Alan Freed - Moondog Coronation Ball - March 21, 1952

   Disc jockey Alan Freed, the man who popularized the expression “rock ’n’ roll” in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1951, gathers popular rhythm and blues performers of the time for his Moondog Coronation Ball, the first rock ’n’ roll stage show, held at the Cleveland Arena on Friday, March 21, 1952. Acts include the Dominoes, Varetta Dillard, Danny Cobb, Tiny Grimes, and the Paul Williams Orchestra.

en.wikipedia.org Moondog Coronation Ball

The first rock ‘n’ roll poster, announcing the first rock ‘n’ roll concert. Alan Freed hosted and broadcast the Moondog Coronation Ball on March 21, 1952, photo= Cleveland Plain Dealer

A ticket from the Moondog Coronation Ball, in the Cleveland area on March 21, 1952

   On the night of March 21st, DJ Alan Freed puts on the ever rock 'n' roll show - "The Moondog Coronation Ball" in Cleveland starring The Dominoes, Veretta Dillard, Tiny Grimes & His Rockin' Highlanders featuring Screamin' Jay Hawkins, and Paul "Hucklebuck" Williams. The overflow crowds break down the doors, storming the arena where a full scale riot ensues bringing the newly coined "rock 'n' roll" music its first widespread headlines and scrutiny.

Radio DJ Alan Freed, who uses the phrase rock ’n’ roll to describe a style of music, is host of the Moondog Coronation Ball at Cleveland Arena. A riot ensues when hundreds of concertgoers are unable to get into the sold-out show.

   March 21, 1952 Alan Freed's The Moondog Coronation Ball in Cleveland ends in a near riot, signifying the beginning of the rock era.