“The blues had a baby, and they called it rock & roll.” – Muddy Waters
The Early Influence inductees contributed more to rock than musical influence—they were also the first to make myths of themselves, to become larger than life.
Rhythm and Blues
Highlighting the influence and contributions of early R&B artists in the history of rock.
Featured Inductees in Rhythm and Blues
Blues
This section emphasizes the history of the blues, both country and urban, toward the development of rock and the continuation of the blues tradition today in mainstream rock.
Featured Inductees in Blues
Country / Folk / Bluegrass
This exhibit case focuses on the origins of rural acoustic music forms that influenced the development of rock music.
Featured Inductees in Country/Folk/Bluegrass
Gospel
This exhibit draws attention to the gospel tradition and its influence on early R&B, soul and rock and roll.
