It has been said that the history of modern music can be separated into two categories: before Bill Haley and after him. His contributions to rock and roll had a seismic effect on the soundscape of popular music. Numerous stars have stated that Haley was a significant influence on their work. Here are some of the most well-known names.

Popularity Decline

Ironically, the new sounds created by artists influenced by Haley actually led to a decline in his popularity. Frank Zappa was an experimental psychedelic rocker. Despite contributing to the popularity decline of Haley’s older form of rock and roll he cites Blackboard Jungle as a turning point for him. He said it energised and inspired him to embark on a music career.

Paul McCartney

Paul McCartney is recognised as one of the greatest musicians of all time. It is far to say that his work even overshadows that of Bill Haley. McCartney saw Bill Haley live shortly after watching his band on television. He saved up 24 shillings for the ticket. Soon after this, he would attain his own fame as one of the Fab Four, the Beatles. In terms of sound, the influence of Haley can clearly be heard on the earlier singles from McCartney.

David Gilmour

David Gilmore is known as a member of the iconic rock band Pink Floyd. Listening to his band’s eclectic tracks, the influence from Haley is less obvious. However, Gilmore himself has cited listening to Rock Around The Clock as inspiring him to learn the guitar. He was aged ten at the time.

Elvis Presley

Not all were influenced after Haley’s popularity decline. The careers of Elvis Presley and Bill Haley overlapped several times. The two first met at a high school show in Ohio. At the time Presley was just starting out and had not yet reached rock and roll fame. Haley paved the way for Presley to succeed him.