Summary: Alan Freed’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Dance Party #11

Podcast: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Host: Alan Freed
Original Air Date: October 4, 2025 (rebroadcast from the 1950s)
Featured Artists: Count Basie & His Orchestra, Joe Williams, Billy Albert & the Rover Boys, Big Al Sears

Episode Overview

This episode transports listeners back to the golden era of radio, when families would gather around to hear the latest in music and entertainment. Host Alan Freed, hailed as the "King of Rock and Roll," leads a star-studded dance party featuring swinging performances by Count Basie and his orchestra, soul-stirring vocals from Joe Williams, and energetic sets from special guests Billy Albert & the Rover Boys and master saxophonist Big Al Sears. The episode is packed with electrifying live renditions and a lively atmosphere, celebrating the revolutionary spirit of early rock and roll and jazz.

Key Discussion Points & Segment Highlights

1. Show Opening & Introductions

[00:30]

• Alan Freed sets the tone for an energetic evening:
  • “Everybody, how y' all get your dancing shoes on? And welcome to the Rock and roll dance party.”
• Introduction of headline acts for the night:
  • Count Basie & His Orchestra with Joe Williams
  • Billy Albert & the Rover Boys
  • Tenor sax star Big Al Sears

2. Count Basie & His Orchestra: “Perdido”

[00:30–04:28]

• The band launches into a swinging instrumental featuring rich brass, crisp rhythms, and classic jazz energy.
• Freed’s excitement is palpable as he credits Count Basie as the "swinginous band in the land."

3. Billy Albert & the Rover Boys: “Graduation Day”

[04:28–07:16]

• The group delivers a heartfelt ballad dedicated to graduation memories:
  • “It’s a time for joy, a time for tears… we’ll remember our graduation day.”
• The harmonies and nostalgic lyrics evoke the bittersweet emotions of leaving school and moving on.

4. Big Al Sears: “Right Now Right Mighty Man”

[07:16–11:15]

• Freed introduces Big Al Sears:
  • “This next fellow needs no introduction to jazz fans...Here is tenor sax star Big Al Sears with right now right mighty man with a rock and roll tenor horn.”
• Al Sears delivers a high-powered, sax-driven jazz number, blending rock and roll spirit with jazz muscle.

5. Return to Count Basie & His Orchestra: “Low Light”

[11:15–13:26]

• The show continues with another instrumental from Basie’s orchestra, keeping the energy up and dance floor swinging.

6. Joe Williams & Count Basie: “Send Me Someone to Love”

[13:26–16:54]

• Alan Freed intro:
  • “And now here's that mighty singer of songs, Joe Williams with Count Basie. And Send me Someone to love.”
• Williams delivers a soulful, longing vocal performance, with powerful lines on peace, love, and a better world:
  • Notable Quote [14:34]:
    “Peace will enter when the hate is gone. But if it's not asking too much, please send me someone to love.” — Joe Williams
• Williams’ plea for love and understanding resonates as a universal message.

7. Billy Albert & the Rover Boys: “Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart”

[16:54–18:48]

• The group returns with an upbeat, classic standard, filled with tight harmonies and romantic energy:
  • “When you smiled at me, I heard a melody. It haunted me from the start. Something inside of me started a symphony—zing went the strings of my heart.”

8. Big Al Sears: “Teener's Canteen”

[18:48–21:26]

• More saxophone fireworks as Sears energizes the show with another dynamic instrumental.
• Freed acknowledges Sears' role in setting the “teenage campaign” momentum.

9. Count Basie & His Orchestra: “Beaver Junction” and Show Close

[21:26–End]

• The orchestra delivers a final, lively performance with “Beaver Junction.”
• Alan Freed wraps up, paying homage to America’s changing musical landscape:
  • Notable Quote [21:26]:
    “There you have it, folks. The big beat in popular music in America—rock and roll dance parties. And this is yours truly, Alan Freed, saying thanks for listening. And good night, everybody.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Alan Freed’s Welcome [00:30]:
  “And welcome to our show starring one of the greatest names in music, the swinginous band in the land...”

• Joe Williams on Peace and Love [14:34]:
  “Peace will enter when the hate is gone. But if it's not asking too much, please send me someone to love.”

• Alan Freed’s Sign-off [21:26]:
  “There you have it, folks. The big beat in popular music in America. Rock and roll dance parties...thanks for listening. And good night, everybod.”

Episode Flow & Tone

True to the spirit of live radio from the era, the episode is fast-paced, brimming with live music, and peppered with Alan Freed’s enthusiastic commentary. The mood is engaging, celebratory, and meant to get listeners dancing—whether alone or with friends or family. The emphasis is on both nostalgia and innovation: classic jazz merging with the new sound of rock and roll, all delivered with warmth and excitement.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:30] Show introduction & Count Basie - “Perdido”
• [04:28] Billy Albert & the Rover Boys - “Graduation Day”
• [07:16] Big Al Sears - “Right Now Right Mighty Man”
• [11:15] Count Basie - “Low Light”
• [13:26] Joe Williams - “Send Me Someone to Love”
• [16:54] Billy Albert & the Rover Boys - “Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart”
• [18:48] Big Al Sears - “Teener’s Canteen”
• [21:26] Count Basie - “Beaver Junction” & Alan Freed’s sign-off

In summary:
This episode stands as a vibrant snapshot of America’s musical crossroads, with Alan Freed choreographing a seamless blend of jazz and rock and roll, featuring legendary musicians and heartfelt performances. The combination of musical innovation and classic radio charm makes it a memorable listen for old-time radio fans and newcomers alike.