February 9th 1981 marked the passing of William John Clifton Haley whose destiny it had been to create the music for the youth of the world in the early 1950's. He died at his home in Harlingen, Texas at the relatively young age of 55. A massive heart attack finally claiming the original King of Rock 'n' Roll. He left behind a vast body of work that is still enjoyed to this day by his countless fans around the globe. Every passing year seems to bring new discoveries from the Haley catalogue. Long forgotten recordings are located, dusted off and given new life in this digital age. And the classic Haley cuts continue to sell in quantity, witness the recent "Millennium Collection" a premier release from the MCA label featuring some of his best work from the mid 50's.

Bill was extremely busy in the final 2 years of his life and threw himself enthusiastically into a number of projects. As well as hugely successful European concert tours including 2 to the UK alone in 1979. He cut an exciting album down in Muscle Shoals, Alabama with a talented young British record producer, Kenny Denton. Took part in TV documentaries, numerous press interviews and started to write his autobiography.

Negotiations were also well under way for the film rights to the "Bill Haley Story". Hugh McCallum the now reclusive former President of Bill's Fan Club had spent 2 weeks in the Summer of 1979 at Bill's home in Texas. He taped some 40 hours of material and on returning to the UK produced a 40,000 word book on which to base the film. The project appeared to have the green light from Hollywood and Jeff Bridges was approached with a view to playing the young Bill Haley. But sadly to this day nothing further has been heard of the idea.

Bill Haley's final concert tour took place in June 1980 when he appeared in Johannesburg, South Africa. Unfortunately his initial shows were criticised in the press due to problems with poor sound balance. However, after this had been rectified, more favourable reviews began to appear and Bill seemed to be actually enjoying performing once more. Evidence of this was that Bill actually sang 12 songs himself instead of the usual reliance on the other Comets for vocals and instrumentals in the 55 minute set. Ultimately these last performances proved so successful he was invited back for a return engagement the following year.

As a final memory of Bill I would choose what I consider to be the crowning glory of his career. An acknowledgement of his great achievements in the field of popular music. In late 1979 whilst on a tour of Great Britain he was invited to appear before Queen Elizabeth II in a televised Royal Command Performance. As he walked out onto the stage of the Theatre Royal in London's West End the audience went wild. He launched into "See You Later Alligator", swiftly followed by the anthem of Rock "Rock Around The Clock". At the close of the number there was more tumultuous applause as Bill took his final bow to the Royal box. Afterwards, backstage all the participants of the show lined up to meet the Queen. As she shook Bill's hand, he bowed his head and listened as she told him of how his music had reminded her of her youth. "It reminds me of when I was young too maam" he replied.
 

At the time of Bill's death his career was certainly on an upward trend. He still had a successful record deal with the Sonet label and was due to start work on a new album. A further European tour had been arranged for October/November 1980 and there was even talk of him reuniting with the original Comets.

It wasn't until the latter part of 1980 that disturbing rumours began circulating about his health. The October tour was hastily cancelled as was a recording session. Press reports then began to appear stating Bill had an inoperable brain tumour. Although publicly he rigorously denied these rumours, there was no doubting he began to exhibit some strange behaviour. He later admitted to close friends the story was true and having consulted a number of Doctors, there was nothing that could be done. It is therefore perhaps a mercy that Bill did not have to suffer for long with this terrible disease and that he passed away quickly and peacefully at his home on the morning of February 9th 1981.

 Back in 1955 Marshall Lytle, Johnny Grande, Joey D'ambrosio, Dick Richards and the recently recruited lead guitar player Franny Beecher were touring around the States playing to sell out crowds. They were Bill Haley's Comets and helped create the sound that is so familiar to Rock 'n' Roll fans today. They still are Bill Haley's Comets and I'm sure it would give Bill a huge thrill to know that audiences all over the world are still enjoying his music "live". Just the way Bill Haley and his Comets played it back in 1955.

Drawing by Ric Patterson a big Bill Haley fan, Radio DJ and webmaster of www.johnnieray.com

Click here to see a video tribute to Rock 'n' Roll's number one Hit "Rock Around The Clock"
video courtesy of Paul Bye

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