MU121 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Bill Haley, Dot Records, Cover Version
Document Summary
Changes made so song would be more appealing to white listeners (lyrics, vocal delivery etc) Covers often exuded innocent excitement by replacing sex references to dancing references. Adjustments to both the lyrics and music of r&b began to establish a model for rock and roll. Bill haley"s version of shake, rattle and roll removes much of sexual playfulness from big joe turner"s original song. Haley was important figure in the whitening of r&b. Disc jockey who played in phili country swing band called bill haley and his. Bill haley and his comets signed with major label decca in 1954. In 1954, he released dim, dim the lights which crossed over into r&b charts. Enjoyed vast popularity with blackboard jungle, rock the clock topped pop charts for. Rose to top of r&b charts as well. Even though he represented a whiter version of r&b he still found popularity in black markets.
