The lower level at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is truly worth the trip to Cleveland all by itself. One guide told me it takes about 2 days to see everything that the floor has to offer. We did it in one, albeit in about 7 hours. After coming out of the theater, you are greeted by the first of many listening stations located throughout the museum. These feature info and a sampling of songs by many of the artists featured in the film. Turn the corner and now the real ride begins. In what was the first of many religious experiences for me, another circular display of guitars awaited. But these weren't just any guitars... a 1937 12 string played by Leadbelly, Howlin' Wolf's 1952 Kay K-161, John Lee Hooker's 1965 ES-335, and... Muddy Waters' 1958 red Telecaster! The chills... I spent a while studying the guitar, thinking of all the great songs and sounds that came outta this guitar, not to mention the great man who owned and played it... Here's a sample from 1979;
The rest of the room wasn't messin' around either. The exhibit is divided into individual cases, each devoted to one of rock and roll’s roots: Gospel, Blues, Country/Folk/Bluegrass and R&B. Each section includes a variety of cool stuff and brief bios of many of the artists. Guitars, stage clothes, recording contracts, royalty statements, programs, posters... Well, that's through out the museum. But the people who laid it down for the future rockers are well represented. Leadbelly's white hat, one of the two original photos of Robert Johnson (!), more guitars from Buddy Guy, T-Bone Walker, Lightning Hopkins, Pop Staples... even Howlin' Wolf's money case! Yeah, everybody say amen!
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