I never heard that word 'til I was in my 60s. Sorry young people, but we called it rock and roll no matter how much you would like to change it . Today's music is not rock and roll no matter who defines it. JAB- 1939
Philips was from Louisiana. A navy veteran, and one time bellhop, he cowrote the Sea Of Love to show how much he loved his girlfriend. Later he became a radio disc jockey.
Factually, Rock Around the Clock was performed by Bill Haley and the (or His) Comets. Not that I was around to experience it or anything, I 'm just a musical omnivore that thinks he knows everything, but DOES NOT. In fact, I'm probably wrong right now. THE END.