The origin of rock and roll music can be traced back to the late 1940s and early 1950s. When this genre of music began to gain momentum, it became especially younger among the younger population. However, many parents during this time period believed that rock and roll music had a negative influence on their teenage children. Some believed that this music would lead to juvenile delinquency due to inappropriate lyrics and the lifestyles of some of the popular rock musicians at the time. 

At the forefront of this rock and roll revolution was a band out of Chester, Pennsylvania: Bill Haley & His Comets. They managed to blend country with rhythmic blues for a unique new music style that took the country by storm. Many consider them to be the first ever rock and roll band and they put together numerous Top 20 hits throughout the mid-1950s. On Saturday, November 5, 1955, history was about to be made at Canisius High School as Bill Haley & His Comets were set to perform in the school auditorium.

There was some controversy surrounding this event as rock and roll music was very rebellious at the time and it was strange to have a Catholic high school sponsor such an event. Bill Haley assured the school by stating, “Some critics have said that subjecting teenagers to rhythm and blues music is like feeding them dope. It’s a pity that the work of a few misguided writers has given the music this reputation. I’m going to continue my campaign to clean up this situation.”

The concert would go on to be a wild success as 1,600 Canisius students and their friends would pack the auditorium at the high school. Bill Haley & His Comets played some of their hit songs such as “Down by the Riverside Twist,” “Shake, Rattle, and Roll” and “Rock Around the Clock.” The admission for the event was only $1.50 and the proceeds from the concert were used to help fund Jesuit missions in Japan as the country was recovering from the aftermath World War II. 

More information about the history of the concert as well as numerous other fascinating stories throughout Canisius' history can be found in Blue Doors by Paul Cumbo '97. This book covers 150 years of Jesuit education at Canisius and can be purchased at the Canisius campus store or online here.

Works Cited:

Cumbo, P.. Blue Doors. Pg.202
The Buffalo Courier-Express. Saturday, November 5, 1955. Pg. 6.
The Buffalo Evening News. Tuesday, November 8, 1955.