The Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll?
In the summer of 1954, singer-songwriter Bill Haley and his new group, the Comets, introduced a rollicking new tune that fused elements of country music, Western swing and rhythm and blues.
“(We’re Gonna) Rock Around the Clock” became a smash with nightclub audiences and went on to be the first rock ‘n’ roll song to hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts, selling more than 40 million copies worldwide.
More importantly, it propelled rock ‘n’ roll as we know it onto the national scene, inspiring generations of rock musicians.
Where did Haley first perform his groundbreaking hit? It wasn’t Cleveland, the self-proclaimed birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll. It wasn’t New York City or even Memphis. It was the southern New Jersey beach resort of Wildwood-by-the-Sea.
For those who want to relive the rock ‘n’ roll era, the Wildwoods’ Fabulous ‘50s Weekend is held each October. For more information, call 609-729-4000 or visit www.fabfifties.com.
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