Storyline

This is the story loosely based on Cleveland disc jockey Alan Freed, who introduced rock 'n' roll to teenage American radio audiences in the 1950s. Freed was a source of great controversy: criticized by conservatives for corrupting youth with the "devil's music"; hated by racists for promoting African American music for white consumption; persecuted by law enforcement officials and finally brought down by the "payola" scandals.—Martin Lewison

Plot Keywords

dj, radio host, secretary, engineer, musician, rock star, rousing, gritty, confident, new york city, brooklyn, n.y., racism, music, censorship, radio, rebellion, rivalry, fall, sacrifice, 1950s

Short Review

If you can believe what you see in "American Hot Wax," the only person in the New York record business taking bribes in 1959 was the janitor at Freed's radio station.

Trailer

Streaming Service

1. Amazon Video : Rent from $1.99, Or $0.00 with a Prime membership