This is the story loosely based on Cleveland disc jockey Alan Freed, who introduced rock'n'roll to teenage American radio audiences in the 1950s. Freed was a source of great controversy: criticized by conservatives for corrupting youth with the "devil's music"; hated by racists for promoting African American music for white consumption; persecuted by law enforcement officials and finally brought down by the "payola" scandals.

"1959. New York City. The battleground was Rock and Roll. It was the beginning of an era. You shoulda been there."

Credits

Floyd MutruxDirector

Tim McIntireAlan Freed

Fran DrescherSheryl

Jay LenoMookie

Laraine NewmanTeenage Louise