Record #0722: See You Later, Alligator / The Paper Boy (on Main Street U.S.A.) – BILL HALEY AND HIS COMETS

Decca 9-29791 (original) USA, 2. January 1956
Words & Music by:  Side A – Robert Guidry; Side B – Bill Haley, Catherine Cafra
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 on 12. December 1955
Highest chart positions:  US #6, US R&B #7, UK #7 (the single entered the UK chart on 10. March 1956)

This was Haley’s third and final million-seller. After this single there was more competition in the genre as Elvis got his first RCA single (“Heartbreak Hotel”) in the charts on 3. March 1956 and started taking market share from Haley. Well, other competitors emerged in 1956, too.

“See You Later, Alligator” was featured in 1956 film “Rock Around the Clock”, which was starring Haley and His Comets, Alan Freed, the Platters, Tony Martinez & His Band and Freddie Bell & the Bellboys.

Bobby Charles’ original “Later, Alligator” was released in November 1955, but it hit the charts later in March 1956 (US R&B #14).  Haley was quick in choosing his cover songs.

List price:  Very Good+ is $12,50, Near Mint is $25. The one on the left is Los Angeles pressing, and the other one is pressed in Richmond, IN. No difference in the list price.