Bill Haley and His Comets “Rock Around the Clock” released on this date, December 19th, 1955. Decca Records. Rock Around the Clock is a compilation of previously released singles, some of which were included on Haley’s earlier ‘55 10″ release, Shake, Rattle and Roll. Rock Around the Clock reached #12 on the charts and is notable for being the first rock-and-roll album to make the Billboard charts. The title track “Rock Around the Clock” hit #1 in ‘55 (and made the charts again ‘68 at #118 and in ‘74 at #39). Written by Max Freedman and James Myers in ‘52, it was first recorded by Sonny Dae and His Knights in ‘54 but truly gained popularity after its appearance during the opening credits on Blackboard Jungle. Its resurgence in ‘74 was a result of its status as the theme song for American Graffiti and the opening for Happy Days. The single may be able to claim the title of the biggest selling vinyl single of all time but no one knows exactly how many singles have been purchased; it competes with Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” for the crown.