It has been over 10 years since the last visit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, but having recently read that they now allow photography in most places it seemed like a good time to make a return visit.
I had forgotten how many artifacts they have from many genres, not just Rock. Since blues had such an influence, there was an extensive exhibit honoring those who contributed, such as Bo Diddley.
In my opinion Ruth Brown is the best blues singer of all time…
And Muddy Waters was one of the best as well. Note the partial view of the album in the upper right corner. It is ‘Hard Again’, featuring Muddy, Bob Margolin on Guitar, Pinetop Perkins on piano, James Cotton on harmonica, Willie ‘Big Eyes’ Smith on drums, Charles Calmese on bass and produced, as well as playing guitar, Johnny Winter. The Best Blues Album Ever!
The sign from Elvis’ famed 1968 comeback TV special
Another cool Bo Diddley guitar.
Mixing blues and rock makes another of my favorites, the Allman Brothers Band.
Beyond the instruments and outfits there is an excellent collection of paraphernalia, including the original lyrics – such as Riders on the Storm by the Doors.
The upper floors had a tribute to 50 years of Rolling Stone magazine.
David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust outfit
Long Live Rock!
RDZ Photography 