Wildwood, NJ, the Birthplace of Rock `n' Roll

Wildwood, NJ, April 22, 2008 - When you consider the fact that beginning in the 1950's, the clubs and hotel ballrooms from one end of the resort to the other resounded with the music of more rock `n' roll headliners than any other music venue nationwide, there's really no disputing that Wildwood, NJ, is the birthplace of rock `n' roll.

No, it wasn't Cleveland, despite having the rock `n' roll hall of fame located there.  It also wasn't Memphis, although memories of Elvis Presley's gyrations still energize Graceland today.

It all began with Bill Haley and the Comets, who launched his hit single "Rock Around the Clock" from the stage of the Wildwood's Hof Brau Hotel on Saturday, May 29, 1954, mesmerizing his audience that Memorial Day weekend, and many others to come, with the introduction of rock `n' roll to the world of music.

Haley's hit topped the charts, and changed modern music forever.

Bill Haley was just the first of many rock `n' roll stars to take to Wildwood's Starlight Ballroom, Hof Brau Hotel and others popular nightclubs both along the Boardwalk and downtown.  Chubby Checker, who drove to the Rainbow Club in his silver jaguar, performed at resort clubs early in his career and actually developed his hit "The Twist" in the Wildwoods. 

American Bandstand made summertime appearances in Wildwood, first in 1956 by its founder, Philadelphia radio disc jockey, Bob Horn, and then in 1957 by the man who turned the show into a nationwide craze, Dick Clark, as it aired live from the Starlight Ballroom on ABC TV.

The Wildwood clubs drew capacity crowds throughout the 1950's and `60's, and helped fill the airwaves worldwide as the rock `n' roll era took hold of audiences everywhere.  Beyond its broad beaches, Doo Wop architecture and abundant Boardwalk amusements, Wildwood's penchant for great music had finally gained national renown.  

From Big Band and Swing, to Rhythm & Blues, Country Western and Rock `n Roll, the Wildwoods have helped make the names of some of the world's most famous stars.  Peggy Lee, Patti Page, the Mills Brothers, the Ames Brothers, Rosemary Clooney, the Four Aces, Little Richard, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, Sam Cooke, the Andrews Sisters and Art Lund all captured hearts on Wildwood stages.  As did Tony Bennett, Frankie Lane, Pat Boone, the Maguire Sisters, Liberace, Georgia Gibbs, Jerry Lewis, Sarah Vaughn, Mel Torme, Billy Eckstine, Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Bob Eberle, Freddie Bell, Woody Herman, Ella Fitzgerald and Bobby Rydell. 

The Four Seasons, the Clovers, the Ink Spots and the Lettermen also have appeared there, as have the Coasters, the Stylistics, the Cadillacs, the O'Jays, the Orioles, the Association, the Impressions, the Drifters, the Chantels, the Modernaires, the Shirelles, the Ronettes, the Dixie Hummingbirds, Harold Melvin's Blue Notes, Danny and the Juniors, Lovin' Spoonful, Jay & the Americans, Martha & the Vandellas, Tommy James & the Shondells, and Little Anthony and the Imperials.

There also have been concerts by Richie Havens, Sinbad, Jefferson Starship, the Turtles, the Trammps, Soul Survivors, Quicksilver Messenger Service and Big Brother & the Holding Company. 

Al Martino even met his wife-to-be, Gwen Wenzel while doing a gig in Wildwood.  A year later they were married by Wildwood Mayor Ralph James.

Throngs overflowed Wildwood's broad beach when the Beach Boys and Bruce Springsteen gave free concerts there.

From the 50's and 60's, to the 70's, 80's, 90's and today, the Wildwoods continue to be a popular venue for many of the world's leading musicians, both old and new, with concerts in the resort's clubs and in the Oceanfront Arena in the Wildwoods Convention Center.  Thank you, Wildwood, and thank you, Bill Haley, for making history in the world of music.

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About the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Authority

The Greater Wildwoods Tourism Authority was formed in 1993 as the Greater Wildwood Tourism Improvement and Development Authority (GWTIDA) to consolidate the tourism economy of its three founding municipalities, Wildwood, Wildwood Crest and North Wildwood. The Authority operates the Wildwoods Convention Center and acts as the island's destination marketing organization overseeing the development, research, planning, marketing, advertising, promotion, public and media relations encompassing the tourism, meeting and convention industry in the Wildwoods. Additionally, the GWTIDA funds, assists with and hosts more than 160 annual special events to enhance the visitor experience and extend the tourism season, including the Thunder On The Sand Race Series, Family Nights On The Boardwalk, Fireworks, Pirates Weekend, Classic Car Shows, International Kite Festival, Irish and Italian Festivals and the National Marbles Tournament, among others. For more information on the Wildwoods, contact the GWTIDA at 1-800-WW-By-Sea (800-992-9732) or visit its web site, www.WildwoodsNJ.com.


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