Guitarist for Bill Haley and the Comets Dies, Neil Young’s New Memoir

The lead guitarist for Bill Haley and the Comets recently passed away Monday at the age of 92.

Franny Beecher, who along with the Comets would help kick off the rock and roll era with the number one hit “Rock Around the Clock”, died in his sleep in a nursing home near Philadelphia, according to his daughter. Beecher developed a lengthy career as a guitarist, performing with various acts in the 1940s including the Benny Goodman Orchestra. He first joined the Comets in the fall of 1954 as a session musician, beginning with the single “Dim, Dim the Lights”. He became a full-time member following the recording of “Rock Around the Clock”.

Beecher remained with the Comets until 1962, but reunited with other members in the 1980s, playing tour dates across the U.S. and around the world. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012 as a member of the Comets, 15 years after their leader Bill Haley.

In other music news, a new memoir by Neil Young could be coming soon. The legendary rocker recently struck a deal with Blue Rider Press, an imprint of Penguin Random House. In a interview with the Associated Press, Young is currently working on a memoir that focuses on his passion for cars, while featuring stories on his life and music, as well as include artwork and thoughts on politics.

His first memoir Waging Heavy Peace was published in 2012, and became a best-seller. The new book is scheduled to be released in the fall, and is currently untitled.