They have a HUGE display of Alan Freed and his story at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Come to think of it, he was from Cleveland, and it is not totally out of bounds to say that rock and roll was born in Cleveland!  (OK, it's a stretch, but they make that claim, supporting it with the fact that Alan Freed organized the first rock and roll concerts ever in the history of the UNIVERSE!!! there, so they do have a point to a degree).

Anyway, from what I read, the guy was just your basic white geek from the midwest in the 50's until he heard black rock and roll music. Then he went totally insane, basically giving up his whole life just to promote it. NOT what one might call the most responsible life decision in the world. He did a fantastic job though, radio shows and concert host/organizer. I reallly wonder how different the course of rock music would have been without him. It's tragic how he died, but I hope he's smiling that he's getting his due right there on the 3rd floor of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, right next to the Les Paul exhibit. IMHO, he paid his dues and deserves it.