Johnny Grande

Pianist

Birthday January 14, 1930

Birth Sign Capricorn

Birthplace Philadelphia, PA

DEATH DATE Jun 3, 2006 (76)

#190311 Most Popular

About

Longtime pianist with Bill Haley & His Comets, which he helped Haley found in 1949.

Before Fame

He began playing with Haley while the group was still called the Saddlemen, but as their style evolved beyond country and western music, they realized a name change was in order.

Trivia

He played piano on more than 40 records, including the classic Rock Around the Clock from 1954. He was one of the only members of the Comets who was able to read sheet music.

Family Life

He grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in a musical family. His uncle had played with John Philip Sousa's band.

Associated With

He contributed to the soundtrack of the 1973 film American Graffiti starring Candy Clark.