Rock 'n' roll turns fifty today. On April 12, 1954, Bill Haley and the Comets recorded "Rock Around the Clock" in New York City.

A quick perusal of the websites of MTV and Rolling Stone don't show any recognition of today's significance. Not to worry--MTV's site informs that Britney's new video is about "reincarnation," while Rolling Stone reports how Avril Lavigne "let's go in Canada."

I'm surprised that I'm surprised. Both media outlets have long ceased to exhibit any meaningful interest in rock music. It would almost be dishonest for either outfit to make hay of this anniversary.

Other rock 'n' roll songs certainly predated "Rock Around the Clock," but none broke through the way that it did. From Blackboard Jungle to Happy Days, "Rock Around the Clock" has become synonymous with rock 'n' roll, the 1950s, and youth rebellion. Haley's version of the song sold more than 25 million copies, making it the second best selling vinyl single in music history (Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" stands alone at the top). This song's success paved the way for acts like Chuck Berry, Elvis, The Beatles, and all that followed.

Thankfully, some people still care about history. An excellent website exhaustively goes through the story of "Rock Around the Clock." It's definitely worth checking out.