Alan Freed

Alan Freed
Photo by James Kriegsmann, NY · Public domain · source
Name	Alan Freed
Birth date	December 15, 1921
Birth place	Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Death date	January 20, 1965
Death place	Palm Springs, California
Occupation	Disc jockey, promoter, radio personality

Alan Freed was a renowned American disc jockey, promoter, and radio personality who played a significant role in popularizing rock and roll music, particularly among African American artists such as Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Bo Diddley. He is often credited with coining the term "rock and roll" and was a key figure in the development of the genre, working closely with record labels like Atlantic Records and RCA Records. Freed's career spanned multiple decades, during which he worked with notable figures like Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Buddy Holly. He was also a contemporary of other influential disc jockeys like Wolfman Jack and Murray the K.

● Early Life and Career

Alan Freed was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, to a family of Russian Jewish descent, and grew up in Salem, Ohio, where he developed an interest in music and radio broadcasting. He attended Ohio State University and later worked at WKST (AM) in New Castle, Pennsylvania, before moving to WKST (FM) in Youngstown, Ohio. Freed's early career was marked by his work at WAKR in Akron, Ohio, where he hosted a show featuring jazz and blues music, often playing artists like Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Louis Armstrong. He also worked with radio stations like WJW (AM) in Cleveland, Ohio, and 1010 WINS in New York City, where he befriended fellow disc jockeys like William B. Williams and Ted Brown (disc jockey).

● Radio and Television Work

Freed's radio career took off in the 1950s, when he began working at WJW (AM) in Cleveland, Ohio, hosting a show called "The Rock and Roll Show," which featured music by artists like Bill Haley and His Comets, The Platters, and The Drifters. He later moved to New York City and worked at WABC (AM) and WINS (AM), where he hosted shows like "The Alan Freed Show" and "Rock and Roll Dance Party." Freed also made appearances on television shows like The Ed Sullivan Show, American Bandstand, and The Tonight Show, often featuring performances by notable artists like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr.. He worked with television networks like NBC, CBS, and ABC, and was a contemporary of other influential television personalities like Ed Sullivan and Jack Paar.

● Rock and Roll Promotion

Freed was a key figure in promoting rock and roll music, often hosting concerts and shows featuring notable artists like Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Little Richard. He worked closely with record labels like Sun Records and Chess Records, and was instrumental in launching the careers of artists like Jerry Lee Lewis and Buddy Holly. Freed's promotion of rock and roll music helped to bring the genre into the mainstream, and he is often credited with helping to break down racial barriers in the music industry, working with artists like Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, and Aretha Franklin. He also worked with music promoters like Irving Feld and Sid Bernstein, and was a contemporary of other influential music promoters like Bill Graham and Frank Barsalona.

● Payola Scandal and Later Life

Freed's career was marred by the Payola scandal, in which he was accused of accepting bribes from record labels in exchange for playing their artists' music on his shows. The scandal led to Freed's downfall, and he was eventually blacklisted by the music industry. Despite this, Freed continued to work in the industry, hosting shows and promoting artists like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. He also worked with radio stations like WNEW (AM) in New York City, and KDAY (AM) in Los Angeles, California. Freed's later life was marked by personal struggles, including alcoholism and financial difficulties, and he died on January 20, 1965, at the age of 43, in Palm Springs, California.

● Legacy and Impact

Freed's legacy as a disc jockey and promoter is still celebrated today, and he is often credited with helping to launch the careers of some of the most influential artists in rock and roll history. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, and has been recognized by organizations like the Grammy Awards and the National Association of Broadcasters. Freed's impact on the music industry can be seen in the work of later disc jockeys and promoters, like Scott Muni and Kid Leo, and his influence can still be heard in the music of artists like Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, and Eric Clapton. He is also remembered for his work with charitable organizations like the United Service Organizations and the American Red Cross.

● Discography

Freed released several albums and singles during his career, including "The Alan Freed Show" and "Rock and Roll Dance Party." He also appeared on compilation albums like "The Roots of Rock and Roll" and "The Best of Rock and Roll," which featured music by artists like Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Bo Diddley. Freed's music can be found on record labels like Columbia Records, Capitol Records, and Decca Records, and he worked with music producers like Sam Phillips and Leonard Chess. His discography is a testament to his enduring legacy as a disc jockey and promoter, and his influence can still be heard in the music of artists today, including The Black Keys, The White Stripes, and The Strokes. Category:American disc jockeys