Record #0522: Stop Beatin' Round the Mulberry Bush / Real Rock Drive – BILL HALEY WITH HALEY'S COMETS

Essex 310 (original, first pressing) USA, 1952
Words & Music by:  Side A – Bickley Reichner, Clay Boland; Side B – Bill Haley
Musicians: Bill Haley (vocals and rhythm guitar), Danny Cedrone (lead guitar), Marshall Lytle (upright bass), Billy Williamson (steel guitar), Johnny Grande (piano) Billy Gussak (drums)
Recording sessions: WVCH Radio Station Studio, Chester, PE, Nov. or Dec. 1952
Highest chart positions:  none in national charts

These two tracks were recorded about 6 months before the group's first hit, "Crazy Man, Crazy". This is the first release to title Haley's backing as "Comets". In the preceding releases they were "The Saddlemen".

The title song is based on a 19th century English nursery rhyme "Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush".

This is a fairly rare piece. Too bad that my copy is a tad worn-out, but it's a little blue gem anyway.

List price:  Very Good+ is $75, Near Mint is $150. Orange label is listed at $80 for NM.