The "Rock Is Fifty!" Honorary Committee was formed to encourage and coordinate celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the breakthrough of rock 'n' roll that came in July 1955 when the recording of "Rock Around The Clock" by Bill Haley & The Comets became the first-ever rock 'n' roll record to top the charts.

The committee consists of notable participants and relations of those who were directly involved in the making of the recording - including all five surviving members of the original lineup of The Comets. Other members are prominent figures in the present-day entertainment world who have helped to organize the salute to this landmark in popular culture. And one of the people most responsible for the record's original success in 1955.

The committee was instigated and is spearheaded by producer/rock historian Martin Lewis. In 2004 he was the Founder/Chairman of "The Fab 40!" Honorary Committee - that organized and produced the massive nationwide celebrations of the 40th anniversary of the Beatles' first US visit.

The "Rock Is Fifty!" Honorary Committee members are:

On behalf of Bill Haley & The Comets: Jack Haley • Mrs. Bill "Cuppy" Haley • The Comets: Joey Ambrose • Franny Beecher • Johnny Grande • Marshall Lytle • Dick Richards

Associate Committee Members: Martin Lewis [Chairman] • Andrew Solt • Steven Van Zandt • Peter Ford

FYI

Jack Haley - eldest son of Bill Haley - born 1950
Mrs. Bill "Cuppy" Haley - married to Bill Haley 1952-1960
Peter Ford - son and biographer of Glenn Ford ("Blackboard Jungle")
Martin Lewis - Producer/rock historian. Founder/Chairman of the Committee
Andrew Solt - Film director/producer
Steven Van Zandt - Musician/actor. Creator of "Underground Garage"