Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is top destination in Cleveland
01.03.2021
Among the Beatles memorabilia are drumsticks used by Ringo Starr when the Beatles played their first show in Cleveland in September 1964; acts aren't eligible for induction until 25 years after release of their first record
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, designed by IM Pei, opened in 1995; a concert was held to celebrate featuring Chuck Berry, Bob Dylan, Jerry Lee Lewis, Aretha Franklin, Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp
Elvis had this 1975 Supertrike custom-made for him; unfortunately, due to the coronavirus, most of the theaters inside the museum were closed
Madonna wore this Dolce and Gabbana top on her 1993 world tour; I wish there had been more music videos and performance reels at the museum rather than just artifacts
Lady Gaga, not yet eligible for induction, wore this dress (designed by her sister) on her 2017-8 world tour; it is hand-painted with some of her lyrics and song titles
Rockabilly superstar Jerry Lee Lewis was rough on pianos; he was described by Hank Williams Jr at his 1986 induction as a defiant, reckless, indefatigable wild man that can rock you into oblivion
The first class of inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was in 1986; I found it amazing (and sexist) that not a single woman was included
Whitney was inducted this year but is another performer that hardly seems a rock act; I had never heard of many of the inductees before since my tastes run more to pop and easy listening
At 19, Buddy Holly was opening for Elvis but was tragically killed in a plane crash when he was only 22; Holly is often regarded as the artist who defined the traditional rock-and-roll lineup of two guitars, bass, and drums
Bruce Springsteen drove this 1969 Chevy Chevelle around New Jersey during his early years performing; famous for his long, energetic shows, I remember playing Born in the USA on many a road trip
Beyonce will become eligible in a couple of years but I was surprised her husband, Jay-Z (he's 11 years older), has not been inducted; he's the wealthiest American musician and the first hip hop billionaire
This electric guitar belonged to the late Eddie Van Halen; there was an extensive collection of instruments which (as someone who tried and failed at the trumpet in 5th grade) I couldn't truly appreciate
The Supremes were the most successful female group of the 1960s with 12 number one hits; the trio brought glamour to music with their Bob Mackie-designed gowns
Seeing a couple of pieces of attire worn by Elton John wasn't nearly as appealing as seeing him wear them in a performance; while at UH, I went to concerts featuring Elton, Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel and many others
Many Motown acts have been inducted although I don't really consider them rock acts; Detroit really should have a Motown Museum rather than the tiny tribute at Berry Gordy's house
Posted by VagabondCowboy 06:09