Our first trip to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was in 2006 and we have wanted to return ever since. In fact we specifically booked a campground near Cleveland, Ohio just for that return visit!
Welcome to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The first time we went to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame we did not allow enough time to see everything. So this time we made sure to get there early and stay until we had seen EVERYTHING!
DJ extraordinaire – Stevie A
You might be wondering why the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is located in Ohio. As it turns out Ohio is the birthplace of Rock ‘N’ Roll. Legendary WJW DJ Alan Freed coined the phrase to describe the uptempo black rhythm and blues records hew played beginning back in 1951. And just like that a new genre of popular music was born!
Rap musicians Ice-T and Tupac Shakur
The popularity of Freed’s nightly “moon Dog House Rock and Roll Party” radio show led him to organize the first rock concert. It was held at the Cleveland Arena on March 21, 1952. In 1954 he moved to WINS radio station in New York City, where he continued to promote rock music through radio, television, movies and live performances. Alan Freed became a charter inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Bill Haley Electric Guitar
1955 Gibson Super 400
Level 0
Though you enter the building on Level 1, your musical journey actually starts one floor down on Level 0, where you will see an homage to HipHop at 50 along with the history of rock and roll which is far from linear.
Guitars of Memphis musicians
Level 1
Up one flight to Level 1 is where they’ll scan your pre-purchased tickets (ours were comped Media Passes!). On this floor you can also “Shop Around” in the official Museum Store, “Eat to the Beat” in their All-Access Café, catch a show on the Klipsch Stage, or sneak backstage for a glimpse into life on the road in our Backstage Stories exhibit.
Country Folk and Bluegrass
Visitors to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame can actually perform at The Garage!
Level 2
After a bite to eat at the café we continued upward to Level Two, to find The Garage, where fans can pick up real instruments, learn to play, and jam with friends.
Tribute to Gospel
Level 3
Level 3 is the Hall of Fame. Appearing here is music’s Highest Honor. The Hall of Fame features the Inductee Signature Gallery, New Inductee exhibit, and Connor Theater featuring the Power of Rock Experience.
The King – Elvis Presley’s guitar
In this film you step into an adrenaline-fueled show that captures the excitement of a Rock Hall Induction night. Directed by Jonathan Demme. This high energy show reaches into the vaults of the Rock Hall and highlights the most unforgettable moments. The film is only 15 minutes long, but Steve and I wanted it go on for much longer.
Homage to Pink Floyd’s The Wall album
Level 4
As we ascended to Level 4 we were standing beneath a surreal hanging sculpture that represents Pink Floyd’s rock opera “The Wall”
The incomparable Chuck Berry
According to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s website: “Recording of The Wall, Pink Floyd’s eleventh studio LP, began later that year; the rock opera told the story of Pink, a burned-out rock star based on Waters’ own increasing feelings of isolation. “The idea for The Wall came from ten years of touring,” Roger Waters explained. ”Playing to very large audiences, some of whom were our old audience who’d come to see us play, but most of whom were only there for the beer, in big stadiums, and consequently it became rather an alienating experience doing the shows…”
Carl Perkins and his song sheet for Pretty Woman
“I BECAME VERY CONSCIOUS OF A WALL BETWEEN US AND OUR AUDIENCE…”
Another one of my favorite performers Stevie Wonder
…so this record started out as being an expression of those feelings.”
Motown’s Marvin Gaye
Released in November 1979, The Wall was a huge success, spawning three singles, a 1980-81 concert tour and a 1982 feature film. The three-part song “Another Brick in the Wall” outlines Pink’s traumatic life, from the death of his father to being the target of school bullies to a violent mental breakdown. The concert tour stage set featured a massive 340-brick wall that was built up brick by brick during the first half of the show as a physical symbol of Pink’s increasing reclusion from both his fans and society as a whole, and then was demolished during each concert’s finale.”
Part of the British Invasion Herman’s Hermits
Level 5
Level 5 highlights the Legends of Rock. This exhibit floor features handwritten drafts of hit singles, performance outfits, and instruments from some of history’s greatest concerts. It now takes over 3 floors of the Museum to display everything. Ranging from R and B, jazz, and folk rock to heavy metal and hip-hop, this exhibition represents a myriad of musical genres and highlights some of the world’s most iconic acts both past and present.
One of my all-time faves Santana
This is where some fabulous memories of my teen years came to light. I fondly remembered lounging around the swimming pool of the Deauville Hotel in Atlantic City with the late, great and very handsome Sam Cooke, who was appearing at Steel Pier.
Fleetwood Mac
But that wasn’t the real highlight! The winter before I met Steve I was in Miami Beach with some college friends. I had met a boy from Chicago who asked me out for New Year’s Eve. He told me we were invited to a party in the penthouse of the Hotel Deauville, where I was staying.
Philly Soul
My friends and I had seen Diana Ross and the Supremes at our hotel a few nights prior. We also noticed that Berry Gordy of Motown Records fame was in the elevator with us several times. AND, Diana Ross was supposedly dating Berry Gordy at that time. Could we really be going to a Motown New Years Eve party?
Poster of The Rolling Stones
All dressed up in 60’s style, my date hit the elevator button for the penthouse. I was freaking out and sure we’d be escorted out by security. But no. We were welcomed with open arms!!!
The Fab Four Bobbleheads
The first person I noticed was Aretha Franklin sitting on a chair with her back to the drapery. I channeled my inner star power and told myself that they may be famous, but they are people just like me. So I went over to the bar to get a drink and who am I standing next to? Diana Ross herself!!!
Elton John Costumes
She and the Supremes were getting ready to do their first European tour and I had just been to Europe the summer of 1967. We spent at least a half an hour talking about how amazing and life changing a European visit can be.
Celebrating 50 years of Hip Hop Music
Then while dancing with my date I heard a male voice say to me “Philadelphia” and then “Germantown High School”. How could anyone know that about me in this penthouse suite full of strangers. When I questioned him he replied “I could tell by the way you dance!”. It was Little Anthony!!!
Stunning Chaka Khan costumes
Many years later, in 1985 Steve and I went to see Diana Ross’ show in Las Vegas. We had seats at a table right at the stage. Ms. Ross pointed right at me and said “Hey girlfriend”. Did she really remember me from all those years prior?
Level 6
Welcome to the Bon Jovi Forever exhibit
But I digress. The final exhibit floor at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is Level 6, where you’ll find BON JOVI FOREVER. In this exhibit you will see the 2018 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees Bon Jovi’s one-of-a-kind, full-floor exhibit spanning four decades of the band’s career along with never-before-seen artifacts from each of the band members.
Tina Turner Dress 1990 designed by Azzadine Alaia
I’m excited to report that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is expanding. They are building and extension that is as big or bigger than the existing building that will house a huge concert hall. No opening date is scheduled at this time.
Michael Jackson Costumes
If you love music of any genre, make sure to plan a visit to Cleveland OH and allow plenty of time to fully appreciate all that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has to offer!
We bid adieu to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Disclaimer: Media Passes were sent to me to attend. But the opinions expressed are 100% my own.
