Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll Marker

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Cleveland in Cuyahoga County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll

By Christopher Busta-Peck, April 11, 2009

1. Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll Marker

Inscription. When radio station WJW disc jockey Alan Freed (1921-1965) used the term "rock and roll" to describe the uptempo black rhythm and blues records he played beginning in 1951, he named a new genre of popular music that appealed to audiences on both sides of 1950s American racial boundaries--and dominated American culture for the rest of the 20th century. The popularity of Freed's nightly "Moon Dog House Rock and Roll Party" radio show encouraged him to organize the Moondog Coronation Ball--the first rock concert. Held at the Cleveland Arena on March 21, 1952, the oversold show was beset by a riot during the first set. Freed, a charter inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, moved to WINS in New York City in 1954 and continued to promote rock music through radio, television, movies, and live performances.

Erected 2003 by the Ohio Bicentennial Commission, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 46-18.)

Location. 41° 30.509′ N, 81° 41.656′ W. Marker is in Cleveland, Ohio, in Cuyahoga County. Marker is on East 9th Street, on the left when traveling north. Click for map. Marker is in this post office area: Cleveland OH 44114, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Photo, Click for full size

By Christopher Busta-Peck, April 11, 2009

2. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

walking distance of this marker. Rear Admiral Isaac C. Kidd (a few steps from this marker); Arch C. Klumph (within shouting distance of this marker); The Ohio AFL-CIO (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Burnham Mall (approx. 0.3 miles away); Navy Bicentennial (approx. 0.4 miles away); Dear General, We have met the enemy and they are ours (approx. 0.4 miles away); Com. Oliver Hazard Perry (approx. 0.5 miles away); Near this site Fort Huntington was Erected (approx. 0.5 miles away). Click for a list of all markers in Cleveland.

Credits. This page originally submitted on April 14, 2009, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. This page has been viewed 223 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. Submitted on April 15, 2009, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio.