The history of rock & roll is far from linear. Explore the sonic history and many evolutions of the music that changed the world.
FEATURED EXHIBIT
Revolutionary Women in Music
Open Now - The Revolutionary Women in Music Exhibit will examine the work of courageous, groundbreaking, rebellious women in music, from the 1970s to today, who use songwriting, music, and performance to subvert societal norms.
Available in English, Spanish, and with visually impaired assistance.
The indisputable origins of rock. Hear and see the story unfold from the early influences that were the trailblazers for all other inductees and the foundation of rock and roll.
The pioneers of rock and roll revolutionized the music industry in the 1950s and 60s, paving the way for countless musicians to come. Elvis Presley, known as the “King of Rock and Roll,” combined his unique vocal style with a charismatic stage presence that captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. Chuck Berry, often referred to as the “Father of Rock and Roll,” incorporated blues and country music into his sound, creating a signature guitar-driven style that would influence generations of musicians. Wanda Jackson, the “Queen of Rockabilly,” broke barriers as one of the first female rock and roll performers, blending rock and country to create her own dynamic sound. These three icons left an indelible mark on music history, shaping the genre and inspiring countless artists to follow in their footsteps.
Sun Records, established in 1952 by Sam Phillips, is a music landmark known for launching the careers of rock and roll icons like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins. The studio’s fusion of blues and country laid the groundwork for the rock and roll genre, making Sun Records a cornerstone in the evolution of American music.
Drop into the cities that sparked major shifts in rock & roll – rock’s Big Bang in Memphis, Detroit’s Motown scene, the Summer of Love in San Francisco, the supergroups of 70’s L.A., Philly Soul, the simultaneous birth of Punk in New York, London, and L.A., and the Grunge movement from Seattle. You can also explore the early days of rock & roll in Rave On, the soulful sounds of R&B, and raw power of Hard Rock & Heavy Metal.
The Beatles & The Rolling Stones. Janis & Jimi. Alice Cooper, Blondie & Cher. Here you’ll find an incredible collection of legends who have stood the test of time, and are celebrated across generations. Personal and professional gear from both onstage and in studio are on full display, with a wide roster of Inductees and “Hall of Fame Hopefuls” alike.
Rock out with the label that has cornered the independent alternative scene for the last three decades, with gear from bands like Sum 41, Avenged Sevenfold, Waterparks and more.
What’s the next big thing? Explore today’s chart-topping artists and see how the next generation has been inspired by the icons that came before.
Now Playing: From the Vault: Re-live classic moments from our induction stage celebrating women who rock, including Patti Smith, Joan Jett, The Go-Go’s, Missy Elliott, and many more!
Cleveland earned its place on the rock & roll map in the early 50s when local disc jockey Alan Freed was the first to call the R&B music he was playing on his nightly radio show “rock and roll.” From then on, the Midwest has played a crucial role in rock’s expansion across the country and generations.