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    You are at:Home»March»March 21»March 21, 1952: First Rock and Roll Concert Foiled by Racism?
    March 21

    March 21, 1952: First Rock and Roll Concert Foiled by Racism?

    Major DanBy Major DanMarch 21, 2016Updated:February 27, 2020110 Comments3 Mins Read
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    A Brief History

    On March 21, 1952, disc jockey Alan Freed (inventor of the term “rock and roll”) and record store owner Leo Mintz staged the first rock concert in Cleveland, Ohio!

    Digging Deeper

    At the time, our country was divided by race, with African-Americans who served the country during World War II expecting to achieve something more like equality than the segregation and discriminatory treatment of the day.

    With major civil rights milestones such as integration of the armed forces in 1948 and landmark events such as Brown v. Board of Education and the Rosa Parks led bus boycott right around the corner, many people black and white were ready for a change.

    Of course, many more were not!  Rock and roll music evolved from African-American musical styles and many younger European-Americans readily took to it whether the performers were black or white.  The Moondog Coronation Ball scheduled for March 21, 1952 was not only the first real rock and roll concert organized but had the (for the time) rare distinction of combining black and white performers.

    Held at the Cleveland Arena, a venue fielding about 10,000 seats, advance tickets were $1.50 and those quickly sold out.  Unfortunately, tickets for another concert were accidentally printed with the March 21 date and there was some ticket counterfeiting going on as well, resulting in over 20,000 people showing up.

    Rock and roll may have been in its infancy, but rock concert fans were still rock concert fans, and authorities (Fire Marshall) closed the show after only one number!  Although public safety is a reasonable conclusion for the closing, it has been speculated that authorities were just looking for a reason to stop the integrated show.  No proof of that exists, but with the segregated nature of the music industry it seems plausible that people interested in the status quo would take offense to mixed race performers playing for an integrated crowd. It is hard for people that did not experience the racial discrimination and strife of that time to understand how pervasive it was.  Reading about it and watching newsreel clips only gives a little of the real feeling of the time.

    Paul “Hucklebuck” Williams played one song and it was over!  The Moondog Coronation Ball lives on in the form of an oldies concert by that name every year since 1992 (40th anniversary) held in Cleveland.  The 2014 Moondog Coronation Ball will be held on March 29 at Quicken Loans Arena and will feature luminaries such as Steppenwolf, Tommy James and the Shondells, Herman’s Hermits and The Family Stone!  Unlike 1952, tickets cost a little more, with the cheap seats starting at $37.75.

    Long live Rock and Roll!  We shall see you there!

    Question for students (and subscribers): Have you ever been to a concert in Cleveland, Ohio?  Please let us know in the comments section below this article.

    If you liked this article and would like to receive notification of new articles, please feel welcome to subscribe to History and Headlines by liking us on Facebook and becoming one of our patrons!

    Your readership is much appreciated!

    Historical Evidence

    For more information, please see…

    Feran, Tom and John Gorman.  The Buzzard: Inside the Glory Days of WMMS and Cleveland Rock Radio–A Memoir.  Gray & Company, Publishers, 2008.

    Miller, James.  Flowers in the Dustbin: The Rise of Rock and Roll, 1947-1977.  Simon and Schuster, 2000.

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    Major Dan
    Major Dan

      Major Dan is a retired veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He served during the Cold War and has traveled to many countries around the world. Prior to his military service, he graduated from Cleveland State University, having majored in sociology. Following his military service, he worked as a police officer eventually earning the rank of captain prior to his retirement.

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      <span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="1533 http://www.crackedhistory.com/?p=1533">110 Comments

      1. Avatar
        Carol Hixson on March 23, 2014 7:29 pm

        Unless you lived during that time you would not understand. It took some time for people to get used to the idea of the races mixing, not everyone of that era. My dad was not prejudiced at all and he did not promote prejudiced actions in our family.

        Reply
      2. Avatar
        Heather H on April 15, 2015 12:13 pm

        Despite all of the early hardships, rock and roll still lives on

        Reply
      3. Avatar
        DAVID WARDLE on April 17, 2015 5:49 am

        It is a true shame that racism exists… even today. — DAVID WARDLE

        Reply
      4. Avatar
        Samantha Easterling on April 17, 2015 1:07 pm

        Sad that racism is everywhere to day.

        Reply
      5. Avatar
        Matt Chojnacki on April 17, 2015 6:48 pm

        Gotta love that Cleveland is the home of Rock and Roll

        Reply
      6. Avatar
        Natalie Sholtis on April 20, 2015 1:09 pm

        I can’t imagine NOT having races mixing or seeing the prejudiced beliefs of the time period. AND I can’t imagine seeing 20,000 people in one area!

        Reply
      7. Avatar
        Mike Rinicella on April 22, 2015 4:59 pm

        Racism will always be a part from our world no matter what the case may be. It’s sad, but very true.

        Reply
      8. Avatar
        Alex Guthrie on April 25, 2015 11:55 am

        Too bad this got shut down…I can’t imagine going to a concert just to have it cancelled after one song.

        Reply
      9. Avatar
        Jake Woolf on May 3, 2015 11:00 pm

        “Steppenwolf,Tommy James and the Shondells, Herman’s Hermits and The Family Stone!”
        Reading that and being able to just start singing songs from each of those groups makes me feel old. 🙁

        Reply
      10. Avatar
        Anthony Jasany on May 5, 2015 9:36 pm

        It’s great hearing about history facts related to Cleveland. too bad it got shut down

        Reply
      11. Avatar
        ryan C on March 9, 2016 10:26 am

        Pretty cool that Cleveland is home of the rock in roll hall of fame.

        Reply
      12. Avatar
        Danielle on April 18, 2016 12:56 pm

        It’s sad that the reason that it may have got shut down was because it was an integrated concert.

        Reply
      13. Avatar
        Amber Moore on April 18, 2016 3:17 pm

        I can just picture this place being filled to twice its capacity. I’m sure everyone was having a great time and looking forward to a memorable night. It’s such a shame that the authorities didn’t just let it be.

        Reply
      14. Avatar
        MB on April 20, 2016 4:01 pm

        I believe racism will always be a part of society,even as much as someone tries.

        Reply
      15. Avatar
        SW on April 20, 2016 9:05 pm

        Even though it may have been race related for the shut down it sounds like the fire marshall had a real concern with the amount of people who showed up.

        Reply
      16. Avatar
        kk on April 21, 2016 1:37 pm

        Neat to know that we had the first rock concert right here in the home state and a very close to where we all live. 20000 people that is a ton of people for a first concert. But I guess every one wanted to see what it was all about. The racism part I don’t really get, it doesn’t need to be a factor in anything. The part that sucks is that it will never go away totally.

        Reply
      17. Avatar
        Diana N on April 27, 2016 3:20 pm

        Even if racism was the reason to shut the concert, people’s safety was the top priority. Twice the number of people showed up for the concert, the crew probably did not have enough resources.

        Reply
      18. Avatar
        Brett Nagy on April 27, 2016 9:43 pm

        It is a shame that this could not continue but I can understand why it was a risk.

        Reply
      19. Avatar
        Meghan R on April 28, 2016 2:27 pm

        It is amazing to think in that time that many people came to an integrated concert. It is a shame it could not be finished.

        Reply
      20. Avatar
        Raquel F on April 30, 2016 9:57 pm

        Its not right that authorities were just looking for a reason to stop the integrated show.

        Reply
      21. Avatar
        Emmaline K on May 2, 2016 9:34 am

        I had previously heard of the Moondog Coronation Ball, but didn’t actually know what it was until now.

        Reply
      22. Avatar
        Nicole Z on May 4, 2016 2:23 pm

        I don’t think that race should have been a part of why it was shut down. But it is crazy that 20,000 people showed up to this concert.

        Reply
      23. Avatar
        Kamarin R on May 6, 2016 2:21 pm

        I don’t think something as harmless as a rock concert should be shut down because of racism even if it is just speculation.

        Reply
      24. Avatar
        Sabrina Peelman on May 6, 2016 3:55 pm

        I feel like race might have just been the cover story of why they really shut it down

        Reply
      25. Avatar
        Andy frick on May 8, 2016 4:08 pm

        I may have to check out the Moondog Coronation Ball next year!

        Reply
      26. Avatar
        Brandon on May 8, 2016 7:51 pm

        Even racism got in the way of concerts, such a shame

        Reply
      27. Avatar
        APG on May 9, 2016 8:27 pm

        People will use racism any way they can to ruin everything.

        Reply
      28. Avatar
        Dakota A rinier on May 10, 2016 6:49 am

        Rascism is such a awful thing seems to ruin everythign

        Reply
      29. Avatar
        DW on May 11, 2016 4:55 am

        We are far from perfect in the U.S. but we are light years ahead of what we used to be in terms of racism.

        Reply
      30. Avatar
        Matt Smail on May 11, 2016 8:08 am

        racism is an unfortunate topic to talk about. we still have it today believe it or not, not as bad as it used to be. but hopefully we can get out of this stage where we make racism “relevent”. we need to move on from this. its an embarrassment.

        Reply
      31. Avatar
        Isaac Talley on May 11, 2016 2:30 pm

        Music brings people together and rock and roll is no different. It is a shame racism had to ruined it for everyone. Also how did Cleveland Arena get the concert to actually get set up in the first place.

        Reply
      32. Avatar
        BV on May 12, 2016 5:34 pm

        Racism needs to be stopped and it’s so depressing that we’re still dealing with it! People in America need to get over themselves.

        Reply
      33. Avatar
        AM on October 11, 2016 6:20 pm

        Racism is such a sad thing that hurt so many lives.

        Reply
      34. Avatar
        MM on November 14, 2016 5:55 pm

        So I guess another reason why Cleveland is known as the home of rock and roll is because the first concert was held here! It’s still sad that racism impacted so many lives.

        Reply
      35. Avatar
        Montel Lollis on November 22, 2016 10:48 am

        Racism is poor and needs to be changes not just black, but muslims, natives, mexicans , and etc. How can people live in this world today like this?

        Reply
      36. Avatar
        Jordin Vidmar on November 27, 2016 1:45 pm

        I have recently visited the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with my family, but did not really try to learn much of its history. It’s cool to think that the first concert happened here, and that might have contributed to the Hall of Fame being built here.

        Reply
      37. Avatar
        Lori Caudill on November 27, 2016 4:02 pm

        I never knew the first concert was held in Cleveland, Ohio. Music has always had the ability to bring people together and it is a shame that authorities would search for reasons to bring it to a halt.

        Reply
      38. Avatar
        Diana Minich on November 28, 2016 10:44 am

        Love that Cleveland was the first to try to have an integrated music concert. Too bad it was closed after one act. A $1.50 for tickets sounds crazy. Too bad it’s so expensive now.

        Reply
      39. Avatar
        Jennifer Maurer on November 28, 2016 3:28 pm

        I love music is so often color blind!! Especially early, mainstream music, people just liked what they heard.

        Reply
      40. Avatar
        Lydia Ott on November 28, 2016 8:56 pm

        I had no idea the first rock n’ roll concert took place in Cleveland. It is sad that authorities wanted to shut down the concert just because of racial discrimination. It is so hard for me to believe how closed minded people were and still can be.

        Reply
      41. Avatar
        Lessie Parish on November 29, 2016 9:25 am

        It has always amazed me how so many people loved integrated music but mistreated African Americans. It has never made sense to me. I also did not know that Cleveland held the first rock and roll concert.

        Reply
      42. Avatar
        Breanna Beckley on November 29, 2016 11:57 am

        I did not know that the first rock-n-roll concert was held in Cleveland. I think that its amazing to read that music brought people together no matter their race.

        Reply
      43. Avatar
        Ben McClay on November 29, 2016 9:29 pm

        I am glad that this article reiterates that the first rock-n-roll concert was held in Cleveland. I have driven by the rock-n-roll hall of fame but have personally never been inside of it.

        Reply
      44. Avatar
        Maxwell McCullough on November 30, 2016 4:51 pm

        Its great that rock can bring people together, a shame the authorities were possibly racist.

        Reply
      45. Avatar
        Kala Strong on December 1, 2016 12:02 am

        I like that this took place in Ohio. It is cool to see that the first rock and roll concert happened in Cleveland.

        Reply
      46. Avatar
        Brandon Wagner on December 1, 2016 5:17 pm

        It was exciting to learn that the first Rock and Roll concert was in Cleveland, Ohio. Mostly I couldn’t believe that the tickets were only $1.50.

        Reply
      47. Avatar
        Elizabeth Bon on December 1, 2016 5:59 pm

        I knew that Cleveland was the birth place but have yet to make it to the Rock and Roll Hall of fame in Cleveland. It does make me wonder about the reasons behind shutting down the first concert there.

        Reply
      48. Avatar
        Taylor Young on December 1, 2016 10:49 pm

        I find it kind of funny how there were tickets printed for a different concert on the same day so 20,000 people showed up to a place that could only seated 10,000 people.

        Reply
      49. Avatar
        Audrey Manahan on December 2, 2016 3:32 pm

        It is interesting to me that so many events in rock and roll happened in Cleveland. I had no idea before, and always wondered why the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

        Reply
      50. Avatar
        Rose Jepson on December 2, 2016 3:42 pm

        How cool would it be if tickets to a concert were still $1.50? It does seem suspicious that they closed the show after only one song. I also think it’s plausible that the reason was to stop an integrated show, especially at that time.

        Reply
      51. Avatar
        Shannon Read on December 2, 2016 6:18 pm

        It is weird to think of the price of a ticket at this time. I knew that Rock and Roll started in Cleveland because of the hall of fame. I always wondered why it started there though.

        Reply
      52. Avatar
        Alyssa Hanes on December 2, 2016 7:15 pm

        I enjoyed learning that the history of Rock n Roll has remained in Cleveland all this time. If tickets were still $1.50 there would be so many more fun opportunities to go see our favorite artists! I love learning about such wonderful history that came from Ohio.

        Reply
      53. Avatar
        Nicholas Hillyer on December 3, 2016 9:44 am

        Man I wish tickets were still $1.50 could afford a lore more concerts thats for sure.

        Reply
      54. Avatar
        Jingshan Jiang on December 3, 2016 6:54 pm

        I have been the Rock n Roll museum in Cleveland before. It is a great place. I am proud that I live in Ohio.

        Reply
      55. Avatar
        Shuling He on December 3, 2016 9:35 pm

        $1.50 was a very great deal to go to a concert. I like to go to the Rock n Roll Museum in Cleveland

        Reply
      56. Avatar
        Daina Thomas on December 4, 2016 11:23 am

        I wish concerts were $1.50!

        Reply
      57. Avatar
        Natalie antonio on December 5, 2016 1:05 pm

        I wish that the prices were still like they were back then!

        Reply
      58. Avatar
        Allison Lester on December 7, 2016 11:52 am

        If only ticket prices were still that low. Artists throughout the United States would actually gain more popularity!

        Reply
      59. Avatar
        Kristin Fellure on December 7, 2016 12:19 pm

        It is so cool that this began in Cleveland. I am shocked at how expensive tickets to concerts are today compared to back then.

        Reply
      60. Avatar
        LF on December 7, 2016 1:56 pm

        This is awesome, rock and roll was born in Cleveland.

        Reply
      61. Avatar
        ES on December 7, 2016 9:59 pm

        Prices were so cheap back then.

        Reply
      62. Avatar
        SR on December 8, 2016 5:57 pm

        I can’t believe how cheap prices used to be

        Reply
      63. Avatar
        Keagan Frey on December 9, 2016 1:15 am

        The venue must have really been packed.

        Reply
      64. Avatar
        Travis Tarnowski on December 9, 2016 10:22 pm

        It is cool to see that this took place in Ohio. Could be why the rock n roll hall of fame is placed in Cleveland, Ohio.

        Reply
      65. Avatar
        Hunter Music on December 10, 2016 5:39 am

        How can error of such proportions occur. I wonder if that person got to keep their job.

        Reply
      66. Avatar
        Alexis Dykes on December 11, 2016 7:15 am

        One more thing to be proud of as an Ohioan! The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is such a fun place to visit too.

        Reply
      67. Avatar
        Jessica May on December 11, 2016 9:55 pm

        If only we still had those prices today

        Reply
      68. Avatar
        David Birkbeck on December 11, 2016 11:49 pm

        O. H. I. O.

        Reply
      69. Avatar
        AA on December 12, 2016 12:09 am

        Interesting to learn that the first rock concert was help where the rock n roll hall of fame is today and to learn that the ticket price was $1.50.

        Reply
      70. Avatar
        MT on December 12, 2016 7:00 pm

        I would go to concerts all the time if we had prices like that.

        Reply
      71. Avatar
        pw on December 13, 2016 2:01 pm

        Wow its cool that the rock and roll concert was where the hall of fame is

        Reply
      72. Avatar
        Jared A. Hutt on February 11, 2017 3:48 pm

        The segregation and discrimination of the time is a he reason that Elvis became so wildly popular. Sam Phillips knew that if he could get a white guy to sing black music, he would be a millionaire.

        Reply
      73. Avatar
        Kay McCargish on February 13, 2017 11:05 am

        It would not surprise me at all if this show was closed because of racial prejudices.

        Reply
      74. Avatar
        Dan Sumpter on February 13, 2017 9:08 pm

        I always wondered why Cleveland was where they decided to build the hall of fame. Now I know.

        Reply
      75. Avatar
        Cara Zang on February 14, 2017 11:22 am

        This is very interesting that Ohio serves as the first to hold this concert. I do wish the prices were still 1.50 for a ticket for a concert.

        Reply
        • Avatar
          Bailey Cleary on February 14, 2017 2:52 pm

          I agree with you I wish ticket prices were still $1.50 or even $37 like they were in 1952.

          Reply
      76. Avatar
        Shannon Smith on February 14, 2017 3:45 pm

        Now it makes sense why the rock and roll hall of fame is in Ohio. It’s neat to know our state played such a part in the birth of rock and roll. I find it amazing how music could bring people together even during the time of segrgation!

        Reply
      77. Avatar
        Luke Lyden on February 14, 2017 6:25 pm

        Music and Rock and Roll have no color! If someone makes great music people will listen, no matter the color of their skin!

        Reply
      78. Avatar
        Christie Benton on February 16, 2017 12:17 pm

        The Moondog Coronation Ball is quite known to any Clevelander, great to know the history behind the concert. Sad, though that as music brought people together, the law wanted to tear them apart.

        Reply
      79. Avatar
        Dan Fidoe on February 16, 2017 3:05 pm

        Never heard of the Moondog Ball. Never even heard anyone talk about it. Seems authorities are always interfering with what society really wants. Interesting how Cleveland was the stomping grounds for Rock n’ Roll.

        Reply
      80. Avatar
        Shaun Emerick on February 16, 2017 8:45 pm

        It is always great how music can bring people together. In this instance bringing African Americans and Caucasians together, Rock and Roll helped everyone forget about what color you were at least for a moment making everyone just fans of the genre. I especially find it sad that the African Americans who served in WWII were not even treated with any respect or equality. This reminds me of our similar situation today with the immigrants who have served for our country. They are having a hard time finding equality due to our government having to take action to keep the dangerous immigrants out.

        Reply
      81. Avatar
        Juan Rodriguez on February 16, 2017 9:35 pm

        I never knew why Cleveland was called the rock and roll capitol until I read this article. It is true that when music is playing you forget about your problems. There is no race when it comes to music because you truly can’t tell who is singing on radio, plus good music is good music no matter who is singing.

        Reply
      82. Avatar
        Jason Orellano on February 17, 2017 2:23 pm

        No wonder Cleveland is the home to the Rock Hall. I would have hoped that was not the reason the shut the concert down but an extra 10,000 people at any event would have my concerns for safety.

        Reply
      83. Avatar
        Jeffrey Keenan on February 17, 2017 7:50 pm

        The Moondog Coronation Ball was the most iconic concert to ever hit Cleveland Ohio. An interracial concert in 1952 was unheard of. Cleveland will always be the city of rock and roll.

        Reply
      84. Avatar
        Jeremiah Linden on February 17, 2017 8:27 pm

        What better way to break some racial tension than with music. Music can always be the one thing to bring people together. Sadly, certain people’s ignorance stopped everyone from enjoying a good time.

        Reply
      85. Avatar
        Mackenzie H on February 17, 2017 10:27 pm

        Music is my number one go to thing. I always new it could bring people together. Rock and roll music evolved from African-American musical styles

        Reply
      86. Avatar
        Jared Good on February 18, 2017 9:09 am

        I love rock n roll and all mixes of music. I could see back then people trying to stop it because it was mixed black and white. That was a great thing to do they should of let it be.

        Reply
      87. Avatar
        John Milton on February 18, 2017 4:57 pm

        Music did seem to bring those of different color together and racists did not like that.

        Reply
      88. Avatar
        Kacey Kovac on February 18, 2017 5:23 pm

        Although the event ended up getting shut down after just one number, I am still proud to be from the city that had the first rock concert that included all races in a time when this was seen as taboo.

        Reply
      89. Avatar
        Michelle Ross on February 19, 2017 6:21 pm

        The fact that this happened Cleveland is awesome. The fact that the show was shut down is not a neat thing. That would be why the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is in Cleveland, Ohio.

        Reply
      90. Avatar
        Chelsey R Stillings on February 24, 2017 9:41 am

        Love that it was in Cleveland ohio!!!

        Reply
      91. Avatar
        James Cole on April 12, 2017 8:25 pm

        I’ve lived in Canton, Ohio all of my life. It sounds like it would have been an awesome rock concert. I wish I could have been there. I also have my doubts that the concert was stopped due to safety issues. I want to believe that they stopped the concert because of both blacks and whites were performing in the same place. I am a white male. At one time, I had a black girlfriend that some of my family members did not approve of at that time. I am all for equal rights for everyone, even though I live with someone who thinks otherwise. I judge people for what is on the inside rather than the color of their skin. It is sad to say that we still live in a world that still discriminates against other races.

        Reply
      92. Avatar
        Angela Kessinger on April 16, 2017 12:40 pm

        This was an interesting story. I did not realize that the first rock concert was in Cleveland, Ohio. It is a shame that the concert was shut down just after one song. The question I have is: Do you think that the tickets that were “accidentally” printed for another concert with the same date and the printing of counterfeit tickets was purposely done so that too many people would show up so they would have an excuse to shut it down?

        Reply
      93. Avatar
        Misty Prosser on April 16, 2017 10:08 pm

        I bet that was an amazing concert, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is awesome. If you ever get the chance it is definitely a must see.

        Reply
      94. Avatar
        Marquita Smith on April 18, 2017 7:14 pm

        I am from Cleveland Ohio and I need to visit the Hall of Fame. I love different cultures of music

        Reply
      95. Avatar
        Robert Conley on April 20, 2017 12:03 pm

        First rock and roll concert held in Cleveland, Ohio, makes sense why the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame calls this city home. I like that the hall has a variety of music in it.

        Reply
      96. Avatar
        Michael Tovissi on April 20, 2017 1:24 pm

        I wonder if this is how Cleveland became the home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. That first concert must’ve been great.

        Reply
      97. Avatar
        Jaisun on April 21, 2017 9:51 am

        I’ve always wondered why The Rock and Roll HOF is housed in Cleveland. This explains it!

        Reply
      98. Avatar
        Autum Alisa Grandstaff on April 21, 2017 11:09 pm

        Considering the time period and social opinions, I would not be surprised if the police didn’t “look” for a reason to shut the event down. At that time worse was being done to the African American race, and unfortunately some individuals were not ready for it to be over.

        Reply
      99. Avatar
        Patrick Barker on April 23, 2017 5:00 pm

        The most amazing thing about this concert is that it hosted both black and white performers without any serious issues. Discrimination continued long after the concert, and still does today, but it is interesting that Rock N’ Roll brought the races together.

        Reply
      100. Avatar
        Jacob DeSmit on April 23, 2017 11:42 pm

        As somebody who lives in the Cleveland area, I just spoke to a friend’s mother the other day about her experience attending this year’s Moondog Coronation Ball. She made it sound like the concert was a blast for everyone in attendance, so I can’t imagine any of the acts that played or the emcee brought up the event’s racially-charged past!

        Reply
      101. Avatar
        Nakia Bridges on April 24, 2017 11:34 am

        I have only been to Cleveland twice in my whole life but to find out that the first Rock and Roll concert was there, now I want to go to the hall of fame and see the different music cultures.

        Reply
      102. Avatar
        McKenna Kapper on April 26, 2017 4:48 pm

        This was an interesting article! I have enjoined learning about the events that occurred here in Ohio!

        Reply
      103. Avatar
        Jessica Kessinger on April 26, 2017 6:35 pm

        I have lived in Ohio my entire life. I was unaware the first rock and roll concert was in our very own Cleveland.

        Reply
      104. Avatar
        Amanda Miller on April 28, 2017 12:15 am

        To think all that happened 65 years ago and look how the music industry is today

        Reply
      105. Avatar
        MIA on April 28, 2017 10:59 am

        I never knew that the first Rock N’ Roll concert was held in Cleveland! I’m glad Cleveland was blessed with having the Rock N’ Roll hall of fame.

        Reply
      106. Avatar
        WenYu Zhang on April 30, 2017 9:14 pm

        I remember that there was a rock and roll Museum in Cleveland, and there were all kinds of clothes and props for rock singers

        Reply
      107. Avatar
        KIMBERLY KESTNER on April 30, 2017 11:41 pm

        Cleveland Rocks! I bet the shut down was definitely partly to do with race.

        Reply
      108. Avatar
        Payton Brown on May 2, 2017 12:05 pm

        It’s cool the first rock concert was in Cleveland but I wish the show had gotten to happen. It would have been an even cooler moment in history.

        Reply
      109. Avatar
        NN on September 30, 2017 3:47 pm

        Interesting to learn that the first rock concert was where the rock n roll hall of fame is today and to learn that the ticket price was $1.50.

        Reply

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