With the Comets, he recorded Rock around the Clock in 1955.
After showing interest in guitar by making one out of cardboard, he received his first real guitar.
His stagename and that of his band were inspired by Halley's Comet.
He got married to Dorothy Crowe on December 11, 1946, then to Barbara Joan Cupchak on November 18, 1952, and to Martha Velaesco in 1963.
He competed for popularity with Elvis Presley.