I flew to Cleveland, Ohio, for a wedding. Afterward, a few family members and I drove to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum. I noticed that most of the visitors were Baby Boomers. That isn’t surprising because Rock and Roll first became popular while we were growing up.
Some visitors used walkers or wheelchairs, and my feet were aching from fallen arches. It was an annoying reminder that we are getting old. I was surprised there wasn’t a senior discount, but that’s because the venue’s target audience is us.
The museum is an impressive structure designed by I.M. Pei. It is situated on the shores of Lake Erie and is more than a collection of memorabilia. The site is a pilgrimage venue for those who grew up during the golden age of rock and roll.
A temple to the soundtrack of our lives
The music we listened to growing up wasn’t just background noise. It was a revolution. Rock and Roll is a derivative of black rhythm and blues that originated in the Deep South. Musicians like Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Howlin’ Wolf, B.B. King were early influences to bands that came along later.
Ruth Brown, Little Richard, Fats Domino, and Chuck Berry shaped the sound and style of rock and roll in the 1950s by blending blues, gospel, and R&B influences to create a new and exciting sound.
White musicians like Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Bill Haley and the Comets stole much of their thunder by reworking many black tunes to please white audiences.
Black music made a comeback with Motown, elevating the careers of the Supremes, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, the Jackson 5, and other talented artists.
Then there was the British Invasion with bands like the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Herman’s Hermits, the Who, the Kinks, and many more. Amazingly, some are still rocking today at over 80 years old.
The timeline took us through Legends of Rock, including folk rock, Haight Ashbury, London/New York, the Los Angeles music scene, punk rock, and more modern bands. You can spend hours in the museum reliving music you danced to and tuned out to in your youth.
While we were there, an exhibit highlighted 2018 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Bon Jovi. If you want to jam, you can visit The Garage, where you can pick up an instrument and rock out.
The 1950s to 1970s were rock’s most explosive and transformative decades. As Boomers came of age, so did the music. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame showcases the impact of that era from the Vietnam protests to the Civil Rights movement’s influence on soul and R&B.
Nostalgia and memorabilia are showcased throughout the museum
Walk past Jimi Hendrix’s guitars, sheet music, costumes used on stage, posters, neon signs, and tons of other knick-knacks collected from each era. I loved how each city known for rock and roll music is broken down to show the years, popular bands, and where they played, like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Detroit, London, New York, and, of course, Cleveland.
Travel tips if you are in the Cleveland area
Hotels within walking distance from the museum include Drury Plaza and Hilton Cleveland Downtown, which are near restaurants and other downtown attractions.
It is best to visit on a weekday. I was surprised at how busy the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame was on Monday at 10 am. It is recommended that you purchase a ticket in advance online, although we walked in and stood in line.
Plan at least 3-4 hours, as there is much to take in. Bring comfy walking shoes. We only lasted about one hour and missed some of the exhibits. There are elevators and escalators available, and handicap access.
Don’t skip the film theater. The Power of Rock Experience is a multimedia film featuring past induction ceremonies and is a visitor favorite.
If you visit in the fall, you may be able to attend an induction ceremony. Check the dates before your arrival.
Don’t miss the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum if you are in Cleveland
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is more than a museum. It is a celebration of music that defines the Baby Boomer generation. Connect with the artists that inspired and moved us. Bring your kids and grandchildren to show them what OUR music was all about.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum
1100 Rock & Roll Blvd. | Cleveland, Ohio 44114 | Website
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