The film American Hot Wax is a 1978 biopic directed by Floyd Mutrux and
written by John Kaye, telling the story of pioneering disc jockey Alan Freed,
who was instrumental in introducing and popularizing rock and roll in the
1950s. It stars Tim McIntire as Freed, and Fran Drescher as Freed’s feisty
secretary, Laraine Newman plays a young aspiring songwriter, and Jay
Leno as Freed’s limousine driver. It also features performances by Chuck
Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Frankie Ford, and Screamin’ Jay Hawkins. On theater
release, the film did not do well at the box office.
Albert James "Alan" Freed
(December 15, 1921 – January 20, 1965)
