When I look for information for the 7:30ish KFOG Quiz I often check the History Channel web page. Today is the anniversary of the arrest of Alan Freed. (Wikipedia link)
From the TDIH link:
Disc jockey and TV personality Alan Freed, who coined the term "rock 'n' roll," is arrested along with seven other people on suspicion of commercial bribery. Freed had refused to sign an affidavit in 1959 denying he had accepted payola, which was not against the law at that time. He was charged with 26 counts of commercial bribery but got off with a fine.
Alan Freed was a pretty cool guy, he played and promoted black music acts on his radio show and in movies. The whole Cleveland Rocks thing is because of him and he gets credit for the term Rock and Roll.
One more thing I find funny at the TDIH story. It says:
"In the mid 50's... Big-city DJs earned about $35,000 a year..."
Hey in 2006 some still do! In 1985 I worked at KQAK "The Quake." We were an AFTRA "American Federation of Television and Radio Artists" union station. I made my union scale at KQAK of 350 a week, or 18,200 a year. Minus union dues. It was the leftover AFTRA contract from the KMPX Big Band station that was on 98.9 FM before The Quake.
I make more now.
Anyway check put these fun (and a little campy) movies with the great Alan Freed and cool performances by rock and roll legends.
Rock Around The Clock
Rock, Rock, Rock!
Go Johnny Go
Don't Knock The Rock
See 'em all, thanks Alan r.i.p.
Mr. Rock and Roll
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