Origins of rock and roll but it was used by the early 20th century, both to describe a spiritual fervor and as a sexual analogy. Various gospel, blues and swing recordings used the phrase before it became used more frequently – but still intermittently – in the late 1930s and 1940s, principally on recordings and in reviews of what became known as "rhythm and blues" music aimed at black audiences. In 1951, Cleveland-based disc jockey Alan Freed began playing this music style while popularizing the term "rock and roll" to describe it. Various recordings that date back to the 1940s have been named as the
Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll "Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll" is the debut single by American hard rock band Blue Öyster Cult from their eponymous debut album "Blue Öyster Cult". Despite not charting, the song has become a staple at concerts, and is regarded as one of their most famous songs (being featured on ). The song's demo is credited with getting the band signed with Columbia Records. Lead vocals were performed by the band's drummer, Albert Bouchard. The song was further brought to prominence when it was . Additionally, the song was featured on the