1. The Birth of Rock n’ Roll Alan Freed (12/15/21-1/20/65) Called himself the “father of rock n’ roll” Not the first to play rock n’ roll; but he did give it it’s name –Actually played R&B on white radio, bringing the music to a new audience March 21, 1952 – “The Moondog Coronation Ball” Cleveland, OH –Considered the 1 st rock concert –Not 1 song played, shut down due to over crowding & near- riot conditions

2. Moved to NY City in 1952 Sued for the name Moondog & theme music in late 1952 –Street performer, James T. Hardin, recorded the song “Moondog Symphony” and had used the name since 1947 –Freed had to stop using the name & music Fired from WABC in 1959, charged w/ payola Freed would not sign a document saying he wasn’t guilty –payola – accepting payment (from record companies) for playing specific music on the air –Finally pleaded guilty to commercial bribery in 1962 1986 – inducted into the Rock n’ Roll HoF

3. While Bill Haley gave Rock n’ Roll it’s anthem (Rock Around the Clock) his career in rock n’ roll was short lived. Six acts brought Rock n’ Roll into existence and defined it’s essence & range of style. –Chuck Berry: put together the key musical elements, gave rock n’ roll it’s style –Elvis Presley: personified rock n’ roll, gave music its most memorable voice and it’s strongest commercial presence –Little Richard: brought in the beat and outrageousness that would inspire an entire generation of performers –Jerry Lee Lewis: reinforced the beat, brought unrestrained abandon to rock n’ roll –Everly Brothers: refined the harmony, brought country story-telling to rock n’ roll –Buddy Holly: bridge between rock n’ roll and rock; gave rock it’s basic instrumentation

4. Fats Domino Antoine Domino (b. 2/26/28) over 65 million records sold –outsold every rock pioneer of the 50’s except Elvis began playing piano at age 9 Quit school at 14 –Worked in a bedspring factory so he could play bars at night nicknamed “Fats” by his bandleader 1949 - signed with Imperial Records –released The Fat Man (#2 R&B) The Fat Man The Fat Man –eventually sold a million copies –1st rock n’ roll recording to do so by the time rock n’ roll started he was already an established hit-maker by the time rock n’ roll started he was already an established hit-maker

5. His piano style adapted easily to rock n’ roll Less personally magnetic than other early stars –Since he pre-dated all big rock names, they all later covered his work Big break came in 1955 w/ Ain’t That A Shame (#10, #1 R&B) Ain’t That A ShameAin’t That A Shame 1955-60: had a string of Top 10 hits –1956 - I’m In Love Again (#3), Blueberry Hill (#2), Blue Monday (#5) –1957 – I’m Walkin’ (#4) –1958 – Whole Lotta Loving (#6) Eventually had 23 gold-certified singles In the 1980s, Domino decided that he would no longer leave New Orleans –He never liked touring & made more than enough money from his royalties 1986 – inducted into Rock & Roll HoF (didn’t go to ceremony) 1987 – Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award Still living in New Orleans, though he lost his mansion in Katrina