The John A. Jackson Papers spans the 1920s to 1995 and includes some undated materials. The papers contain mostly photocopied research materials, a few photos, and different drafts of Jackson's first book, Big Beat Heat: Alan Freed and the Early Years of Rock & Roll. Most of the materials involve media coverage of Freed's career and his early involvement in rock and roll promotion and entertainment, and a few recordings of his broadcasts on various radio networks are included on audiocassette. Also included is a printed transcript of Freed's testimony to the U.S. House Payola Subcommittee that was restricted from public view until Jackson requested it as a result of his research for Big Beat Heat. There is no personal information on Jackson in this collection. These materials will be of use to researchers interested in the early days of rock and roll promotion and popular music radio broadcasting.
