From the outside, it’s an awesome sight—a bold grouping of geometric forms rising 162 feet beside the shores of Lake Erie.
On the inside, it’s awesome in a totally different way—rooms and open spaces of all sizes and shapes throbbing with the raw sounds of the dominant musical form of the last half-century, rock and roll.
Since it opened in 1995, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland has thrilled millions of rock fans from just about everywhere. Designed by I. M. Pei, perhaps the world’s most renowned architect, the $84 million, 150,000-square-foot shrine is a wonderland of interactive exhibits, artifacts, and film and video presentations.
In a matter of minutes, for example, you can visit the Jimi Hendrix Theater, pay your respects to the Rolling Stones, hear about pioneering label Sun Records, and queue up any one of the 500 songs that shaped rock and roll. Or, if you prefer to start with an overview, you can watch Mystery Train and Kick out the Jams, two outstanding short films that tell about the beginnings and the ongoing evolution of the ever-changing rock landscape. But, whatever you do, don’t miss the Hall of Fame Multimedia Theatre, a three-screen presentation that introduces the people who, since 1986, have been singled out for their contributions to the development and continuing story of rock.
The Honor Roll of Rock
Who are these honored rockers? They’re performing artists, non-performers, and early influences named each year by an international group of about 1000 rock experts.
The performers are a Who’s Who of rock royalty from B. B. King to Queen, to Prince. Just a few of the scores of other individuals and groups include an amazingly diverse assortment such as Elvis Presley, Elvis Costello, James Brown, Al Green, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Pink Floyd, the Everly Brothers, the Righteous Brothers, the Isley Brothers, the Allman Brothers, the Four Tops, the Four Seasons, the Jackson 5, the Eagles, the Yardbirds, the Flamingos, Little Richard, Keith Richards, Ricky Nelson, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Muddy Waters, and a number of “sidemen,” talented artists who spent their careers out of the spotlight helping to back up star performers.
The non-performers are people from songwriters to record executives, to disc jockeys who’ve made vital contributions. Among these are Berry Gordy, the prime mover and driving force behind Motown Records; Dick Clark, the long-time TV host and rock evangelist; and Alan Freed, the legendary radio host who popularized the term “rock and role” in the early 1950s on his popular radio show and at groundbreaking concerts.
Finally, the early influences include people from the jazz, blues, soul, folk, country and western, and other music worlds whose contributions helped drive the development of rock. These include Howlin’ Wolf, Lead Belly, Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Hank Williams, Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys, and many, many more.
Live Music in the Lobby
As a change of pace from hearing recorded music and viewing films and exhibits, we recommend spending some time in the spacious and highly enjoyable front lobby. There you can listen to live music from different groups that perform during the day, look at sculptures of everything from decorated six-foot guitars to a giant floating hot dog, or shop in a museum store that offers one of the best selections of rock and roll CDs we’ve ever seen.
So, think about it. If you live anywhere near Cleveland, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is an absolute must see. Even if you don’t, you might consider a serious pilgrimage. Why? If rock and roll is your religion, this is Mecca.
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