William John Clifton Haley, known as Bill Haley, was born on July 6, 1925, in Highland Park, Michigan. He became a pivotal figure in the development of rock and roll music, often credited as one of its founding fathers. Haley's early life was marked by a significant challenge; a childhood mastoid operation left him blind in his left eye. Despite this, his passion for music was evident from a young age, influenced by his father, who played the banjo and mandolin, and his mother, a classically trained keyboardist.

Haley began his musical career in the late 1940s, initially performing country and western swing music. In 1951, he recorded a cover of "Rocket 88," which is often cited as one of the first rock and roll records. By 1952, his band, originally known as the Saddlemen, had transformed into Bill Haley and His Comets. This group would go on to popularize rock and roll music with hits like "Rock Around the Clock," "See You Later, Alligator," and "Shake, Rattle and Roll."

"Rock Around the Clock" became a massive hit after being featured in the 1955 film "Blackboard Jungle," reaching number one on the charts and sparking a cultural phenomenon. Haley's music was characterized by its energetic beat and incorporation of rhythm and blues influences, appealing to a burgeoning teenage audience.

Throughout the 1950s, Haley enjoyed considerable success, with numerous Top 40 hits and international tours. However, by the late 1950s, his popularity waned in the face of emerging rock and roll stars like Elvis Presley. Despite this, Haley continued to perform and record, finding a new audience in Mexico during the 1960s.

In the 1970s, Haley experienced a resurgence in popularity, particularly in Europe, and continued to tour and record until health issues began to take their toll. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor in the late 1970s and passed away on February 9, 1981, in Harlingen, Texas. Bill Haley's contributions to music were recognized posthumously with his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. His legacy endures as a pioneer who helped lay the foundation for rock and roll music.