This cross-generational activity compares two iconic artists--David Bowie and The Weeknd--through analysis of musical themes, style and visual storytelling. Students engage with selected tracks ("Let's Dance" and "Save Your Tears") to explore how artists express identity, emotion, and cultural commentary…
This two-page essay by Mandy Smith, Director of Education at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, provides a detailed analysis of Charley Patton’s 1929 recording “A Spoonful Blues.” Focusing on Patton, the “Father of the Delta Blues,” the essay…
This playlist introduces students to Swedish supergroup ABBA, whose catchy songwriting, layered harmonies, and polished production helped define the global sound of 1970s pop. With hits like “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” and “The Winner Takes It All,” ABBA combines emotional…
Clarence Avant, the Godfather of Black Music, is cool, savvy, confident, and fearless – someone who makes the impossible possible. He’s served a variety of roles during his illustrious career, including manager, label owner, concert organizer, event producer, political fundraiser,…
This playlist explores the ukulele’s journey from 19th-century Hawaiian roots to its versatile presence in contemporary pop and rock music. Featuring a broad range of artists—from Queen Lili'uokalani and Elvis Presley to Billie Eilish and Jake Shimabukuro—students will hear how…
Whether singing along, jamming on an instrument, dancing to the beat, or listening to the story of our favorite song, music inspires us all in different ways. This playlist is specifically curated to highlight Inductees of the Rock & Roll…
Artists famous for singing music classified as “folk” had a large influence on the way rock musicians sang. This infographic provides students with an overview of some of the important artists of folk music including the Carter Family; the Everly…
This one-page infographic provides a concise visual overview of the formation of the rock supergroup Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (CSNY). Through photographs and short biographical connections, students trace the individual band members’ earlier work in influential 1960s groups—The Byrds,…
Singer, actor, producer, activist, and ally, Harry Belafonte pushed his art into the realm of global social change for over 60 years. Spending several years growing up in Jamaica, Belafonte was introduced to calypso music and the prejudices people endured…
This seven-slide presentation introduces students to Ieoh Ming (I.M.) Pei, the visionary Chinese-American architect renowned for his innovative and culturally significant designs—including the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. The resource offers biographical context and examples of his…
This presentation resource explores Christmas songs written during the Vietnam era. This resource explores songs like "Do You Hear What I Hear?" "Someday at Christmas," and "Happy Xmas (War is Over)"--songs that were written during the Vietnam era with political…
This playlist explores how Duran Duran bridged musical genres and media platforms to define a generation of visual and sonic style. Too glam for punk and too edgy for pop, the band carved out a unique space in the 1980s…
This playlist explores the powerful, poetic, and politically charged work of Gil Scott-Heron—a spoken word pioneer whose music blended jazz, blues, funk, and soul to challenge societal norms. Through satire, protest, and deeply personal storytelling, Scott-Heron offered urgent commentary on…
This writing and artifact analysis prompt invites students to explore the activism and message behind a tour artifact from Laura Jane Grace, frontwoman of punk band Against Me!, who came out as transgender in 2012. During the band's 2015 North…
This playlist highlights the revolutionary career of David Bowie—an artist who transformed not only sound but style, identity, and the possibilities of popular music. Students explore Bowie’s constantly evolving musical styles, lyrical introspection, and collaborations across genres and media. With…
In 1980, former bandmates Annie Lennox and David Stewart came together as the genre- and gender-fluid duo Eurythmics. Employing the mechanistic funk of krautrock emerging from Germany, the grit of gospel rooted in the American Deep South, and the strangeness…
This three-slide presentation briefly introduces Link Wray, a half-Shawnee guitarist who pioneered power chords and distortion in rock & roll, notably with his 1958 instrumental hit “Rumble.” The presentation highlights Wray’s innovative guitar techniques and his challenging early life marked…
From her humble beginnings in a one-room cabin in Tennessee to her status as an internationally-acclaimed star and household name, Dolly Parton has inspired generations of artists with her life and music. Spanning six decades, her career has included more…
This playlist highlights the heartland rock of John Mellencamp, an artist who has long served as the musical voice of small-town and rural America. His blend of garage rock, folk, and Americana reflects the values, struggles, and pride of everyday…
Kendrick Lamar and The Notorious B.I.G. Activity Pack
This eight-page resource invites students to explore the visual storytelling, branding, and aesthetics behind Iron Maiden’s iconic album and single artwork featuring their mascot, Eddie. By analyzing three album/single pairings—The Number of the Beast, Somewhere in Time, and Dance of…
This resource invites students to explore, compare, and contrast influential bands The Killers and Depeche Mode. Students will learn biographical information about both artists, listen to songs by both bands, and explore the musical influences between these artists. This resource…
Nine Inch Nails makes transgressive songs that break down boundaries of music, culture, and morality. Leader Trent Reznor writes songs that bring together opposites: life and death, chaos and order, human and machine. He also creates uncomfortable mixtures of desire, violence, and religion. By juxtaposing these concepts, Nine Inch…
This playlist introduces students to Rock Hall Inductee Bill Withers—one of the most honest, heartfelt, and universally relatable songwriters in American music. A master storyteller with a rich baritone voice, Withers addressed love, friendship, social justice, and emotional struggle with…
This playlist highlights the lyrical artistry and lasting influence of The Notorious B.I.G., also known as Biggie Smalls. One of the most iconic voices in East Coast hip hop, Biggie’s music is marked by a rich blend of personal narrative,…
This playlist introduces students to the groundbreaking guitar work of Randy Rhoads, a classically trained musician who transformed heavy metal with speed, precision, and emotion. Students will explore how Rhoads incorporated classical music techniques—like arpeggios, trills, and vibrato—into the aggressive…
This playlist highlights the career and sound of Pat Benatar—a groundbreaking artist whose operatic vocal power, stage presence, and collaborative songwriting helped shape the trajectory of women in rock. From her 1979 debut with “Heartbreaker” to late-career releases like “Dancing…
This resource prompts students to analyze, compare, and contrast the works of Taylor Swift and Paul McCartney. Featuring songs with parallel metaphors, students will explore the relationship between the two artists, analyze figurative language use in songwriting, and juxtapose the…
On February 3, 2002, U2 performed a hope-filled and compassionate Super Bowl XXXVI Halftime Show in response to America's grieving from the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. This Artist Halftime Show Spotlight showcases U2 as a band, stand-out moments from…
This playlist highlights Nina Simone’s fearless artistry and her role as a voice of protest, pain, pride, and power. Known for her bold and unflinching delivery, Simone combined classical piano training with blues, jazz, soul, and gospel to create music…
This playlist explores the sound and legacy of Michael Jackson, one of the most influential performers and musical innovators in pop history. Known as the “King of Pop,” Jackson revolutionized how music was recorded, produced, and performed. His songs blend…
This nine slide resource introduces students to the concept of Afrofuturism and how it is expressed through music. Designed to spark conversation and analysis, the activity guides students in exploring how artists have blended science fiction, cultural identity, liberation, and…
Kraftwerk are the foundation upon which all synthesizer-based rock and electronic dance music is built. Founded in Düsseldorf in 1970 by Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider, the group was part of a new wave of musicians in Germany exploring the…
This short video explores how gospel music supported and amplified the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, particularly in connection with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It highlights gospel's influence on protest songs performed at key events like the March…
Lionel Richie crafted enduring love songs and joyous anthems that resonated deeply with listeners. His path to solo superstardom was built on a string of massive hits, including his group the Commodores’ “Easy,” and the “Endless Love” duet with The…
Wielding a powerful force of dual guitar attacks, driving riffs and soaring operatic vocals, Judas Priest took the molten steel forged by Black Sabbath and Deep Purple creating the mold for all future heavy metal. The roots of the band…
Use this two-page activity sheet to help younger students practice using the letter "Y" while learning about Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Yes. Color, count, read, and write together while listening along to one of Yes's greatest hits.…
Use this two-page activity sheet to help younger students practice using the letter “G” while learning about Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee The Go-Go's. Color, count, read, and write together while listening along to one of The Go-Go's…
Use this two-page activity sheet to help younger students practice using the letter “F” while learning about Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee the Foo Fighters. Color, count, read, and write together while listening along to one of the…
This two-page reading list, designed for younger learners, features a curated selection of books that pair with songs to enhance music and literacy programs. These “books that sing” encourage singing, clapping, and dancing while developing skills like pre-reading, reading, short-term…
This resource uses Jennifer Lopez and Shakira's dynamic Super Bowl LIV Halftime Show performance to examine the intersections of music, identity, and cultural expression. Students explore how both artists celebrated Latin heritage, womanhood, and political commentary through choreography, costume, and…
This playlist explores the origins and cultural impact of punk rock from its emergence in the 1970s through its evolution in the early 1980s. Featuring foundational artists from both the U.S. and U.K., it highlights punk’s stripped-down sound, DIY ethos,…
This playlist explores how fantasy literature and imagination have influenced rock and metal music. Drawing on the mythic and magical, artists like Led Zeppelin, Rush, and Jefferson Airplane created songs that evoke literary worlds, characters, and adventures. The music serves…
This presentation resource uses the dynamic stage presence of Tina Turner to introduce the elements of dance: body, action, space, time, and energy. Through visual and movement-based exploration, students examine how Turner's iconic performances exemplify each of these dance elements.…
Use this activity pack to help students learn more about the group BTS, including facts about their career and their connections to 1988 Rock Hall Inductees The Beatles. This pack includes listening activities and a variety of writing prompts that…
This comparative resource invites students to explore two iconic global pop groups--The Beatles and BTS--through the lens of performance, fan culture, and musical energy. Focusing on The Beatles' "Penny Lane" and BTS's "Dynamite," the activity guides students in analyzing how…
This playlist introduces students to the genre-defying artistry of Beck, whose career spans over three decades of musical innovation. From the ironic slacker anthem “Loser” to the Grammy-winning folk introspection of Morning Phase and the upbeat electronic rock of Colors,…
This six-slide resource provides an overview of The Beach Boys, one of the most iconic American rock bands of the 1960s. The presentation introduces students to the band’s origins in California, the influence of surf culture on their early sound,…
This six-minute video explores how musicians have used their platforms to respond to social injustices and inspire change from the 1960s through today. Through examples like Joan Baez at the March on Washington and Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On?," the…
This playlist introduces students to Motor City Five–better known as MC5–a politically charged, high-energy rock band from Detroit whose sound and attitude helped lay the groundwork for punk. Known for their raw performances and revolutionary rhetoric, MC5 merged garage rock…
This playlist explores bands and vocal groups that began their careers in high school or even middle school, offering a real-world lens into how passion, friendship, and perseverance can spark long-lasting success. Students will examine groups like The Supremes, The…
This worksheet guides students in analyzing written documents from Rock Hall EDU or other sources. It is divided into three parts: Part 1 asks students to identify the document type (e.g., business document, promotional item, set list); Part 2 prompts…
Use this activity pack to help students learn more about hip-hop artist Kanye West, including facts about his career, his fashion and style, and his relationship to his mentor and Rock Hall Inductee Jay-Z. This pack includes listening activities, a lyric activity,…
The Super Bowl Halftime Show is an electrifying showcase of musical artists nestled between two intense halves of the biggest football matchup of the season. One of the most important pieces of these performances is the stage and its design. Each stage is different, and…
This one-page activity guide, part of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Fam Jam series presented by the John P. Murphy Foundation in partnership with The Cleveland Public Library, The Beck Center for the Arts, and The Children’s Museum…
This three-slide writing prompt explores the dramatic and symbolic act of smashing instruments in rock and roll. Featuring a photo of a guitar destroyed by Mike McCready of Pearl Jam during a 1993 concert, the activity encourages students to reflect…
This nine-slide resource introduces young learners to holiday-themed songs written and performed by The Beach Boys, Sharon Jones, and The Rolling Stones. Featuring interactive prompts and Spotify listening links, the activity encourages students to explore the themes, sounds, and emotions…
This playlist introduces students to Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, one of America's most iconic rock bands. With a sound rooted in Heartland Rock, the band told stories of everyday resilience, hope, and frustration through tuneful, guitar-driven songs. Petty’s voice…
This playlist was created by students in Ms. Lauran Woolley’s 5th grade English class as part of a “rock and roll wax museum” project. Each student researched a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee using the Rock Hall’s website…
This engaging presentation resource explores two influential musical artists, Miley Cyrus and Nine Inch Nails, using Cyrus's appearance on the television show Black Mirror. This resource supports students in analyzing the song "On a Roll," as performed by Cyrus on…
This eight-slide resource provides a beginner-friendly introduction to the ukulele, designed to help students learn the basics of playing simple chords and strumming patterns. The presentation covers: - The parts of the ukulele - Standard tuning and string names -…
This playlist bridges the gap between classic literature and modern music, highlighting how themes from Shakespeare’s plays continue to inspire rock and pop artists. From Taylor Swift’s personal retelling of Romeo and Juliet to Radiohead’s haunting reflection on doomed love…
John Mellencamp is a singer, songwriter, and philanthropist. His song “Small Town” expresses the experience of growing up in rural America. Use this activity to lead students through a guided analysis of “Small Town.” Our related Perspectives Activity in Rock…
Artists use songs to tell stories from different perspectives. Their lyrics and sound choices influence how audiences interpret an artist's work. Audiences might seek out music that speaks to their experiences or gets them outside of their comfort zone. Such…
This playlist highlights how women have used rock music as a platform to demand equality, share personal experiences, and challenge social norms. Through genres spanning soul, country, punk, hip hop, and alternative rock, students explore how female-identifying artists navigate a…
This two-page worksheet, designed for music and social studies classes, guides students in analyzing photographs from Rock Hall EDU or other sources. It is structured in three parts: Part 1 prompts students to identify the photograph type (e.g., action, candid,…
This playlist highlights the musical influences of The Accidentals—a genre-blending, female-fronted trio known for fusing classical, folk, rock, and indie sounds. Each band member selected five tracks for this playlist that helped shape their musical development. Through this lens, students…
This eight-slide resource explores the sounds of instruments using imagery of animals! Students will listen to the sounds made by various instruments, learn the history of instruments, and explore animal-themed musical works from multiple genres and cultures. With several examples…
This imaginative writing prompt encourages students to reflect on their senses, emotions, and environment through a multisensory lens. Learners are asked to picture a natural setting—like a forest, beach, jungle, or mountains—and describe not only what they see but how…
This one-page activity guide, part of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Fam Jam series presented by the John P. Murphy Foundation in partnership with The Cleveland Public Library, The Beck Center for the Arts, and The Children’s Museum…
This resource invites students to explore the power of photography in capturing the spirit, emotion, and context of rock and roll. Students examine iconic concert and candid images from different eras and analyze how photographers use composition, lighting, and perspective…
This resource guides students through a reflective and analytical exploration of Diana Ross’s 1980 song “I’m Coming Out,” a track that became an anthem for the LGBTQIA+ community. Originally produced by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards of Chic, the song…
This presentation highlights select 2020 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees: The Notorious B.I.G., Whitney Houston, Nine Inch Nails, Depeche Mode, the Doobie Brothers, and T. Rex. Each artist's section includes influences, spotlight tracks key quotes or lyric excerpts,…
Trick or Treat! This Halloween-themed resource explores how musicians use sound, storytelling, and cultural references to create eerie, emotionally charged works. Students analyze three iconic moments: the Ramones' punk horror anthem "Pet Sematary," Michael Jackson's groundbreaking hit "Thriller," and Stevie…
This seven-slide resource explores Prince’s iconic 2007 Super Bowl Halftime Show performance and positions it as a lens to examine his musicianship, showmanship, and cultural impact. The presentation guides students through key facts about Prince’s legacy, a closer look at…
This one-page worksheet invites young learners to reflect on and respond to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered during the 1963 March on Washington. After learning about Dr. King’s vision for equality and…
This ten-slide resource introduces students to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s annual Induction Process. It answers common questions about how nominees and inductees are selected, what criteria must be met, and who participates in the voting process. The…
With more than 300 different tribes throughout North America, "Native American" or First Nation people across the continent vary greatly in their musical expression. These expressions influenced music like the blues and eventually rock and roll. While each tribe holds…
This playlist uses podcasts to model and analyze civil discourse—how we communicate respectfully and effectively, especially when discussing complex or divisive issues. Students will hear real conversations about race, politics, identity, and community, gaining insight into how tone, word choice,…
In this interactive presentation resource, students will explore the ways musicians have used music as a platform to call for environmental policy change. After learning about the history of environmental policy and music in the United States, students will analyze…
This playlist provides students with a diverse and immersive introduction to the sounds, instruments, voices, and cultural perspectives of Asian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) artists. From traditional forms to contemporary fusions of hip-hop, metal, K-pop, and folk, students can explore…
This one-page printable worksheet engages students in designing their own protest sign, emphasizing the First Amendment right to protest as a public, legal way to challenge policies or express viewpoints. Students draw or write a concise message on the provided…
This 12-slide presentation engages students in analyzing and designing costumes for Super Bowl halftime performances, focusing on Diana Ross (1996), Michael Jackson (1993), and Katy Perry (2015). Students explore how fashion serves as self-expression or conveys messages, examining how costumes…
This presentation resource engages students in critical thinking and persuasive writing through music-centered discourse. Using experience of musicians like Tod Rundgren, Maurice Ravel, and Twisted Sister, the activity introduces students to key components of argumentative writing--assertion, reasoning, evidence, refutation, and…
This presentation resource explores the musical influence Whitney Houston had on contemporary R&B powerhouse Rihanna. After learning biographical details about both artists, students are supported in comparing, contrasting, and analyzing quotes, song lyrics, sound, and style of both musicians. Included…
This presentation resource explores the musical and stylistic connections between glam rock icon T-Rex and modern pop star Harry Styles. Students engage in a comparative analysis of T. Rex's "Cosmic Dancer" and Harry Styles' "Treat People with Kindness," focusing on…
This presentation resource compares the lyrics and music of contemporary country artist Luke Bryan and the Doobie Brothers. After learning biographical details about both artists, students will compare and contrast lyrics from the Doobie Brothers' "China Grove" and Luke Bryan's…
Songs played during pregame at a basketball game can affect everyone in the arena differently—from players and coaches to fans in the stands. This activity invites learners to build their own pregame playlist, thinking critically about how different musical elements…
This playlist-based classroom activity explores holiday music recorded by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees. It features songs from legendary performers such as Elvis Presley, The Ronettes, The Beach Boys, Run-D.M.C., and Whitney Houston, offering a multi-decade look at…
The Super Bowl Halftime show is consistently one of the most watched television events every year. The show contains high production value, unique setlists, and stand-out moments. Use this playlist to explore performance highlights from selected artists. Also, this playlist…
This playlist encourages students to reflect on the emotional power of music and how it can be used to boost mood and foster well-being. Drawing on upbeat hits across five decades, the playlist invites students to identify musical elements—tempo, instrumentation,…
This playlist introduces students to the iconic voice and genre-spanning career of Whitney Houston, often regarded as the greatest singer of her generation. Houston’s vocal versatility and emotional power helped shape pop, R&B, and soul music across three decades. The…
This joyful and high-energy playlist is designed for classrooms, family events, or any intergenerational setting where music becomes the center of connection and fun. Featuring artists from The Beatles and Aretha Franklin to The Ramones and Carole King, the “Fam…
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s class of 2020 showcases rock and roll’s varied styles and artists. Listen to the electronic synthesizers of Depeche Mode. Discover the early days of glam rock with T. Rex. Groove along to the…
The Doobie Brothers are a decades-spanning hard grooving, good-time, rock and soul band. Although no members are actually related, the group embodies the spirit of a family of musicians, with a revolving door of personalities and diverse styles. They managed…
This playlist explores the trailblazing sound and showmanship of T. Rex, a British band that helped define glam rock in the early 1970s. Led by Marc Bolan, the group fused crunchy guitar riffs, catchy pop melodies, and flamboyant style to…
This presentation resource introduces students to Bruce Springsteen and his 2009 Super Bowl Halftime Show performance with the E Street Band. Students explore Springsteen's musical style, cultural impact, and the role of the Super Bowl Halftime Show in shaping popular…
Formed in England in 1980, Depeche Mode was one of the pioneering groups of the synth-pop style during the 1980s by building on the electronic experiments of the band Kraftwerk and mixing it with pop melodies and danceable rhythms. As…
This playlist immerses students in the sounds of 1960s psychedelic rock—a genre defined by musical experimentation, cultural rebellion, and a shift in how audiences experienced music. Psychedelic rock blends folk, blues, jazz, and non-Western music traditions with electronic effects, abstract…
