DJ Alan Freed/Salem, Ohio

I do love to visit charming small towns, and Salem, Ohio, did not disappoint. Located in the heart of the Mahoning Valley in northeastern Ohio about 70 miles southeast of Cleveland, Salem is known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful parks, and historic landmarks. The city also has strong connections to music history, most notably through one of its most famous former residents, influential DJ Alan Freed, who is credited with popularizing the term “rock and roll” and helping to integrate audiences through music in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s.

I find the history of Salem quite interesting, and I have to wonder if the heritage of the “Little Big City” didn’t rub off a little on its most famous resident. Salem was incorporated in 1830, and many of the early settlers were Quakers. (Their school mascot is the “Quakers,” which is adorable.) Salem was a major hub of the Underground Railroad, and it was the headquarters for the Ohio American Anti-Slavery Society, which published an illegal anti-slavery newspaper. Notably, Salem also hosted the first Women’s Rights Convention in Ohio, only the second such convention in the United States, in April 1850. (These historic locations are highlighted in my YouTube video on Salem.)

My tour of Salem started at the former Salem High School, where Alan Freed attended. The building is now part of the Kent State University system.

Then, as a bug drawn to a bright light, I immediately stumbled upon State Street Records in downtown Salem, and was surprised to learn the owner is from Erie, PA, near where I am from. The store is fantastic, with loads of vinyl, t-shirts, and other groovy memorabilia.

Salem’s vibrant downtown offers plenty of shopping, great restaurants, green spaces, and friendly people. I found a quaint coffee shop, Libs Market-Café & Eatery, which is superb. I interviewed the owner about the annual Freed Fest, a summer festival honoring Alan Freed and great music. In the summer, downtown Salem hosts weekly concerts and other events.

My next stop was the Salem Historical Society and Museum, which offers visitors a glimpse into Salem’s past through exhibits on the city’s founding, growth, and important figures. It also has a museum, which showcases local artifacts, photographs, memorabilia, and a display dedicated to Freed.

I had a special tour guide who informed me one of the houses is, indeed, haunted, and he took the time to let me interview him about the organization. I have a special place in my heart for the people in every city and town who take pride in their local history and their towns in general and make it all better for everyone.

There are some terrific parks around Salem, including Waterworth Memorial Park. This large public park is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, with walking trails, playgrounds, fishing areas, and picnic spots. It’s a great place to enjoy nature and relax while exploring the city.

DJ Alan Freed: Salem’s Most Famous Former Resident

Alan Freed was born in Windber, Pennsylvania, on December 15, 1921, and his family moved to Salem in 1933 when he was 11. Freed is best known for his pioneering work in the development of rock and roll music. He is credited with coining the term “rock and roll,” which, to be honest, was a re-branding of “rhythm and blues” or “race music.” 

Freed loved great music, no matter the race of the artist, but at the time in America, radio stations and juke boxes were usually separated by race. As a leading figure in the music scene during the 1950s, Freed deserves much credit for putting an end to that. He made a lasting impact on the American music industry through his radio shows and live performances, bringing R&B music to a broader, more diverse audience and shaping the sound of a generation.

Growing up in Salem, Freed developed an early love for music. He was in a band, and he was known around town for promoting music. He discovered he loved radio while at Ohio State University, and he worked at various radio stations before moving to Cleveland, where he gained fame for hosting popular radio shows. His biggest legacy, however, was his role in promoting and popularizing rock and roll music, which helped to bridge racial divides in the music industry and attract young audiences to new genres.

Freed’s work went beyond the radio waves. He organized and hosted concerts, his first being the “Moondog Coronation Ball,” at the Cleveland Arena in March 1952. It was one of the first rock and roll concerts. 

There were a few other DJ’s at the time playing R&B music, but Freed brought energy and enthusiasm to the “new” artform and promoted it tirelessly in live stage shows, rock films, and of course, on the radio. His innovative approach to radio broadcasting and his support for rhythm and blues artists made him a key figure in the rise of rock and roll.

Despite his authentic love for rock and the amazing artists he promoted, he faced many challenges in his career. Pushing up against a racist establishment put him in the middle of many controversies which culminated in his becoming the fall guy in the big “payola” scandal that rocked the late 1950s. Although not illegal at the time, and although just about every DJ was doing it, Freed was accused of taking money from record companies in exchange for playing their artists. 

It doesn’t seem like that big of a deal today, when most of us realize money runs just about everything, but at the time, it was a terrible blow to Freed’s professional integrity. During his testimony before Congress, Freed (finally) admitted his guilt, but unlike Dick Clark who was also guilty but came across as boyish and likeable, Freed’s surly attitude about the proceedings caused lawmakers to target him specifically.

Freed, who gave so much to rock and roll, never recovered professionally and wound up drinking himself to death at the age of 43. He put his heart and soul into the music and desegregation, and the establishment made him pay dearly. In my opinion, we owe much to this tragic hero.

Which is why I wanted to visit Salem. 

Freed’s career took off in Cleveland, where there are sites and events that honor him, including a juke box shaped gravestone. He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and of course, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

I’ll visit Cleveland soon.

I truly enjoyed my time in Salem, Ohio. Whether you’re exploring the local history, enjoying outdoor activities, or paying tribute to the man who brought rock and roll to the masses, Salem provides a unique and memorable experience. 

Be sure to check out the soon-to-be-posted video content on my visit to Salem on YouTube @RockTravelShow, and please subscribe so you can enjoy adventures to other places connected to great rock ‘n’ roll.