Crazy Man, Crazy: The Bill Haley Story

Bill Haley is often overlooked in the story of rock 'n' roll, overshadowed by others such as Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Buddy Holly. This book, written by Peter Benjaminson and Bill Haley Jr., provides insight into his career, including his conflicts with fame, private life, chronic alcoholism, and troubled relationships. It also features rare photographs and explores his trials, from the dark side of the music business to ties with the Mafia.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 23 April 2019
Publisher: Hal Leonard Corporation

Bill Haley, the man who brought rock 'n' roll into the mainstream, is often overlooked in the story of rock 'n' roll. His song "Crazy Man, Crazy" was the first rock 'n' roll song to break the Billboard Top 20 in 1953, and he followed it with his evergreen "We're Gonna Rock Around the Clock," the first song of its kind to hit #1. His success made him an idol not only in the US but throughout the world, from Canada to the UK, Europe, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand.

However, Haley's lack of visibility was in part his own doing. He had conflicted feelings about fame, was extremely private, suffered chronic alcoholism, and troubled relationships with multiple wives, which yielded ten children he struggled to support. Despite his successful touring career, his demons eventually eroded his health, and in 1981, at the age of only 55, he passed away.

This book, written by esteemed biographer Peter Benjaminson and Bill Haley Jr., Haley's son, who tours the world paying tribute to his father's music, is a must-have for any serious rock 'n' roll fan. Culled from interviews with insiders, from ex-wives to the Comets, recorded conversations with Haley Sr., official documents, diaries, and more, this book not only charts the happenings of Haley's career but gives insight into the Haley behind the curtain and some of the other trials he faced, from the dark side of the music business to ties with the Mafia. Featuring a collection of rare photographs, this book is a must-have for any serious rock 'n' roll fan.

Weight: 624g
Dimension: 164 x 236 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781617137112