Mo's Manic Monday - Rock

Posted: Monday, June 29, 2009 by Travis Cody in
15


Welcome to another Manic Monday with Morgen. Don't forget to cruise by MM HQ at the Manic Monday blog. Today's theme is Rock.

I've got just a small taste of rock and roll history for you today.

The song Rock Around the Clock was written in 1952 by Max C. Freedman and James E. Myers. The song was first recorded by Sonny Dae and the Knights on 20 March 1954, with a swing/blues vibe.


Bill Haley and His Comets "rocked" the song up when they recorded it on 12 April 1954. This version is often credited as the song that brought American rock and roll front and center.


The Bill Haley version of the song is the one that hit the charts and is considered song #158 on the Rolling Stone magazine list of 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

15 comments:

  1. Anonymous says:

    Great MM That song brings back some memories I tell ya :)

  1. A litte bit of history is always cool... Will have to get back home to check out the video, though...

  1. How about that accordion in a rock 'n roll band! Love it. And yes, it does bring back some memories of the original American Bandstand with Dick Clark, from Philadelphia. Well done!

  1. Schmoop says:

    Rock On, Trav...Rock On. Cheers!!

  1. From such a great start Bill Halley had such a sad ending.

  1. Rock around the clock is pretty decent.

  1. Linda says:

    Great choice for this week's theme; you can't beat some old time rock n' roll!

  1. Akelamalu says:

    Well you learn something new every day! I didn't know that it had been recorded before Bill Haley did it. :)

  1. Well, Travis, I know why Bill Haley and the Commets made and that other group didn't...Ha! :)

  1. Anndi says:

    You have no idea how much I danced to Bill Haley in our basement as a kid :)

    ... and still do!

  1. You rock, Trav. Oh, and I prefer the Bill Haley version, I must say.

  1. Very cool, Trav! Thanks for taking us back. :)

    Have a great week.

  1. Thom: It was the first thing that came to mind when I saw the word, and I couldn't think of anything better.

    Terra: I think you'll enjoy it.

    Driller: I know! Bandstand was a big hit with me too for a time when I was little.

    Matt: Yup yup!

    John: At least we'll always have the music.

    Charles: Had to start somewhere, and this gets the job done.

    Linda: Indeed.

    Akelamalu: Many of the very early rock tunes were re-envisioned from blues or swing tunes.

    Mary: You do?? Tell!

    Ann: Bet I can guess!

    Songbird: I actually like both versions.

    CWM: I think the Bill Haley version stands up even today.

  1. Dianne says:

    I didn't know any of that, thanks!!

  1. Kanani says:

    I just love that song. Ironically, given that I was born in 1960, the first time I heard it was when that show "Happy Days" was on!