Alan Freed

Alan Freed (December 15, 1922 – January 20, 1965) was an American disc-jockey (DJ), who became internationally known for promoting African-American Rhythm and Blues (R&B) music on the radio in the United States and Europe under the name of Rock and Roll. Many of the top African American performers of the first generation of rock and roll (such as Little Richard and Chuck Berry), salute Alan Freed for his pioneering attitude in breaking down racial barriers among the youth of 1950s America. His career was destroyed by the payola scandal that hit the broadcasting industry in the early 1960s.

Legacy

In 1978 a motion picture entitled American Hot Wax was released which is based on Freed's contribution to the rock and roll scene, leading up to a concert that was held in New York City in 1959. Several notable personalities starred in the movie, who would later become well-known celebrities, including Jay Leno and Fran Drescher, and there were even cameo appearances by Chuck Berry and Jerry Lee Lewis, performing in the concert segment.

Related Topics:
1978 - Motion picture - American Hot Wax - 1959 - Jay Leno - Fran Drescher - Chuck Berry - Jerry Lee Lewis

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In 1986, he was part of the first group inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which was built in Cleveland in recognition of Freed's involvement in the promotion of the genre. In 1988, he was also posthumously inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame.

Related Topics:
1986 - Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - 1988 - Radio Hall of Fame

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