Former Comet's Bassist From Delaware County Dies
By Molly Daly
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Bassist Marshall Lytle, an early member of Bill Haley's Comets, who grew up in Chester, Delaware County, has died. He was 79.
Lytle provided the propulsive upright bass backbone of "Rock Around the Clock," "Shake, Rattle, and Roll," "See Ya Later, Alligator," and "Rock Around the Clock."
Bill Haley Jr., however, says Lytle was known for more than his sound:
"Marshall really, really kicked it up a notch. He would do the bobbing up and down, the elbows flying, and then ultimately, things like propping the bass up on his feet while he was lying on his back, or riding on it, kicking his legs in the air. So he really developed a stage show, as well as a very strong slap bass technique. Takes a lot of stamina, a lot of strength."
Marshall Lytle died of cancer Saturday morning in Florida.
