When Bill Haley and His Comets hit the charts with their version of “Rock Around the Clock” in 1955, pop music changed forever. Explore the roots of rock’n’roll, with KOPV DJ Mike Ficher at the Downtown and Redmond Libraries as part of the Know Music series at Deschutes Public Libraries this December.



According to Ficher rock’n’roll was bubbling in the progressive tensions of western swing, jump blues and vocal harmony since the end of World War II. “Bill Haley’s ‘Rock Around the Clock’ was merely the volcanic eruption that illuminated rock'n'roll for the masses. The lava was flowing in the honky tonks and chittlin' circuits long before,” says Ficher. According to Ficher “Rocket 88,” recorded in 1951 by Jackie Brenston and the Delta Cats, was the first rock’n’roll song put onto vinyl. During his presentation Ficher will share songs and stories behind early rock’n’roll.

By day Ficher is a business analyst, but at night he is the host and producer of The Ultimate Oldies Show, syndicated on nine radio stations and Internet sites. The show can be heard locally on 88.9 KPOV in Bend on Fridays at 6 p.m. and Sundays at 6 a.m. Ficher is also a stage actor, voice artist, improviser (Triage), sportscaster (CoTV), writer, emcee, baseball umpire, soccer official, and public address announcer.

For more information about this or other library programs, please visit the library website at www.deschuteslibrary.org. People with disabilities needing accommodations (alternative formats, seating or auxiliary aides) should contact Liz at 312-1032.