Sunday, July 28, 2013

Record #0447: Rock the Joint / How Many – BILL HALEY AND HIS COMETS

Decca 30461 (original) USA, Oct. 1957
Words & Music bySide A – Harry Crafton, Wendell Keene, Doc Bagby; Side B – Hal Blair, Howard Barnes
Musicians: Bill Haley (vocals and rhythm guitar), Franny Beecher (lead guitar), Al Rex (upright bass), Billy Williamson (steel guitar), Rudy Pompilli (tenor sax), Johnny Grande (piano), Ralph Jones (drums)
Recording sessions: Produced by Milt Gabler at Decca Studios, Pythian Temple, New York, NY, Jul. 15, 1957
Highest chart positions:  UK #20

This version of "Rock the Joint" is a re-recording of what the group issued as "Bill Haley and the Saddlemen" in 1952 (Essex 303). That release was a local hit in the Chicago area and enabled the band to take steps forward, leading to international stardom.

This issue failed to enter the national US charts just like the first run, but at this time Haley and the Comets were still very popular in the UK and the single did pretty well there.

List price:  Very Good+ is $12.50, Near Mint is $25

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