Kathy Valentine talks about songwriting
In this video, Kathy Valentine shares her thoughts on songwriting. She talks about the cathartic aspects of the craft, advice for new songwriters, and her time with the Go-Go’s.
Andra Day sings “I Put A Spell On You” at the 2018 Inductions
In honor of 2018 Inductee Nina Simone, Andra Day sings “I Put A Spell On You.”
Toddler Rock: Let’s Meet Remy The Creative Producer
Meet Remy, one of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s creative producers! In this video, learn more about his role and how video helps the museum tell stories.
Toddler Rock: Let’s Meet Kathie The Director of Retail Merchandising and Operations
Meet Kathie, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Director of Retail Merchandising and Operations! In this video, learn more about her role and why people want to take a part of the Rock Hall home with them after they...
Jimmie Allen on Country Music
In this video, country music artist Jimmie Allen speaks with Sule Holder, who works in the Rock Hall’s Curatorial and Library & Archives Divisions, about careers, genre vs sub genre, and why it is so important to add to music,...
Extended Cut: Ruth Brown on rock & roll’s role in 1950s civil rights
In the 1950s and prior, legal segregation extended to concert performances where the “colored” section or seats might be in the balcony or on the same floor but separated by a rope from their white counterparts. The idea was that...
Darryl McDaniels and Chuck D on the early hip hop community in NY
Hip-hop was born out of communities in the Bronx, NY in the 1970s coming together. Eventually, the culture spread to the rest of New York City and beyond. In this video, listen to Darryl McDaniels of Run-D.M.C. and Chuck D....
“Fight the Power” as a touchstone and its connection with The Isley Brothers
“Fight the Power” by the Isley Brothers (pts. 1 & 2) was released in 1975 and addressed socio-economic issues that, in the words of the artists, “needed to be said.” In 1989, Public Enemy releases their song “Fight the Power”...
Snoop Dogg & YG perform Tupac’s “2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted”
Artists Snoop Dogg and YG perform the song “2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted” to celebrate 2017 Rock Hall Inductee Tupac’s inclusion in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame at the 32nd Annual Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in...
Breaking the Rules: Sampler Techniques (reverse, time stretch_warp)
The sampler is a modern musical instrument invented by hip-hop artists experimenting with sound. As they experimented, they were “breaking the rules” on what the machine was originally designed to do. Eventually, their innovative techniques became standard and new sampler...
Breaking the Rules: Sampler Techniques (looping, chopping_slicing, pitch shifting)
The sampler is a modern musical instrument invented by hip-hop artists experimenting with sound. As they experimented, they were “breaking the rules” on what the machine was originally designed to do. Eventually, their innovative techniques became standard and new sampler...
Breaking the Rules: From Turntable to Sampler
The sampler is a modern musical instrument invented by hip-hop artists experimenting with sound. As they experimented, they were “breaking the rules” on what the machine was originally designed to do. Eventually, their innovative techniques became standard and new sampler...
Darryl McDaniels on “King of Rock” and how it was prophetic
In this video, watch Darryl McDaniels of Run-D.M.C. talk about their 1985 song “King of Rock” and how they predicted their inclusion in a then-future Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. This content was recorded as part of the hip...
Chuck D on the hip hop at 50 documentary and how hip hop tells its own story
Hip-hop turned 50 years old in 2023. Chuck D. of Public Enemy released a documentary that same year on the history of hip-hop music and culture. In this clip, listen to Chuck D. talk about that process and how important...
Voice Your Choice Project Overview
This PDF provides an overview of the Voice Your Choice student project. Voice Your Choice gives teachers a forum in which to engage their students in a meaningful exploration of aesthetic judgment & musical excellence as they learn to evaluate...
Voice Your Choice Vocab List
This vocabulary list will help students develop a better understanding of key musical terms, particularly those relating to the Voice Your Choice project.
Children’s Museum of Cleveland’s Rhythm Stick Activity
This activity is part of the virtual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Fam Jam series presented by the John P. Murphy Foundation and hosted in partnership with The Cleveland Public Library, The Beck Center for the Arts, and The...
Children’s Museum of Cleveland: Ribbon Dancer Craft
This activity is part of the virtual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Fam Jam series presented by the John P. Murphy Foundation and hosted in partnership with The Cleveland Public Library, The Beck Center for the Arts, and The...
Recording a Song: The Recording Process
In this video, the Rock Hall’s very own band goes into the studio to make a recording in order to give students a behind-the-scenes look at the process and the different jobs involved. After viewing this video, the learner will...
How to Interpret an Artifact
This video uses the example of Michael Jackson’s famous rhinestone-studded glove to help students understand what studying artifacts can tell us about rock & roll. After viewing this video, the learner will: (1) Understand what an artifact is and identify types of...
How to Listen
Using the song “Shining Star” by Earth, Wind, and Fire, this video is designed to give students strategies for drawing information from a musical work through listening. After viewing this video, the learner will: (1) Understand listening as paying attention to the...
The Electric Guitar
This video includes demonstrations of the electric guitar, and provides background on its history, design, and use. After viewing this video, the learner will: (1) Understand the development of the solid body electric guitar, (2) Understand when and why guitar...
The Motown Sound
This video illustrates some of the musical elements shared by many songs released on the Motown label, and prompts students to identify these features in song examples by the Supremes, the Four Tops, and Martha and the Vandellas. Motown Records was...
An Introduction to the Drum Set with Max Weinberg
In this video, Rock Hall Inductee Max Weinberg of the E Street Band explains the parts of a drum set. He also talks about why he chose to play the drums as a kid, and encourages students to engage with music....
Joan Jett Artist Spotlight
In this video, learn more about Joan Jett’s music and history. She started two bands, founded her own record label, and launched classic rock hits.
Irving Azoff Exhibit Spotlight
In this video, learn more about record executive Irving Azoff and who he has managed in his career. See one of his artifacts on display!
The Go-Go’s Rhythm Section
In this video, listen to the rhythm section of The Go-Go’s describe what it takes to be a successful set of drums and bass in a band.
The Go-Go’s on Female Empowerment
Listen to then-nominated, now 2021 Inducted members of The Go-Go’s express their thoughts on their place in history as a successful all-female rock band and why female representation is so important.
Whitney Houston Impact Video
When thinking about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class of 2020, the Rock Hall EDU team aimed to find words that capture just what’s special about each inductee. For Whitney Houston, that word became “aspiration.” In this video,...
T.Rex Impact Video
When thinking about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class of 2020, the Rock Hall EDU team aimed to find words that capture just what’s special about each inductee. For T. Rex, that word became “glamour.” In this video,...
Children’s Museum of Cleveland’s “We Got the Beat” Zumba
This activity is part of the virtual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Fam Jam series presented by the John P. Murphy Foundation and hosted in partnership with The Cleveland Public Library, The Beck Center for the Arts, and The...
Jon Landau Exhibit Spotlight
In this video, learn more about music industry professional Jon Landau. Landau was one of the first writers for Rolling Stone Magazine and managed Bruce Springsteen for part of their careers.
Johnny Cash Artifact Spotlight: Tour Bus
Who knew a bus could be a museum artifact? In this video, see Johnny Cash’s custom tour bus and learn a little about its history.
Tina Turner Artifact Spotlight: High Heel Shoes
In this video, learn a little more about one of Tina Turner’s costume pieces: her high heeled shoes.
Graham Nash talks about the Everly Brothers
In this video, two time Rock Hall Inductee Graham Nash (Crosby, Stills and Nash & The Hollies) talks about his love for the Everly Brothers, Phil and Don Everly. Nash describes how unique the Everly Brothers’ vocal sound was and...
Graham Nash talks about singing in harmony
In this video, two-time Inductee Graham Nash (Crosby, Stills and Nash & The Hollies) talks about singing in harmony. He describes how the melody, lyrics, and body language of singers are related in understanding and singing in harmony. Nash then...
Billy Preston Discusses Meeting The Beatles
Recorded in 2004, sit down with Billy Preston as he shares his stories as the “fifth” Beatle. Speaking at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Preston guides the audience through his relationship with The Beatles. When did he first...
Billy Preston Discusses His Experience writing and playing “Get Back” with the Beatles
Recorded in 2004, sit down with Billy Preston as he shares his stories as the “fifth” Beatle. Speaking at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Preston guides the audience through his experience recording during the Get Back sessions. How...
Eminem Talks About Run-D.M.C. and their song “King of Rock”
Watch and listen to rapper and 2022 Nominee Eminem Induct Run-D.M.C. into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2009. In this speech section, Eminem describes Run-D.M.C.’s list of accomplishments while quoting famous lyrics from their songs. He highlights...
Ruth Brown on rock and roll desegregating concerts
In the 1950s and prior, legal segregation extended to concert performances where the “colored” section or seats might be in the balcony or on the same floor but separated by a rope from their white counterparts. The idea was that...
Gospel’s Connections to MLK and the 1960s’ Civil Rights Movement
In this video, the Rock Hall’s Collections & Library Assistant Sule Holder speaks on the connections gospel music had to Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and the role gospel music played in the 1960s Civil Rights Movement.
James Brown Artist Spotlight: Boston 1968 Concert
In this video, the Rock Hall’s Collections & Library Assistant Sule Holder talks about 1986 Inductee James Brown and the pivotal role he played in choosing to perform his scheduled concert in Boston, MA on April 5, 1968. This was...
Toddler Rock: Let’s Meet Amanda The Curator
Meet Amanda, one of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Curators! In this video, learn more about the role of a curator and how that position supports a large museum.
Jackson Browne Inducting Joan Baez Discusses How Her Music Empowered Social Change Movements for Decades
In this video, Jackson Browne Inducts Joan Baez and discusses how her music empowered social change movement for decades. Joan Baez was Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2017.
Zack De La Rocha Inducting Patti Smith Discusses How She Inspired Him to Be “Fearless”
Rage Against the Machine vocalist Zack De La Rocha Inducting Patti Smith in 2007. He discusses how she inspired him to be “fearless.”
Harry Styles Inducting Stevie Nicks Discusses What Makes Her Uniquely “Stevie”
Video of Harry Styles Inducting Stevie Nicks in 2019. He discusses what makes her uniquely “Stevie.” Stevie Nicks was first Inducted into the Rock Hall in 1998 as a member of the group Fleetwood Mac. Her2019 Induction highlights her as a...
Lionel Richie Inducts Clarence Avant
2022 Inductee Lionel Richie Inducts 2021 Inductee Clarence Avant at the 2021 Induction Ceremony in Cleveland, OH. Use this video as an example of a persuasive speech. Content Awareness: this video contains strong language. Please proofread in its entirety for...
Janelle Monáe Inducts Janet Jackson
Watch and listen to artist Janelle Monáe Induct Janet Jackson into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2019. In this speech, Monáe honors Jackson’s impact and legacy from a cultural, social, and musical perspective. Monáe outlines some of...
Vocal Styles Pre Rock & Roll – “La Mer”
Rock and roll, like many styles of modern music, is influenced by the sounds of music that came before. Rock and roll’s roots are vast with blues, gospel, and country among the most commonly cited. Perhaps some of the less-discussed...
Toddler Rock: Let’s Meet Joe The Manager of Education Programs
Meet Joe, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Manager of Education Programs! In this video, learn more about his role and why it is important to have education programs in a museum.
Toddler Rock: Let’s Meet Jennifer The Director of People and Analytics
Meet Jennifer, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Director of People and Analytics ! In this video, learn more about her role and why it is so important to have a person looking after the Rock Hall staff.
Toddler Rock: Let’s Meet Ashley The Director of Digital Marketing and Sales
Meet Ashley, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Director of Digital Marketing and Sales! In this video, learn more about her role and how social media helps tell the museum’s story.
Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five perform “Freedom”
Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five perform “Freedom” at the 2007 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. The group was Inducted in 2007.
Public Enemy performs “Fight the Power”
Public Enemy performs “Fight the Power” at the 2013 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Treach performs Tupac Shakur’s “Hail Mary”
Treach performs Tupac Shakur’s “Hail Mary” at the 2017 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Please preview all content in its entirety for appropriateness in your classroom.
LL COOL J performs “Going Back to Cali” and “Rock the Bells”
LL COOL J performs “Going Back To Cali” and “Rock The Bells” at at the 2021 Induction Ceremony with special guest Eminem.
Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five perform “White Lines (Don’t Do It)”
Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five perform “White Lines (Don’t Do It)” at the 2007 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five perform “The Message”
Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five perform “The Message” at the 2007 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Please preview all content in its entirety before use in your classroom.
Yola on setting boundaries
Grammy-nominated artist and performer Yola talks with Shelby Morrison, the Rock Hall’s Director of Curatorial Operations and Artist Relations, about her album Stand for Yourself and setting boundaries to protect yourself and your self esteem. Please preview all content in...
Alicia Keys performs a medley of Tupac Shakur’s music
Alicia Keys performs a medley of Tupac Shakur’s “Ambitionz az a Ridah,” “I Get Around,” “I Ain’t Mad at Cha,” “Dear Mama” and “Changes” at the 2017 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
2022 Eminem Induction Performance
2022 Eminem Induction performance medley featuring Steven Tyler and Ed Sheeran. Please proofread all content in its entirety before using in your classroom.
Public Enemy performs “Bring the Noise”
Public Enemy performs “Bring the Noise” at the 2013 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Mary Wilson of The Supremes shares how they became signed by Motown Records
The Supremes are a story of perseverance. In this video, Mary Wilson explains how Berry Gordy of Detroit’s Motown originally turned them down. Wilson then shares how they confidently showed up to the company every day after school to say...
Mary Wilson of The Supremes shares stories from her career
In this video, Mary Wilson takes her audience on a tour of her career highlights as a member of The Supremes. At first, the girl group didn’t have any hits. This changed when they were paired with the songwriting team...
Mary Wilson of The Supremes shares how their singing careers began
In this video, Mary Wilson tells the story of her own humble beginnings and how she joined with friends to start a singing group that would eventually become The Supremes. As a teenager, she admired a lot of early rock...
Marketing and Merchandising for Elvis Presley
Watch this archived footage with former curator Howard Kramer as he explains Elvis Presley’s meteoric rise to fame and how his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, put Elvis’s face on as many products as possible. We find artist merchandise common-place today...
Vanilla Fudge drummer Carmine Appice talks about playing the drums
Carmine Appice is the drummer of the bands Vanilla Fudge and Cactus, he’s played drums for many artists including Rod Stewart and Ozzy Osbourne, and is also the author of the instructional drumming book, The Ultimate Realistic Rock Drum Method....
The Girl Groups and their Songwriters
The 1950s saw a distinct style of rock and roll emerge: the girl group sound. In this video, listen to how girl groups of the 1950s and 1960s brought a distinct vocal style and high energy to rock. For the...
Rosa Park’s Influence on Popular Music
The Rock Hall’s VP of Curatorial Affairs and Chief Curator Nwaka Onwusa explains the connection between rock and roll and the fight for Social Justice. As a key example of where the two meet Onwusa explains how the Civil Rights...
“The Biggest Show on Turf” Exhibit Walkthrough
The Rock Hall’s CEO Greg Harris and VP of Curatorial Affairs and Chief Curator Nwaka Onwusa presents “The Biggest Show on Turf” exhibit. Following an introduction to the exhibit, Nwaka takes viewers on a tour of the exhibit along with...
Phish Artifact Spotlight: Hot Dog Stage Prop
The Rock Hall’s Director of Curatorial Operations & Artist Relations Shelby Morrison showcases the Hot Dog stage prop used by the band Phish during several of their New Year’s Eve shows.
T. Rex Artifact Spotlight: Marc Bolan’s Tunic
The Rock Hall’s Director of Guest Experience John Goehrke gives a brief description of the band T. Rex, their influences and their impact. The video spotlights the tunic worn by Marc Bolan on display in T. Rex’s 2020 Inductee Exhibit.
Collections Stories: Receiving, Exhibiting & Preserving Artifacts
The Rock Hall’s Director of Collections Management Jun Francisco talks through what it takes to receive these priceless artifacts of rock and roll history, exhibit them in a way that tells a story, and preserve them for generations to experience...
It’s Been Said All Along Exhibit Introduction and James Brown’s April 5, 1968 Boston Performance
The Rock Hall’s VP of Curatorial Affairs and Chief Curator Nwaka Onwusa introduces the exhibit “It’s Been Said All Along: Voices of Rage, Hope & Empowerment.” Following a brief video overview of the stories told in this exhibit, Nwaka shares...
Mahalia Jackson’s Impact & Influence and Musicians with a Message
The Rock Hall’s VP of Curatorial Affairs and Chief Curator Nwaka Onwusa identifies many artists who claim 1997 Rock Hall Inductee Mahalia Jackson as a major musical influence. Then Former Adviser and Speechwriter for Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Clarence...
The Beatles Exhibit Spotlight
The Rock Hall’s Director of Education Mandy Smith gives a brief description of The Beatles’ history, influences and impact. Smith then showcases several artifacts including a letter from Carl Perkins and the Asher Family’s piano.
Whitney Houston Artifact Spotlight: Marc Bouwer Designed Jacket
The Rock Hall’s VP of Curatorial Affairs and Chief Curator Nwaka Onwusa highlights an artifact from Whitney Houston’s 2020 Inductee Exhibit. The jewel studded jacket, designed by Marc Bouwer, was worn by Houston in the 1990 music video for, “My...
Pink Floyd Artifact Spotlight: “The Wall” Stage Pieces
The Rock Hall’s Director of Curatorial Operations & Artist Relations Shelby Morrison showcases the Teacher balloon and replica of “The Wall” stage prop used for Pink Floyd’s 1980-81 The Wall Tour.
Yola on body image and confidence
Grammy-nominated artist and performer Yola talks with Shelby Morrison, the Rock Hall’s Director of Curatorial Operations and Artist Relations, about body image and confidence.
Amanda Shires on founding The Highwomen
Amanda Shires speaks with Shelby Morrison, the Rock Hall’s Director of Curatorial Operations & Artist Relations, about founding The Highwomen in 2019.
Martina McBride & Amanda Shires talk about getting their start in the music industry
Martina McBride & Amanda Shires talk with Shelby Morrison, the Rock Hall’s Director of Curatorial Operations & Artist Relations, about getting their start in the music industry, specifically the Nashville scene.
Martina McBride & Amanda Shires on “tomato-gate” and advocating for female artists
Martina McBride & Amanda Shires talk with Shelby Morrison, the Rock Hall’s Director of Curatorial Operations & Artist Relations, about “tomato-gate” and advocating for female artists. “Tomato-gate” was a controversy that began in 2015.
Roger McGuinn on how The Byrds got started
1991 Rock Hall Inductee Roger McGuinn talks with Andy Leach, the Rock Hall’s Senior Director of Museum Archives and Collections, about how The Byrds formed.
Roger McGuinn on Bob Dylan
1991 Rock Hall Inductee Roger McGuinn talks with Andy Leach, the Rock Hall’s Senior Director of Museum Archives and Collections, about Bob Dylan. McGuinn plays a guitar demonstration.
Roger McGuinn on The Byrds’ early days
1991 Rock Hall Inductee Roger McGuinn talks with Andy Leach, the Rock Hall’s Senior Director of Museum Archives and Collections, about the early days of The Byrds. McGuinn talks about technology differences, fans, refining their sound, and hanging out with...
Yola on Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Grammy-nominated artist and performer Yola talks with Shelby Morrison, the Rock Hall’s Director of Curatorial Operations and Artist Relations, about Sister Rosetta Tharpe and her importance to rock & roll. Yola also explains how Tharpe discovered Little Richard. Yola portrayed...
Mike Campbell on live vs studio recording and the Heartbreakers being a jam band
Mike Campbell of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers sits down with Andy Leach, Sr. Director of Museum & Archival Collections, to talk about live vs studio recording and how the Heartbreakers are a great jam band. Campbell elaborates on what...
Mike Campbell of the Heartbreakers on The Fillmore, prepping a live show and set list, and surf music
Mike Campbell of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers sits down with Andy Leach, Sr. Director of Museum & Archival Collections, to talk about performing live at The Fillmore in San Francisco, prepping a live show and set list, and his...
Robert Randolph Discusses Growing Up in the Gospel Community
Robert Randolph, known for his gospel music featuring the pedal steel guitar, visited the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2021. In this video he shares his experiences growing up in a gospel music community and when he was...
Robert Randolph Discusses Gospel Music’s Influence on Popular Music
Robert Randolph, known for his gospel music featuring the pedal steel guitar, visited the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2021. In this video he points out many examples of modern popular music artists who look to gospel music...
Robert Randolph Discusses Gospel Music’s History and Impact
Robert Randolph, known for his gospel music featuring the pedal steel guitar, visited the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2021. In this video he takes some time to share his perspective on the history of gospel music and...
Nine Inch Nails Impact Video
With no shortage of songs that push the boundaries of what is socially acceptable, Nine Inch Nails is a prime example of transgressive art. Leader Trent Reznor consistently challenges his audience to look at the world through new eyes–and to...
Performance of “Respect Yourself” by 1999 Inductees The Staples Singers at Wattstax Festival
The Rock Hall’s VP of Curatorial Affairs and Chief Curator Nwaka Onwusa introduces this video of 1999 Rock Hall Inductees The Staples Singers performing “Respect Yourself” at the 1972 Wattstax Festival. This video was created in conjunction with the Rock...
Aretha Franklin’s Cultural Impact and “Mr. SOUL!” Trailer
The Rock Hall’s VP of Curatorial Affairs and Chief Curator Nwaka Onwusa highlights artists and platforms that empowered people to work toward achieving freedom and justice for all. First, Nwaka shares a story about Aretha Franklin’s impact on the Civil...
The Notorious B.I.G. (Biggie Smalls) Impact Video
The Notorious B.I.G. was a prominent hip-hop artist from Brooklyn, New York. From humble beginnings, he rose to new heights of fame by the standards of hip-hop culture and the music industry overall. His rap style and honest lyrics ushered...
Robert Randolph Plays and Discusses the Pedal Steel Guitar
Robert Randolph visited the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and sat down to give a demonstration on how he plays the pedal steel guitar. From great rhythmic grooves to dynamic solos, Randolph shows the versatility of the pedal steel...
