When Ohio native and radio disc jockey Alan Freed coined the phrase "Rock & Roll" in 1951 to describe the uptempo, black rhythm and blues records he played, the music appealed to people on both sides of the racial divide. He ushered in a new genre of music that helped erase the barriers of segregation in America. 

He promoted Rock & Roll through radio, television, movies and live performances. The music attained worldwide popularity and changed the cultural landscape for the rest of the 20th Century - and beyond. The success of Freed's  "Moondog Rock & Roll House Party" radio show encouraged him to organize the Moondog Coronation Ball - the world's first rock concert - on March 21, 1952.