Crazy Man, Crazy: The Bill Haley Story

Bill Haley - the man who brought rock 'n' roll into the mainstream. His song "Crazy Man, Crazy" was the first rock 'n' roll song to break the Billboard Top 20 in 1953 and was followed by 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, New Zealand, and beyond. Yet Haley is often overlooked in the story of rock 'n' roll, overshadowed by others who followed him, from sex symbol Elvis Presley to wild man Jerry Lee Lewis and forever-young Buddy Holly.But 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 who he struggled to support. Though he managed to carry on a successful touring career, his demons eventually eroded his health, and in 1981, at the age of only 55, he passed away.This book is written by esteemed biographer Peter Benjaminson and Bill Haley Jr., Haley's son, a musician himself, who tours the world paying tribute to his father's music. 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 Mafia. Featuring a collection of rare photographs, this book is a must-have for any serious rock 'n' roll fan.

About the Author :
Bill Haley Jr. is the son of famed Bill Haley. He is an accomplished musician and tours with Bill Haley Jr. and the Comets, a five-piece tribute band that plays the music of his father and other classic rock 'n' roll artists of the '50s and '60s. Peter Benjaminson is the author of several books, including Super Freak, The Lost Supreme, The Story of Motown, Investigative Reporting, and Publish Without Perishing. He has also worked as a reporter for many newspapers since the 1970s. Paul Woodson is a professional actor, singer, and audiobook narrator with over twenty-five years of experience. Classically trained in acting at Boston University, he has toured all over the United States and Europe. When not narrating, he can be found hiking the Appalachian Trail, of which he has hiked over nine-hundred miles.