Monday, August 30, 2021

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - A History

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a museum and hall of fame based in Cleveland, Ohio.  The Rock Hall (a common abbreviation) was established in 1983 by Ahmet Ertegun.  The museum was dedicated in full on September 1, 1995.  The inaugural class was inducted in 1986.  As of 2018, inductions are held in New York City and Cleveland.

Point of interest - The phrase "rock and roll" was named by a Cleveland DJ, Alan Freed.

The museum's first exhibition included memorabilia from John Lennon, Eric Clapton, Janis Joplin, and others.  Other items featured the 1969 Woodstock.

One major exhibit was dedicated to Elvis Presley - the first single artist, "the King of Rock and Roll," was the first inductee in the inaugural class.

Another exhibit featured the hip-hop genre.  This exhibit was followed by Rock Style which focused on rock and fashion.

Point of intrigue - Yet another major exhibit held in 2017 was dedicated to Rolling Stone magazine and its impact.

Photography and artwork related to rock and roll are on display in the museum.

The museum further offers public programs.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum offers a Library and Archives, filled with books, popular magazines, music to listen to, and videos and films to watch.  Scholars, historians, and journalists can explore in more depth by appointment.  The library's archival collection features business records with executives, artist managers, labels, historic venues, recording studios, specialists in stage design and lighting, and long-running tours.  The collection also includes letters personally written by Aretha Franklin and Madonna as well as handwritten lyrics by Jimi Hendrix and L.L. Cool J.  

Two awards as related to the Hall of Fame are the Ahmet Ertegun Award for Lifetime Achievement and Award for Musical Excellence.

(Wikipedia)

The history of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame continues but what is written in this post offers interest, intrigue, and a snapshot of the ultimate achievement in music.

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