About
Guitarist and bandleader who was one of Bill Haley's Comets, playing on their hugely popular track, "Rock Around the Clock."
Before Fame
He was a talented guitarist and jazz player, making a name for himself locally with the Esquire Boys, when he was hired by Bill Haley and what was then his country group, Bill Haley and His Saddlemen.
Trivia
He played guitar on Haley's cover of "Rocket 88," the first proto-rock 'n' roll song, and on "Rock the Joint," the solo he imitated, almost note for note, on "Rock Around the Clock."
Family Life
He was married to Carmela "Millie" Cassella on March 21, 1939.
Associated With
His own song, "Shake, Rattle and Roll," became a huge hit in its own right after being featured in the credits of Richard Brooks' film, Blackboard Jungle.
