He was the first rock and roll DJ (and even coined the term for the music) and now the late Alan Freed has been brought back to life in a new play currently on stage in New York City. "Rock & Roll Man" not only features Freed as a character, but others playing some familiar names, including Little Richard, Buddy Holly, Pat Boone (the latter two played, for some reason, by the same actor), LaVern Baker, Screaming Jay Hawkins, Bo Diddley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry and even Dick Clark. 

"Rock and Roll Man" is the original musical about a musical original. Alan Freed was a Cleveland DJ who heard the future—and knew he had to let it sing. He named the genre “Rock & Roll,” bringing music to the masses and integrating artists and audiences on the airwaves and in concerts for the first time in history. Along the way, he became an icon to the nation’s youth—and a target for the nation’s establishment." 

From Playbill:

"Rock & Roll Man" takes place on the last day of Alan Freed’s life during a fever dream in which J. Edgar Hoover (as prosecutor) and Little Richard (as defense attorney) face off in a fantasy courtroom with Freed’s legacy on trial."

No word for now on whether the show might ever make its way to Toronto, which is a huge theatre hub in North America. But you can be sure of one thing - the soundtrack will be absolutely astounding. 

Rock & Roll Man website