Fun Fact March 21, 2022.

The Moondog Coronation Ball was on this date in 1952.  The “Moondog” in question was DJ Alan Freed, “The Father of Rock and Roll.” Freed had been hosting a late-night rhythm and blues show on Cleveland radio station WJW.  Freed and Leo Mintz, owner of a local record store that sponsored the Moondog show, decided to do something that had never been done before; hold a live dance event featuring some of the artists who’s records were being played on the show.  Hours before show time thousands of teenagers lined up outside the Cleveland Arena, hoping to be one of the lucky ten thousand who would be able to get a ticket and a seat.  Due to massive ticket counterfeiting, and possible overbooking by the event’s sponsors, an estimated 20,000-25,000 fans turned out to try to get in.   Less than an hour into the show, the massive overflow crowd broke through the gates that were keeping them outside, and police quickly moved in to stop the show almost as soon as it began.  According to History dot com The Moondog Coronation Ball is now recognized as the very first rock concert.  Listen to the podcast here; https://theriver953.com/lonnies-fun-fact/

Fun Fact March 21, 2022.
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