Crazy Man, Crazy

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Crazy Man, Crazy is an early rock and roll song by Bill Haley and His Comets. It was released in April 1953 as the A-side of Essex Records 321, with “Whatcha Gonna Do” on the B-side. The track runs about 2 minutes and 7 seconds.

The song is famous for being one of the first rock and roll records to chart nationally in the United States. It reached the top part of the national charts in 1953—appearing on both Billboard and Cash Box before the summer. Some sources credit it as the first rock and roll record, while others say it was simply the first rock and roll song to become a pop-chart hit. It has also been noted as possibly the first rock and roll song played on national television (Omnibus, 1953).

Bill Haley wrote the song, drawing on teenage party phrases he heard at school dances, such as “Crazy Man Crazy” and “Go, go, go, everybody.” He reportedly wrote it at his kitchen table. The recording took place in April 1953 at Coastal Studios in New York City. Haley’s Comets on the track included Marshall Lytle, Billy Williamson, and Johnny Grande, plus session players Art Ryerson (guitar) and Billy Gussak (drums). Backing vocals were provided by Dave Miller and Jerry Blaine to give the chorus a lively, party feel.

The single helped launch Haley’s national success and led to many cover versions and a long legacy of early rock and roll recordings. The title’s punctuation varies by release, with some versions written as Crazy, Man, Crazy or Crazy Man Crazy.