Which song by Bill Haley and His Comets became the first rock-and-roll song to hit number one on the American charts?

• A. Be-Bop-A-Lula
• B. Rock Around the Clock
• C. (We're Gonna) Rock Around the Clock
• D. Blue Suede Shoes

Answer: (C)

That moment happens when a lively rock-and-roll record breaks into the top of the U.S. charts, showing the genre can captivate a national audience. The song by Bill Haley and His Comets that achieves this milestone is the one officially titled “(We're Gonna) Rock Around the Clock,” though it’s often heard simply as “Rock Around the Clock.” Released in 1954 and reaching the top in 1955, it became the first rock-and-roll record to hit number one on American charts, helped along by its irresistible hook and danceable rhythm. The song’s chantable refrain and driving tempo made it a staple in dances and in early film exposure, amplifying its reach and making it a landmark moment in popular music. Other early rock hits were influential, but this track stands out as the first to reach the top of the charts.