This instructional video teaches students how to actively and thoughtfully listen to music using the song "Shining Star" by Earth, Wind, and Fire. The three-part strategy--Learn, Identify, Interpret--guides students through contextual research, sonic observation, and personal interpretation. Along the way,…
This seven-minute video introduces the history, function, and evolving sound of the electric guitar through demonstrations and explanations of key components and effects. It covers early innovations like Les Paul's "The Log," explains how the instrument converts sound into electric…
This three-minute video introduces students to defining musical features of the Motown Sound, such as call and response vocals, handclaps, strong backbeats, and catchy intros. It prompts active listening with examples from The Supremes, The Four Tops, and Martha and…
In this video, Rock Hall inductee Max Weinberg of the E Street Band introduces young learners to the drum set. He explains each part of the kit and demonstrates how it works, while encouraging students to explore music and practice…
This video highlights Joan Jett's career journey from her beginnings in an all-female rock band to chart-topping success with her group, emphasizing her creation of the influential and groundbreaking record label Black Heart Records. The video underscores her musical influence,…
This video highlights select artifacts from Irving Azoff's 2020 exhibit, featuring items such as an Eagles tour jacket and his induction plaque. These artifacts illustrate Azoff's transformative career as a music manager, promoter, and executive, showing how his strategic support…
This one minute video gives a brief overview of The Doobie Brothers' 2020 Inductee exhibit. Rock Hall staff members briefly discuss the career of The Doobie Brothers and highlights featured artifacts, including Michael McDonald's synthesizer used when recording several of…
In this interview, Rock Hall educator Mandy Smith speaks with Go-Go’s drummer Gina Schock and bassist Kathy Valentine about the essential role of the rhythm section in a band. The two musicians reflect on what makes a rhythm section successful—highlighting…
In this inspiring interview excerpt, Rock Hall educator Mandy Smith talks with Go-Go’s drummer Gina Schock and bassist Kathy Valentine about the band’s legacy as a groundbreaking all-female rock group and the importance of representation in music. Speaking during their…
In this six-minute video, a Rock Hall educator introduces Whitney Houston's legacy through the lens of "aspiration," highlighting her career achievements, boundary-breaking impact, and rise as one of the most awarded artist in music history. The video features a short…
In this five minute video, students explore the legacy of T. Rex and their defining role in the emergence of glam rock. The video connects the band's sound and image to the theme of "glamour," highlighting how fashion, persona, and…
This energetic video guides young learners through a simple Zumba-style dance routine set to The Go-Go's hit "We Got the Beat." The activity encourages movement, rhythm, and physical expression while helping children connect music and motion. Part of the virtual…
This video features Jon Landau's significant contribution to rock music. The spotlight focuses on artifacts associated with Landau's career, providing insight into his role in shaping the sound and success of major artists. The video offers a concise introduction to…
This video exhibit spotlight features Johnny Cash's custom tour bus, exploring its customization, features, and its role in Cash's touring career. The spotlight offers a brief look at how the bus functioned as both a mobile home and creative space…
In this short video, two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Graham Nash (Crosby, Stills & Nash; The Hollies) shares his admiration for the Everly Brothers, Phil and Don Everly. Nash recalls growing up loving their music alongside his…
In this engaging interview, two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Graham Nash (The Hollies; Crosby, Stills & Nash) shares his approach to harmony singing. Nash discusses how understanding a song’s melody, lyrics, and even the body language of…
In this 2004 recording from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Billy Preston—often dubbed the “fifth Beatle”—shares stories from his legendary career and his unique relationship with The Beatles. Speaking with warmth and humor, Preston recalls first meeting the…
In this heartfelt 2004 interview recorded at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, legendary keyboardist Billy Preston recounts his experience joining The Beatles during the Get Back sessions, a period marked by internal tension within the band. Invited to…
In this highlight from the 2009 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, rapper Eminem delivers a powerful and personal tribute to pioneering hip-hop group Run-D.M.C. He recounts the group’s long list of groundbreaking accomplishments while weaving in iconic…
In this powerful oral history clip, 1993 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Ruth Brown recalls her experience performing during the era of legally segregated concerts in the 1950s. Brown, one of the first major crossover artists of the…
This video spotlights James Brown's historic 1968 Boston concert, held the day after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination. Despite initial concerns, city officials chose to proceed with the event and broadcast it live to help prevent unrest--an act credited…
In this Toddler Rock video, students meet Amanda Pescenye, a Curator at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Amanda talks about how she uses artifacts to create museum exhibits that tell stories. These fun and friendly behind-the-scenes videos help…
In this heartfelt Induction speech from the 2017 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony, singer-songwriter Jackson Browne reflects on the extraordinary legacy of Joan Baez as a musical pioneer and social justice icon. He describes hearing Baez’s recording of…
In this powerful 2007 Induction speech, Rage Against the Machine frontman Zack De La Rocha honors Patti Smith by reflecting on the profound impact she had on his worldview and his music. Speaking with conviction and admiration, De La Rocha…
In this heartfelt Induction speech from the 2019 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony, artist Harry Styles celebrates the incomparable Stevie Nicks, honoring her as the first woman ever Inducted into the Rock Hall twice—first with Fleetwood Mac in…
At the 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Cleveland, 2022 Inductee Lionel Richie delivers a passionate and personal tribute to Clarence Avant—known throughout the music industry as "The Black Godfather." Rather than recounting Avant’s accolades, Richie…
At the 2019 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Janelle Monáe honors Janet Jackson with a passionate, poetic speech that celebrates Jackson’s impact as an artist, innovator, and cultural icon. Calling her the “Queen of Black Girl Magic,”…
A Rock Hall musician introduces early vocal styles that influenced rock and roll by performing the jazz standard "La Mer" in a variety of period-specific styles. The video explores how crooners used microphones and vocal nuance to create intimacy--techniques that…
In this Toddler Rock video, students meet Joe Butler, former Manager of Education Programs at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Joe talks about his role, and why it is important to have education programs at museums. These fun…
In this Toddler Rock video, students meet Jennifer Lesky, Director of People and Analytics at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Jennifer shares about her role supporting the museum's staff, and shares how she uses empathy and listening to…
In this Toddler Rock video, students meet Ashley Rekker, former Director of Digital Marketing and Sales at the Rock Hall. Ashley talks about her role, and how she uses social media to help tell the Rock Hall's story. These fun…
In this dynamic live performance from the 2007 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five perform their early hip-hop anthem “Freedom.” Originally released in 1980, “Freedom” captures the spirit of celebration and empowerment…
In this powerful performance from the 2013 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, legendary hip-hop group Public Enemy performs their iconic anthem “Fight the Power.” Originally released in 1989, the song was written for Spike Lee’s film Do…
This live performance features Treach of Naughty by Nature performing Tupac Shakur’s “Hail Mary” at the 2017 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Delivered as part of Tupac’s posthumous induction tribute, Treach’s performance captures the raw emotion and…
Watch 2021 Inductee LL COOL J deliver a dynamic performance of two of his most iconic tracks—“Going Back to Cali” and “Rock the Bells”—during the 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Joined by surprise guest Eminem, this…
Watch 2007 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five perform their iconic track “White Lines (Don’t Do It)” live at the Induction Ceremony. Originally released in 1983, the song is one of hip-hop’s earliest…
Watch 2007 Inductees Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five perform their groundbreaking song “The Message” live at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Originally released in 1982, “The Message” is widely regarded as one of the most…
In this candid interview, Grammy-nominated artist and performer Yola discusses the themes behind her 2021 album Stand for Myself with Shelby Morrison, the Rock Hall’s Director of Curatorial Operations and Artist Relations. Yola reflects on the album’s opening track “Barely…
At the 2017 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Alicia Keys honors Inductee Tupac Shakur with a powerful medley performance. Her set includes “Ambitionz az a Ridah,” “I Get Around,” “I Ain’t Mad at Cha,” “Dear Mama,” and…
This dynamic live medley performance celebrates Eminem’s 2022 Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The medley includes high-energy and emotionally charged performances of: - “Rap God” - “Sing for the Moment” / “Dream On” (featuring Steven Tyler…
In this electrifying performance from the 2013 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Public Enemy delivers their influential track “Bring the Noise.” Originally released in 1987, the song is a landmark in hip-hop history—known for its rapid-fire delivery,…
In this three-minute video, Mary Wilson of The Supremes shares how persistence and determination led the group to a Motown Records contract. She recalls being turned down by Berry Gordy, but returning to Motown daily until they were given an…
In this ten-minute video, Mary Wilson reflects on The Supremes' path to success and the cultural influence they carried as global icons. She discusses the group's early struggles, their breakthrough with the Holland-Dozier-Holland songwriting team, and the whirlwind fame that…
In this seven-minute video, Mary Wilson shares her early experiences growing up in Detroit and how she discovered her passion for performing. She recalls singing in school choirs, joining talent shows, and forming a group with friends that would become…
This short video spotlights how Elvis Presley's image and influence extended beyond the stage and into marketing history. Former curator Howard Kramer discusses Elvis's rapid rise to stardom and how his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, revolutionized music merchandising by placing…
In this video, drummer Carmine Appice of Vanilla Fudge shares what he loves about drumming and reflects on performing with artists like Rod Stewart. He demonstrates several drumming styles and offers insights on practicing, performing, and staying motivated as a…
This video explores the emergence of girl groups in the 1950s and 1960s and the groundbreaking role of female songwriters during that era. It highlights groups like The Chantels and The Shirelles, along with influential writers such as Carole King,…
This nine-minute educational video explores how Rosa Parks' legacy and the Civil Rights Movement inspired generations of musicians to respond through powerful messages in their art. Narrated by the Rock Hall's former VP of Curatorial Affairs, Nwaka Onwusa, the video…
This video features a walkthrough of former Rock & Roll Hall of Fame exhibit "The Biggest Show on Turf," which explores the history and spectacle of Super Bowl halftime performances. Viewers hear from Rock Hall staff as they highlight iconic…
This artifact spotlight video features the "flying hot dog" stage prop famously used by Phish during their New Year's Eve concerts. The Rock Hall's curatorial team explains how the 15-foot-long hot dog was suspended over the audience while the band…
This video highlights the influential glam rock band T. Rex, their musical style, and cultural impact in the 1970s. The spotlight focuses on a signature tunic worn by frontman Marc Bolan, displayed in the band's 2020 Inductee Exhibit, illustrating the…
This video gives students a behind-the-scenes look at how artifacts from rock and roll history are received, preserved, and displayed in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Featuring stories about items from Aretha Franklin, Jimi Hendrix, Chuck D, and…
The Rock Hall's former 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…
This video highlights Mahalia Jackson's profound influence on gospel music and the Civil Rights Movement. It features reflections on her role encouraging Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to deliver his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech during the 1963 March…
In this exhibit spotlight video, a Rock Hall educator introduces key artifacts from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Beatles collection. The video highlights the Beatles' evolution as songwriters and cultural icons while emphasizing the personal and historical stories…
This short video spotlights 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 Name is Not Susan." This spotlight connects the garment's bold,…
This short video showcase the Teacher balloon and a replica of "The Wall" stage prop used during Pink Floyd's groundbreaking 1980-1981 "The Wall" Tour. These artifacts highlight how the band used scale, theatrical design, and visual metaphor to bring their…
In this interview excerpt, Grammy-nominated artist Yola speaks with Shelby Morrison, the Rock Hall’s Director of Curatorial Operations and Artist Relations, about body image, confidence, and visibility. Yola shares her lived experience as a plus-sized Black woman in the music…
In this video interview, Amanda Shires speaks with Shelby Morrison, the Rock Hall’s Director of Curatorial Operations & Artist Relations, about the inspiration behind founding The Highwomen in 2019. Shires candidly reflects on the moment that sparked the project—while traveling…
In this insightful interview excerpt, Martina McBride and Amanda Shires speak with Shelby Morrison, the Rock Hall’s Director of Curatorial Operations and Artist Relations, about how they broke into the music industry—particularly within the Nashville and Texas music scenes. Martina…
In this candid interview excerpt, country music artists Martina McBride and Amanda Shires speak with Shelby Morrison, the Rock Hall’s Director of Curatorial Operations and Artist Relations, about the 2015 controversy known as “Tomato-Gate” and the broader fight for gender…
In this interview excerpt with Andy Leach, the Rock Hall’s Senior Director of Museum Archives and Collections, 1991 Inductee Roger McGuinn shares the story of how The Byrds came to be. McGuinn recalls his early days working as a songwriter…
In this video, 1991 Inductee Roger McGuinn sits down with Andy Leach, the Rock Hall’s Senior Director of Museum Archives and Collections, to reflect on his early experiences with Bob Dylan and the evolution of “Mr. Tambourine Man.” McGuinn recalls…
In this engaging interview, 1991 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Roger McGuinn reflects on the early days of The Byrds with Andy Leach, the Rock Hall’s Senior Director of Museum Archives and Collections. Drawing from personal memories and…
In this interview, Grammy-nominated artist and actor Yola speaks with Shelby Morrison, the Rock Hall’s Director of Curatorial Operations and Artist Relations, about Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s groundbreaking influence on rock & roll. Yola discusses Tharpe’s legacy as a pioneering guitarist…
In this interview excerpt, Mike Campbell—guitarist for Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers and 2002 Rock Hall Inductee—joins Andy Leach, Senior Director of Museum & Archival Collections, to reflect on the differences between live and studio performance. Campbell highlights the band’s…
In this interview, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Mike Campbell reflects on Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers’ legendary 1997 residency at The Fillmore in San Francisco. Speaking with Andy Leach, Senior Director of Museum & Archival Collections, Campbell…
In this two-minute video, Robert Randolph shares how growing up in a gospel music community shaped his early experiences as a musician. He describes traveling between churches, learning through performance, and discovering rock and roll through gospel's influence. His story…
In this video, Robert Randolph discusses how gospel music has shaped popular music across genres and generations. He highlights the influence of gospel on artists like Michael Jackson, Beyonce, and Jay-Z, as well as his own musical development. Randolph points…
In this five-minute video, Robert Randolph shares his perspective on gospel music as the foundation of American music, tracing its roots to slavery and its influence on blues, rock and roll, and contemporary artists. He discusses how gospel shaped legends…
This video explores the music and legacy of Nine Inch Nails through the theme of "transgression," focusing on how the band challenges social norms and emotional boundaries through industrial rock. Students learn about the band's Cleveland roots, cultural influences, and…
Introduced by Rock Hall VP of Curatorial Affairs and Chief Curator Nwaka Onwusa, this video features 1999 Inductees The Staple Singers performing their iconic song “Respect Yourself” at the 1972 Wattstax Festival in Los Angeles. Part of the Rock &…
This video explores Aretha Franklin's cultural impact as both an artist and an activist, emphasizing her experience on the Civil Rights and Women's Rights movements. It also introduces the groundbreaking television show SOUL! and features the trailer for the documentary…
In this eight-minute narrated video, The Notorious B.I.G.'s life, style, and influence are explored through the theme of "ascent." Viewers learn about his rise from Brooklyn Beginnings to hip-hop icon, with analysis of songs like "Juicy," "Mo Money Mo Problems,"…
This three-minute video features Robert Randolph demonstrating the pedal steel guitar and exploring its expressive range across gospel, country, and rock music. He explains the instrument's origins, discusses key influences like Jimi Hendrix, and shows how it can produce multiple…
This two-minute video features Robert Randolph reflecting on gospel music's deep connection to social justice and its foundational role in rock and roll. He discusses how gospel music served as a powerful voice during the Civil Rights Movement. Randolph emphasizes…
This two-minute video features Robert Randolph reflecting on the meaning of Juneteenth as both a historical milestone and ongoing struggle for freedom and equality. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling, truth-telling, and teaching the full history of slavery and emancipation--topics…
In this interview with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Grammy and Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson reflects on the cultural power of 1987 Inductee Aretha Franklin and her iconic song “Respect.” Speaking from her experience portraying Franklin in…
This six-minute video introduces students to Carole King's groundbreaking career as both a songwriter and solo performer. Highlighting her early work as a songwriter, her 2021 solo induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and her impact on…
This six-minute video introduces students to the Foo Fighters and their evolution from a personal creative outlet for Dave Grohl into one of the most successful rock bands of the 21st century. Through performance clips and narration, the video explores…
This six-minute video introduces students to Jay-Z's remarkable career, influence, and legacy in the music industry. Highlighting his achievements as a rapper, entrepreneur, and cultural icon, the video explores his independent rise, major collaborations, industry leadership, and groundbreaking accomplishments, such…
In this five-minute video, Lita Ford shares how she began playing guitar and developed her sound by emulating guitarists like Tony Iommi, Jimmy Page, and Ritchie Blackmore. She recounts buying her first guitar and learning to play by ear, followed…
In this heartfelt interview excerpt, Grammy Award–winning singer-songwriter and activist Melissa Etheridge speaks with Rock Hall Director of Education Mandy Smith about her decision to publicly come out as a lesbian at the 1993 Triangle Ball. The event followed her…
In this video excerpt from the 2016 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Ice Cube of N.W.A. offers a powerful definition of rock & roll—not as a sound, style, or instrument, but as a spirit. He emphasizes that…
In this excerpt from an interview hosted by Rock Hall Director of Curatorial Operations & Artist Relations Shelby Morrison, legendary singer-songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie reflects on how she approaches education and social change through music. Sainte-Marie, a trailblazing artist of Cree…
This short video introduces students to the legendary Tina Turner, highlighting her groundbreaking solo career and impact on music history. Originally inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1991 with Ike Turner, Tina was honored again in…
This brief video introduces The Go-Go's and their groundbreaking role in music history as the first all-female rock group to top the Billboard charts while writing their own songs and playing their own instruments. Students learn how the band blended…
In this three-minute video, a Rock Hall educator explains why Run-D.M.C. was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2009, spotlighting their innovations in fusing hip hop with rock and their influence on fashion, music, and culture.…
In this two-minute video, a Rock Hall educator explains Chuck Berry's foundational role in the birth of rock and roll, emphasizing his relatable songwriting, signature guitar style, and cultural impact. The video highlights Berry's influence on the rock sound, his…
In this three-minute video, a Rock Hall educator presents Black Sabbath's musical legacy, discussing how the band helped shape the sound and identity of heavy metal and bridged 1960s hard rock with the emerging heavy metal movement of the 1970s.…
This four-minute video introduces 2021 Inductee Todd Rundgren, highlighting his wide-ranging contributions as a solo artist, producer, and musical innovator. Through archival footage and narration, students learn how Rundgren's love of soul, British rock, and vocal harmony helped shape his…
This spotlight video explores how Janelle Monae blends multiple musical genres with a strong commitment to social activism. It highlights her song "Say Her Name" and includes a clip from a live performance that doubles as a protest, honoring Black…
This video showcases Jimi Hendrix's iconic solo performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Woodstock in August of 1969, emphasizing how his interpretation served as a commentary on the social and political tensions of the time. The performance is presented as…
In this demonstration recorded at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, DJ Kool Herc--known as the "Father of Hip-Hop"--explains and performs his pioneering "merry-go-round" turntable technique. This early form of looping backbeats allowed him to extend the most danceable…
This two-minute video features Rock Hall Inductee Solomon Burke reflecting on the natural progression between gospel and pop music and how themes of love and faith connect the two genres. He shares the personal significance of performing Sam Cooke's "A…
A Rock Hall educator explores Bruce Springsteen's lasting influence on rock music through his lyrical depth, electrifying performances, and connection to everyday American life. The video highlights his dual songwriting approach--capturing personal details and addressing broader social and political themes--while…
In this three-minute video, a Rock Hall educator introduces Madonna's career and impact, highlighting her musical innovation, boundary-pushing style, and influence on generations of artists. The video explores her genre-spanning discography, visual storytelling, and commitment to live performance excellence. This…
In this interview excerpt, Rolling Stone magazine founder Jann Wenner reflects on the publication’s increasing engagement with politics during the Vietnam War era—particularly during the landmark 1972 presidential election. Wenner explains that this was the first election in which 18-year-olds…
In this interview excerpt, Rolling Stone magazine founder Jann Wenner reflects on assembling the publication’s original editorial and creative team, which included icons like Hunter S. Thompson, Ralph Gleason, Tom Wolfe, Linda McCartney, Ben Fong-Torres, and Baron Wolman. Speaking with…
