[RightWhale]

Rocket 88 was the first true rock and roll song, although there was still considerable doubt as to what rock and roll actually was.

[the OlLine Rebel]

WADR, the article certainly did not say it was the 1st R&R.

"Although 'Rock Around the Clock' would by no means qualify as the first rock 'n' roll record...."

obviously states this is not the case.


Earlier, the key phrase was stated:

"*first No. 1* rock 'n' roll record"


I.e., it was the 1st record considered R&R to hit #1 on pop charts. That's a different assertion.

[E Rocc]

The use of the phrase "rock and roll" in the general popular culture started with Alan Freed's "Moondog" radio show, beginning in July of 1951 on WJW - Cleveland. This is the main reason the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is in Cleveland (the fact that rock stayed popular here when disco was big also plays a role).

I sometimes enjoy making people feel old by pointing out that Bruce Springsteen's "Born To Run" and the Sex Pistol's "Never Mind The Bollocks" album are now older than "Rock Around The Clock" was when Reagan got elected. >:)

-Eric

[Common Tator]

Bill haley did Rock around the Clock backed with Shake Rattle and Roll.

Obviously the names of his two hits had nothing to do with the name given to that form of music.

If Haley had never recorded ROCK Around the Clock and Shake Rattle and ROLL would they have called the music ROCK and ROLL ? ....