Downtown in Cleveland in Cuyahoga County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Birth of Rock 'N' Roll
Photographed by Craig Doda, March 8, 2026
1. Birth of Rock 'N' Roll Marker
Cleveland disc jockey Alan Freed, who broadcast from the studios of WJW Radio, located on this site, and Leo Mintz, owner of a Cleveland record store, are credited with popularizing the phrase, "Rock 'N' Roll" music. Freed is considered the father of Rock 'N' Roll by rock historians for having hosted the first rock concert, held on March 21, 1952, in Cleveland.
Erected 1986 by Greater Cleveland Growth Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Communications • Entertainment. A significant historical date for this entry is March 21, 1952.
Location. 41° 30.064′ N, 81° 40.911′ W. Marker is in Cleveland, Ohio, in Cuyahoga County. It is in Downtown. It is at the intersection of Euclid Avenue (U.S. 20) and East 14th Street, on the right when traveling west on Euclid Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1365 US-20, Cleveland OH 44115, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on Ohio’s Lake Erie Shore and in the Western Reserve. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally,
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Playhouse Square (within shouting distance of this marker); 'Abdu'l-Bahα and the Bahα'ν Faith (within shouting distance of this marker); Detective Martin J. McFadden (within shouting distance of this marker); Cleveland Grays (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Union Club (about 700 feet away); Erie Street Cemetery Chapel Flooring Stones (approx. Ό mile away); In Memoriam (approx. Ό mile away); Spirit of '76 (approx. Ό mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cleveland.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Cleveland Theater District (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).
Photographed by Craig Doda, March 8, 2026
2. Birth of Rock 'N' Roll Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 14, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 9, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 25 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 9, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
