In this reflective interview excerpt, Jann Wenner—founder of Rolling Stone magazine—speaks with Rock & Roll Hall of Fame CEO Greg Harris about his formative experiences at the University of California, Berkeley in the 1960s. Wenner shares how the political and…
In this insightful interview, Grammy-nominated artist Yola speaks with Shelby Morrison, the Rock Hall’s Director of Curatorial Operations and Artist Relations, about the evolving nature of music and why categorizing sound by genre can often be limiting. Yola describes herself…
In this behind-the-scenes interview from a 2010 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame film screening, executive producer Kenard Gibbs shares the intensive production process behind the documentary Soul Train: The Hippest Trip in America. Gibbs explains the massive effort required…
In this clip from the 2010 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame screening of Soul Train: The Hippest Trip in America, executive producer Kenard Gibbs reflects on the process and purpose behind creating the documentary. After gaining access to Don…
This three-minute video explores the impact of Dr. Dre's 1992 debut album "The Chronic" as part of the Rock Hall's Revolutions series. It highlights how the album brough West Coast hip-hop into the mainstream and showcases Dr. Dre's innovative use…
This short video explores the musical influences that shaped LL COOL J's sound and performance style, as well as the lasting legacy he has left on hip-hop and popular music. It highlights key figures who inspired him--such as Grandmaster Flash,…
This short video explores the musical influences that shaped JAY-Z's career and the legacy he built through his impact on contemporary artists. Viewers will compare iconic tracks by artists such as Otis Redding and The Notorious B.I.G. with Jay-Z's own…
This short video highlights Eminem's place in hip-hop history by examining the artists who influenced his style--such as N.W.A., Nas, and Tupac--and those he has inspired in return, including Nicki Minaj, Kendrick Lamar, and Ed Sheeran. Using side-by-side song comparisons,…
This two-minute video explores Missy Elliott's musical influences--including Prince, Salt-N-Pepa, and Jodeci--and highlights her impact on artists like Beyonce, Tyler, the Creator, and Lizzo. Content Advisory: This resource contains mature language, lyrics and themes that may not be appropriate for…
In this clip from a 2010 film screening at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Soul Train: The Hippest Trip in America executive producer Kenard Gibbs discusses the powerful economic and cultural impact of Soul Train during the 1970s.…
This three-minute video, part of the Rock Hall's Revolutions series, examines the cultural and musical impact of the Beastie Boys' groundbreaking 1986 album "Licensed to Ill." It explores how the group blended rock and rap, used humor and sampling in…
In this three-minute documentary-style video, learners explore Sylvia Robinson's groundbreaking role in shaping hip hop music and culture. Known as the "Queen of Sugarhill," she produced some of the genre's earliest hits and helped bring rap to the mainstream. The…
Watch Bon Jovi drummer Tico Torres deliver a heartfelt and humble thank-you speech during the band’s 2018 Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Torres reflects on the personal and professional journey that brought him to the stage,…
In this video, acclaimed rock & roll scholar Peter Guralnick reflects on the legacy of producer and studio founder Sam Phillips. Guralnick shares insight into Phillips’ deep passion for the music and voices of 1950s Black America, tracing this back…
This video features a conversation with Jerry Phillips (son of Sam Phillips), Halley Phillips (granddaughter of Sam Phillips), Peter Guralnick (rock & roll historian), Ben Vaughn (singer-songwriter), and Jason Hanley (Rock Hall’s VP of Education & Fan Engagement) exploring the…
This video explores the tension between independent and major record labels in the 1950s through the story of Sun Records, one of rock & roll’s most influential indie labels. Viewers hear from Jerry Phillips (son of Sun Records founder Sam…
This epic, seven-minute super jam from the 2013 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Los Angeles brings together an all-star lineup for a powerful rendition of “Crossroads” (inspired by Robert Johnson’s “Crossroad Blues”). The performance features Chuck…
In this three-minute interview clip, members of The Spinners reflect on their early performances--including one in Cleveland with The Supremes--and discuss how staying open-minded, dedicated, and adaptable helped them sustain a long career in music. The video emphasizes the importance…
This six-minute video features The Spinners discussing how they build a strong live show by creating setlists that connect with a diverse audience. They reflect on staying relevant through career highs and lows and adapting to change. The group also…
In this interview excerpt, George Thorogood reflects on the early musical influences that shaped his identity as a performer. Long before he picked up a guitar—during an era dominated by virtuosos like Hendrix and Jeff Beck—Thorogood was captivated by the…
In this interview excerpt, blues-rock legend George Thorogood shares his approach to songwriting, emphasizing the importance of writing with the audience in mind. Thorogood explains that when he starts a song, he already envisions the final result: a packed dance…
In this video, hip hop artist and educator Jahi introduces his curated playlist "Music & Motivation, 2000-2020," created exclusively for Rock Hall EDU. He shares his motivations behind the project, reflecting on two decades as an artist and highlighting songs…
In this 2000 live performance at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Graham Nash performs a verse from the powerful protest song “Ohio.” Originally written by Neil Young and recorded by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, the song was…
In this three-minute video, students compare Sam Cooke's early gospel recordings with the Soul Stirrers to his later pop hits. Guided listening prompts encourage students to notice shared vocal techniques, phrasing, and musical structure across genres. This side-by-side activity highlights…
This four-minute video introduces students to the concept of sampling in hip hop through the iconic sounds of Parliament-Funkadelic. Viewers compare classic funk tracks with 1980s and 1990s hip-hop songs that sample them, while a visual "boom box" guides their…
In this video, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Roger McGuinn (of the Byrds) reflects on his early career working as a professional songwriter in New York City’s legendary Brill Building. Hired by Bobby Darin’s company, T.M. Music, McGuinn…
In this 2013 interview excerpt, legendary songwriter and producer Lamont Dozier—of the iconic Motown team Holland-Dozier-Holland—discusses the essential role of the record producer in shaping a song’s sound and emotional impact. Drawing from decades of experience, Dozier explains that the…
In this interview clip recorded at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2015, Friendly Womack Jr. shares personal memories of legendary artist Sam Cooke and the impact of Cooke’s independent label, SAR Records. Womack, a member of the…
In this video, Chuck D of Public Enemy reflects on the origins and cultural power of the song "Fight the Power" as he revisits his handwritten lyrics. Created at the request of director Spike Lee for "Do the Right Thing,"…
In this video, hip hop pioneers Chuck D and Jahi explore the cultural significance of fashion in the early days of hip hop. Highlighting two key artifacts--a tuxedo jacket worn by Kurtis Blow in "Krush Groove" and a hat worn…
This video introduces students to "The One," a rhythmic concept popularized by James Brown that emphasizes the first beat of each measure. By breaking away from the traditional backbeat, Brown reshaped funk's feel and danceability. The video connects this musical…
This video explores Black Sabbath's "War Pigs" through historical, lyrical, and musical lenses. Students are introduced to the band, the geopolitical context of the late 1960s and early 1970s, and the song's use of metaphor and sound to critique war…
This three-minute video introduces students to Aretha Franklin, with focus on her number one single "Respect." After briefly analyzing the choices that make "Respect" so powerful, the video contrasts the song with the original by Otis Redding. This video contextualizes…
In this Toddler Rock video, students meet Adam, Audio Engineer at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Adam introduces us to a sound board, and shows us how a sound board is used to change sounds. These fun and…
In this fun and engaging video, the Toddler Rock team performs “Old MacDonald Had a Rock & Roll Band,” a high-energy twist on the classic nursery rhyme. This interactive song encourages children to sing, dance, and play along using simple…
In this upbeat video, the Toddler Rock team performs the “Hello Song,” a cheerful and welcoming tune used to kick off every Toddler Rock session. This song helps establish routine, promote engagement, and build early musical and motor skills in…
This short instructional video demonstrates how to make a homemade drum using basic household materials. Explore rhythm and percussion while creating a fun, functional instrument. Supplies Needed: -Container with one open side -Felt or other fabric -Piece of string -Stickers…
This short instructional video shows how to make a simple guitar using household supplies. Supplies Needed: -Tape -Empty box (tissue, cereal, or similar) -Rubber bands -Paper towel tube -Marker -Scissors Classroom Use Suggestions: Use this engaging activity to teach students…
This short instructional video shows how to make a simple kazoo using household supplies. Follow step-by-step directions to create your own instrument and experiment with sound. Supplies Needed: -Toilet paper roll -Square of wax paper -Rubber band -Pencil Classroom Use…
This short instructional video shows how to make a simple harmonica using common household supplies. Follow the easy steps to explore how vibration creates sound. Supplies needed: -2 regular plastic straws -Scissors -2 popsicle sticks -3-4 rubber bands Classroom Use…
In this video, learners receive a brief introduction to Depeche Mode, why they were Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and how you can use them in your learning environment.
This two-minute video introduces Nine Inch Nails and explores why the band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. It highlights how their music confronts cultural and emotional themes through contrast, complexity, and innovation. Content Advisory: Lyrical…
In this two-minute video, students are introduced to The Doobie Brothers and their lasting contributions to rock and roll. The video highlights the band's blue-collar spirit, musical versatility, and reasons for their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction. Musical…
This two-minute video introduces learners to the Notorious B.I.G. (Biggie Smalls), highlighting his influential career and induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Through documentary-style visuals and music clips, students explore the autobiographical storytelling and cultural significance in…
In this two-minute video, a Rock Hall educator introduces Whitney Houston's life and legacy, sharing a brief biography, early musical influences, and reasons for her induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The video includes a visual montage…
In this two-minute video, learners receive a concise introduction to T. Rex's sound, style, and cultural impact. The video highlights their pioneering role in glam rock, particularly their exploration of gender and sexuality, and their influence on popular music and…
Filmed backstage at the 2017 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductions, this video features rapper Snoop Dogg reflecting on the significance of inducting his close friend and collaborator Tupac Shakur. Snoop explains that induction into the Rock Hall is…
This five-minute video examines the enduring legacy of Depeche Mode, using the theme of "everlasting" to frame their decades-spanning career. Through a brief biography and guided listening to four key songs, learners explore how the band has remained true to…
In this stunning performance, ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro reimagines “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” by 1988 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees The Beatles. Shimabukuro’s technical mastery and expressive phrasing showcase the emotional depth of George Harrison’s original composition—on…
In this six-minute instructional video, ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro introduces students to the basics of playing the ukulele. He discusses the origins and meaning behind the instrument's name, which means "jumping flea," and provides a step-by-step tutorial of three simple…
This photo shows Sheryl Crow, Neil Giraldo, and Pat Benatar onstage during the 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, which took place on November 5, 2022, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California. Pat Benatar…
This photo captures Sheryl Crow and the Zac Brown Band performing live onstage during the 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on November 5, 2022, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California. Their collaboration is…
This photo captures Sheryl Crow speaking onstage during the 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on November 5, 2022, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California. Crow is shown holding a copy of Rolling Stone…
This photo captures singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow walking the red carpet at the 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony held on November 5, 2022, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California. Crow, known for her genre-blending…
DJ Kool Herc is one of hip-hop’s founding fathers; his innovation and experimentation created the blueprint for hip-hop and set the stage for future artists and DJs to build upon. Herc was instrumental in developing the culture and community of…
This photo shows Sheryl Crow, Neil Giraldo, and Pat Benatar onstage during the 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, which took place on November 5, 2022, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California. Pat Benatar…
This resource depicts Chaka Khan next to some of her iconic outfits previously displayed in the museum. Chaka Khan (born Yvette Marie Stevens in Chicago) came to prominence with the innovative funk/rock group Rufus in the 1970s. With a voice possessing…
The first star to embody twenty-first-century pop in all its genre-defying, tech-forward, theatrical, profoundly feminine glory. Kate Bush arrived on the late 1970’s pop scene almost overnight. Combining orchestral strings and classical music with electronic and synth melodies, and applying…
This photo captures music icons Dolly Parton and Sheryl Crow backstage at the 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, held on November 5, 2022, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Both artists are widely recognized…
This backstage photo from the 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on November 5, 2022, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, captures five powerhouse women in music: Sheryl Crow, Brandi Carlile, Dolly Parton, Olivia Rodrigo,…
The second single from her 2002 album C’mon, C’mon, “Steve McQueen” reached Number 11 on the Billboard Dance Club Play chart. Sheryl Crow wore this outfit when she performed it live in 2002 in Talladega. “C’mon, C’mon was a hard…
A longtime activist with songs covering topics like gun control and climate change, Sheryl Crow wore this protest T-shirt for a televised performance on Good Morning America in 2003. Around the same time, she posted an open letter on her…
Sheryl Crow wore this outfit on the cover of the November 2002 “The Music Issue” of Vanity Fair magazine. The vest was designed by Dolce and Gabbana, and the trousers were designed by New York Custom City Leather. Classroom Use…
Funk queen, rock goddess, jazz singer, disco diva – Chaka Khan embodies and transcends these. At a time when audiences for rock and soul were splitting into different camps, Khan’s powerful voice represented the racial and social integration at the…
Sheryl Crow’s 1993 debut album Tuesday Night Music Club, displayed in the top right corner of her display, reached #3 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. “I look at my first album and I think, oh my gosh, I tried…
Looking for a starting point with your students on surf music? The Rock Hall EDU's short guide series summarizes various topics and musical styles commonly covered in rock history courses (including the Rock Hall's course with Ohio's Cuyahoga Community College).…
Crow wore this outfit for her headlining appearance at the Bonnaroo festival in 2018. “The truth be told – and I say this every day of my life – music is the one thing I know how to do and…
This resource depicts various tour books for Sheryl Crow in the late ‘90s and 2000s. The Lilith Fair tour, co-founded by Canadian musician Sarah McLachlan in 1997, featured only women solo artists and women-fronted bands. Sheryl Crow was a main…
Through her powerhouse solo performances, collaborations with industry icons, and early session musician work, Crow’s influence reverberates through classic 1990s rock, pop, country, folk, blues, and the work of countless singer-songwriters. In addition, Crow has also left her mark on…
Through her powerhouse solo performances, collaborations with industry icons, and early session musician work, Crow’s influence reverberates through classic 1990s rock, pop, country, folk, blues, and the work of countless singer-songwriters. Crow was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall…
This two-page guide explores how country music laid essential groundwork for the development of rock and roll. Originally referred to as “hillbilly music,” country emerged in the 1920s as a regional style rooted in working-class rural life. Drawing on folk…
This two-page guide introduces students to grunge—a genre born out of the Seattle music scene in the late 1980s and 1990s. Grunge fused the energy of punk with the weight of heavy metal to express a generation’s feelings of alienation,…
In this video, Rock Hall Inductee Max Weinberg introduces the role of the drummer in a rock band and demonstrates essential drumming techniques. He explains a drummer's job in keeping time, supporting the band, and playing with consistency and energy.…
This resource highlights the role of collaboration in shaping musical performances and legacy, using Billy Preston's work with The Beatles and his solo performances of "You Are So Beautiful" as case studies. Through listening prompts, discussion questions, and visual analysis,…
This presentation explores Beyonce's performances at Super Bowl XLVII and Super Bowl L, examining how music, imagery, and cultural references contribute to her message of empowerment and identity. The resource provides biographical context, setlist, stand-out moments--such as Destiny's Child's reunion--and…
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 three-page essay by Dr. Maureen Mahon explores the life, career, and enduring influence of blues singer Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton. Originally adapted for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Blog, the essay examines Thornton’s rise to fame,…
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 eight-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 highlights his Indigenous ancestry, exploring…
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…
