Renowned radio personality, a stalwart presence in the broadcasting landscape of the late 1960s and early 1980s, left an indelible mark on the cultural fabric of New York City, his influence still palpable to this day.
Alan Freed
Born: December 24, 1922
Died: January 20, 1965
Alan Freed was an American disc jockey, music industry executive, and rock and roll pioneer. He is best known for popularizing the term "rock and roll" and for hosting some of the first major rock and roll concerts.
As a trailblazing radio executive, she revolutionized the industry by inventing and popularizing the "Urban Contemporary" format during her tenure as Program Director for WBLS-FM.
This groundbreaking format, which has since become the benchmark for numerous urban radio stations worldwide, marked a significant milestone in the evolution of contemporary music broadcasting.
Her innovative vision and leadership paved the way for a new era in radio programming, allowing for the widespread dissemination of urban music and its various sub-genres to a global audience.
As a result, her legacy continues to shape the music industry, influencing the way urban music is presented and consumed by listeners around the world.
The illustrious career of this notable individual commenced in the vibrant city of Buffalo, New York, a location that played a pivotal role in the early stages of his professional development. Subsequent to honing his skills in this northeastern metropolis, he secured a breakthrough opportunity with WMCA-AM, a prominent radio station based in the bustling metropolis of New York City. This significant career milestone was followed by a further notable achievement, as he went on to work with WWRL-AM, another esteemed radio station situated within the five boroughs of New York City.
From the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s, he embarked on a remarkable career trajectory, simultaneously excelling as a skilled Disc Jockey and Program Director for the esteemed radio stations WBLS-FM and WRKS-FM in the vibrant city of New York, ultimately leaving an indelible mark on the world of radio that would be cherished for generations to come.
