Why did Alan freed call rythmn an blues rock and roll?

Answer 1

Alan Freed, a pioneering disc jockey in the 1950s, referred to rhythm and blues as "rock and roll" to create a more inclusive and appealing genre that would attract a broader audience, particularly white teenagers. He sought to bridge the racial divide in music by promoting Black artists and their music, which was often marginalized. By coining the term "rock and roll," Freed helped popularize the sound and culture of rhythm and blues, ultimately shaping the future of American music.