The Rock 'n' Roll guitarist Francis "Franny" Beecher has died aged 92, following a long bout of ill health. Franny was best known as the guitarist who replaced Danny Cedrone in Bill Haley and the Comets when he sadly passed away in 1954. He played on several of the group's hits, including See You Later Alligator (on which he provided the impish introduction, too) and Rip it Up, and also wrote several numbers recorded by the band. Whilst Cedrone recorded the lead guitar on Rock Around the Clock, Franny played it on television for the first time, as Cedrone had died. He also appeared in the film of the same title and Don't Knock the Rock. He continued to play, both with original members of The Comets and on his own, until recently. http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2014/02/25/franny-beecher-rock-bill-haley-and-comets-dies/ RIP Franny, you were a great musician. I am sorry I never got to meet you, but pleased a mutual friend has shared some fond memories of you with me. You sounded like a "swell guy"! Thanks for some classic tunes! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ch1UQ47rWKU
