DJ Gets Arrested!

It was a dark day for those in my profession on this day in 1960. That’s the day that DJ Alan Freed-who coined the term “rock ‘n roll” was arrested along with seven others on suspicion of commercial bribery—in this case, “payola”.

Interestingly, “payola”-accepting bribes of cash and/or good and services in exchange for playing certain records-was NOT against the law at the time. Freed refused to sign an affidavit in 1959 denying he had accepted cash for airplay. Although originally charged with 26 counts, he got off with just a fine.

The effect on his career was a tad more severe. He was never the same-and demand for his services declined. Another DJ and fledgling TV personality also admitted a link between himself and financial interests in the songs he was promoting. A guy by the name of Dick Clark.

One could say he handled the situation a tad better.



Here is a vintage rock and roll video clip featuring Alan Freed:




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTD9kU3q2Qs

Ah, those were the days! By the way, in case you’re wondering…no one is playing ME to play anything! You, the 94.9 WHOM listener decide what airs, not the record labels…that’s the way it SHOULD be!

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