Alan Freed

Alan Freed (* December 15, 1921 in Windber, Somerset County ( Pennsylvania), † January 20, 1965 in Palm Springs ) was an American disc jockey.

For many, he is the epitome of rock 'n' roll DJs. He was one of the first, Rhythm and Blues played in its broadcasts. However, he is also the causes of corruption in this part of the music industry because he, like many other DJs had to pay at this time for the presentation of music, for which he was convicted in the payola scandal of 1959/60. In addition, he allowed himself to register copyright as co-composer of songs, although he had no creative content of their formation ( Cut In).

In the 1950s, he was promoting the Rock ' n' Roll. He is credited for this style of music, the introduction of the term " rock and roll ". Because he generally supported the Rock ' n ' Roll and especially black as white artists, he was strongly attacked. He succumbed to the lure of money, and the Payola bribery scandal meant for him to shut down. A subsequent action for tax evasion led to his financial ruin. He died in 1965 at the consequences of years of alcohol abuse.

In 1986, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ( Nonperformers ).