Musician; born in Highland Park, Mich. A pioneering rock 'n' roll singer, he led country-and-western bands around Philadelphia between 1942--52, when he formed the rhythm and blues-styled Bill Haley & His Comets. In 1954, his recordings of "Rock Around the Clock" and "Shake, Rattle & Roll" were among the earliest rock 'n' roll hits. He had his last hit record in 1956, but continued to record and tour in rock 'n' roll revival shows until 1980.