Whatever credibility the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame had left has taken yet another hit, because they're booting the ashes of a prominent man in the history of rock...to make room for Beyoncé's leotards.

Alan Freed...the DJ who's credited with coining the term "rock 'n' roll"...passed away in 1965, and for the past 12 years, an urn containing his ashes has been on display at the Rock Hall.

But now, his family has been asked to pick them up. A Rock Hall director said, quote, "The museum world is moving away from exhibiting remains" since ashes don't help tell a story.

However, just a few days ago, they opened a new exhibit featuring some of Beyoncé's costumes...including the black leotards she wore in her 2008 "Single Ladies" video.

So, the Rock Hall has room for the leotards, but not Freed's ashes? The director explained, quote, "Rock 'n' roll isn't just about yesterday. It continues to evolve, and we continue to embrace it and refine our operations."

For what it's worth, the Rock Hall says Freed will continue to have a "very prominent" place in the Rock Hall...but Freed's son believes the museum is being "disrespectful" to his legacy...and so do I.

Here's the 'Single Ladies' video featuring the leotards that are more important to rock & roll than Alan Freed:

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