Looking to dive into a musical exploration. New Orleans heavily influenced the music of the 20th and 21st centuries but doesn’t get its credit for the most part.

“Rock and Roll” catchphrase was popularized by some DJ in Cleveland and they are suddenly the capital city of RR. Doesn’t seem right. That style of music was already being played by a generation in New Orleans.

Does anyone have any recommendations for books that may shine some light on this subject?

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Posted by Martini

Near Athens

Member since Mar 2005

49638 posts

Posted on 1/1/26 at 4:31 pm to TurdAndChavis

“Some DJ” was Alan Freed who had The Moondog Show in Cleveland.

He never claimed to invent the name. He just started using it because he had heard it and he had an audience so it stuck.

Cleveland Rocks

Not sure of a book. But a great song.

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Posted by theGarnetWay

Washington, D.C.

Member since Mar 2010

27236 posts

Posted on 1/2/26 at 4:21 pm to TurdAndChavis

This doesn't get at your question. More like a follow-up question or a subquestion you might have - but if you can find it there was a great 4 or 5 part documentary VH1 put out years and years ago called Heavy: The Story of Metal. It pretty much traces the history rock'n'roll right before Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin hit the scene all the way to about when the doc. was released (mid 2000s). So, it doesn't quite get at its direct origins. However, you have what you might call your early rock Gods episode, with a heavy focus on Led Zeppelin and Sabbat and earl shock rockers like Alice Cooper and KISS in episode 1, all the way to Marlyin Manson and Nu Metal - with everything in between (hair metal and have their own episodes I think). Anyway, they interview damn pretty much at least one member of every recognizable band over that time span.

ETA: Sorry - I didn't really answer your question nor did I recommend a book, but if you're interested in the history of the genre, that is a great documentary.