Alan Freed

Welcome to Rock & Roll Flashback!  I'm Jumpin' John McDermott, and in today's podcast I will discuss the major influence of disk jockey Alan Freed on the early development of rock and roll!Alan Freed has secured a place in American music history as the first important rock 'n' roll disc jockey.  Not only was he the first radio disc jockey and concert producer who frequently played and promoted rock and roll, but he popularized the phrase "rock and roll" on mainstream radio.  His on-air manner was energetic, in contrast to other radio DJ's, who were more subdued and low-key while playing traditional pop music.  Freed helped to break down racial barriers in popular music.  He promoted the emerging black musical styles of the 1950s to a white mainstream audience.  He helped bridge the gap of segregation among young teenage Americans, presenting music by black artists (rather than cover versions by white artists) on his radio program.  He also arranged live concerts attended by racially mixed audiences.   Freed's importance to the rock 'n' roll musical genre led to his inclusion with the first group inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.  He was the only non-musician inducted into that first class. We welcome your feedback, so please feel free to click on this link and let us know your thoughts and/or suggestions via phone text!All podcasts on the Rock and Roll Flashback Podcast are produced by brothers-in-law Bill Price and "Jumpin' John" McDermott.  The Podcast Theme Song, "You Essay", was written by John.  It was initially recorded by Bill and John on April 1, 2004 with several revisions since then. Multiple promo videos and photos for Rock and Roll Flashback Podcasts are available on the following social media sites:https://www.youtube.com/@RockandRollFlashbackhttps://www.facebook.com/rockandrollflashbackpodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/jumpinjohnmcdermott/Bill and John welcome your feedback and comments, and they can be emailed to [email protected] you for listening to Rock and Roll Flashback Podcasts!Until next time...Rock On!