Origins of rock and roll "Rock and Roll" Harris. These songs were generally classed as "race music" or, from the late 1940s, "rhythm and blues", and were barely known by mainstream white audiences. However, in 1951, Cleveland disc jockey Alan Freed began broadcasting rhythm, blues, and country music for a multi-racial audience. Freed, familiar with the music of earlier decades, used the phrase rock and roll to describe the music he aired over station WJW (850 AM); its use also is credited to Freed's sponsor, record store owner Leo Mintz, who encouraged Freed to play the music on the radio. Originally Freed used the name
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