5. Bill Haley
Bill Haley is widely regarded as the “Father of Rock and Roll”. He was born in 1925 in Highland Park, Michigan. He began his musical career in the late 1940s when he started playing guitar and singing in various country and western bands. He signed with Decca Records in 1954 and formed his own band, Bill Haley and His Comets, with whom he recorded his first hit song, “Rock Around the Clock”, which was featured in the movie Blackboard Jungle (1955). He soon became one of the most influential and popular rock and roll artists with his energetic performances, distinctive voice, and signature hairstyle.
Some of his most famous songs include “Shake, Rattle and Roll”, “See You Later, Alligator”, “Razzle Dazzle”, “Rock-A-Beatin’ Boogie”, “Burn That Candle”, and “Skinny Minnie”. He also appeared in several movies, such as Rock Around the Clock (1956), Don’t Knock the Rock (1956), Rockin’ Through the Rye (1956), and Mister Rock and Roll (1957). He sold over 60 million records worldwide and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He died in 1981 at the age of 55.
Bill Haley is considered to be one of the most influential and popular figures in the history of rock music. He pioneered the use of rock and roll as a soundtrack for movies and television shows. He also popularized rock and roll music among the mainstream audience and the international market. He influenced many other artists, such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Queen, AC/DC, and more. He also had a huge impact on the culture and society of his time. He helped to create a new sense of identity and freedom for the youth culture and the post-war generation.