Al Rex facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Al Rex |
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Al Rex in 1958
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Albert Floyd Piccirilli |
| Born | July 13, 1928 Black Horse, Pennsylvania |
| Died | May 24, 2020 (aged 91) Norristown, Pennsylvania |
| Genres | Rock and roll, jazz, country |
| Occupation(s) | Bassist |
| Instruments | Bass |
| Years active | 1949–1960 |
| Associated acts | Bill Haley and the Saddlemen Bill Haley & His Comets |
Albert Floyd Piccirilli (born July 13, 1928 – died May 24, 2020) was a famous American bass player. He was better known by his stage name, Al Rex. He played bass for one of the first big rock and roll bands, Bill Haley & His Comets. Before that, he was part of their earlier group, Bill Haley and the Saddlemen.
Al Rex: A Rock and Roll Bass Legend
Al Rex joined Bill Haley's band in 1949. He quickly became known for his exciting moves on stage. He brought a lot of energy to their live shows. This helped make Bill Haley & His Comets a huge hit in the early days of rock and roll.
Life After the Comets
In 1960, Al Rex started his own band called Al Rex and the Regaleers. Soon after, he decided to step away from the music industry. However, he still performed sometimes for fun. He got married and had eight children. Al Rex passed away on May 24, 2020, in his home in Norristown, Pennsylvania. He was the very last surviving member of the original Comets band.
Al Rex on the Big Screen
Al Rex also appeared in movies with Bill Haley & His Comets. He was in two popular films from the 1950s. These movies helped share rock and roll music with even more people.
- Rock Around the Clock (1956)
- Don't Knock the Rock (1957)
