Cleveland Rocks! My Visit To The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame

All photos by Karin Ricci

The sign at the entrance to the hall

I've continually dumped all over the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for many years by heavily questioning what artists should or shouldn't be inducted. It's been a hobby of mine. I still have strong opinions on the subject, especially because all of the obvious choices were rewarded with plaques on the building's third floor gallery a long time ago. Now, just to keep the money rolling in - and produce an annual, overblown, TV extravaganza - the hall seems to honor every artist who meets their minimum eligibility requirements whether they deserve it or not. (I'm looking at you Judas Priest).

That said, I must offer some sort of an apology to the hall because - despite their often poor choices - as a museum it was way better than expected and is a place you must see. While there, you'll realize that who is or isn't enshrined in Cleveland's unique edifice on the shore of Lake Erie is truly secondary to the museum itself. As a showcase for pop music's long, rich history there is no better place.

The ground floor - where most of the important displays are located - is colorful, highly interactive, informative, and current. This is the must see part of the museum and it should take up the bulk of your visit. If you don't begin there you're doing yourself a huge disservice and may come away believing your time was not well spent. Skip it at your own risk.

The first installation I saw was It’s Been Said All Along: Voices of Rage, Hope & Empowerment and it discusses how artists used their music to stand up for causes they believe in - especially the environment, civil rights, and the struggle for peace.

George Harrison's psychedelic guitar - 1967

The Early Influences was not only one of my favorite parts of the hall, it was also highly educational. None of these musicians and singers were rockers - and most predate the genre - but they were artists that many early rock stars revered and were inspired by. Featured are Robert Johnson, Hank Williams, Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, Les Paul, Woody Guthrie, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Bill Monroe, Pete Seeger, and more. There is a brief biography on each one and you can sample their music on the headphones that the hall provides.

There is an exhibit for One Hit Wonders that allows you to listen to dozens of complete songs from everyone represented. Among the artists included are Norman Greenbaum, Every Mother's Son, and Chi Coltrane.

There are showcases for every performing inductee that may include their guitars, drums, clothes, photographs, posters, handwritten lyrics, souvenirs, and a whole lot more. A few select giants of rock have larger displays that add videos of their concert performances. Also on view is the biggest collection of Elvis Presley memorabilia outside of Graceland.


The second floor houses The Garage where you and your friends can play real instruments and maybe even organize the nucleus of your own band. It discusses how some of the greatest rockers began playing together in garages.

The third floor is where the plaques for every inductee will be found, including video highlights from some of the more iconic speeches from past induction ceremonies. Some live music performances are included too.

There is so much to see that it is impossible to mention all of it here. You can check the museum's website for more details. 

We entered when the hall opened at 10 AM and stayed until closing at 5 PM, and we still missed a few things. You'll never find a better museum devoted to pop culture - music or otherwise - anywhere. Trust me, you just won't.

Here is an example of what you'll see. It's Prince playing guitar on The Beatles' "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" at a 2004 tribute to George Harrison. Please watch it until the very end to see what the purple one does with his guitar.


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