Posted inBirthday Music Facts Doo-Wop
Alan Freed: Hail, Hail, Mr. Rock & Roll
![Alan Freed Alan Freed](http://raresoul.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/alanfreed1-300x167.jpg)
By John Jackson
Alan Freed was born Albert James Freed today (December 15, 1921,) near Johnstown, PA. In 1933 the Freed family moved to Salem, Ohio. In high school, Freed formed a band know as The Sultans of Swing, in which he played trombone. In 1942, Freed landed his first broadcasting job, at WKST (New Castle, PA). He took a sportscasting position at WKBN (Youngstown, OH) the following year.