Pat Boone was one of the artists that served as a 'Bridge' in preparing the way for the budding R&B-based rock and roll explosion to come. In those times the cover song was a common industry practice that helped create an opening to mainstream audiences. Pat Boone's covers of original R&B songs contributed to making Rock and Roll music popular with the white record buyers of the mid 50's. Perhaps more than any other artist Pat Boone was that bridge. The major record labels wanted nothing to do with R&B until pop artists like Pat Boone began to strike gold with genteel cover versions of R&B hits. At his peak he was considered a Rock and Roller, a parent-approved alternative to Elvis, Jerry-Lee Lewis, and Chuck Berry in white buck shoes. One of the undisputed icons of the 50's, singer Pat Boone was easily the most commercially successful of the white '50's teen idols. He has sold 45 Million records worldwide, has 13 RIAA Certified Gold Singles, 2 Gold and 1 Platinum album. He stayed 220 consecutive weeks on the Charts with more than 1 song (All time record holder) and also starred in 15 movies. He has not 1 put 3 stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for music, TV, and movies. During the early years of Rock and Roll, Pat Boone was the only rival Elvis Presley had...Like Bill Haley, Boone had been having national hit records for about 6 months prior to Presley's breakthrough with Heartbreak Hotel. Pat Boone has earned a place in Rock and Roll history. Upon the 50th Anniversary of Pat Boone's music career, let his place in the history of Rock and Roll be recognized. Please sign our petition to induct one of Rock and Roll's early influences into the Hall of Fame.

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