303 – [Daniel Glass Show]: Deconstructing “Rock Around the Clock”
In this session, Daniel deconstructs Bill Haley’s 1950s classic tune “Rock Around The Clock,” and explains how understanding more about its evolution can influence musicians in the 21st Century.
What’s covered in this session:
- Understanding the historical importance of “Rock Around the Clock.”
- Bill Haley’s origins as leader of a Western Swing outfit called the Saddlemen.
- Haley’s other influences, the most important of which was African-American Rhythm and Blues.
- A look at drummer Billy Gussak, a NYC swing-era veteran who played on many Haley sessions.
- “The Blackboard Jungle,” the 1955 film that featured “Rock Around the Clock” in the opening credits.
- Although their sound and instrumentation is not what we would consider “rock’n’roll” by today’s standards, Bill Haley and His Comets had more to do with introducing rock to teen audiences than any other band of the 1950s.
Resources/Links/People Mentioned:
- The CD Rock Around The Clock
- Daniel’s interview with Bill Haley’s drummer Dick Richards
- Influence: Hank Williams, Cold, Cold Heart (1951)
- Influence: Jimmy Preston’s Rock the Joint (1949)
- Influence: Rocket 88 by Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats (1951)
- Trailer for Blackboard Jungle (1955)