Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, May 2016

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

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Eric-Clapton 1975

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Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a museum and hall of fame located in Cleveland, Ohio, United States, dedicated to recording the history of some of the best-known and most influential artists, producers, engineers, and other notable figures in the rock and roll music genre. Established in 1983 by Ahmet Ertegun, the founder of Atlantic Records, the Hall of Fame recognizes and archives the history of the best-known and most influential artists, bands, producers, and others that have had some major influence on the development of rock and roll.

History

The idea for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was proposed by Ahmet Ertegun in the early 1980s. Cleveland was chosen as the hall's location in 1986, following a public poll. The city is often cited as the birthplace of rock and roll music, thanks in part to the influential disc jockey Alan Freed, who popularized the term "rock and roll" in the early 1950s. The groundbreaking ceremony for the museum was held on June 7, 1993, and it officially opened to the public on September 2, 1995. The museum's design was conceived by architect I.M. Pei, known for his modern architectural style.

Criteria for Induction

Artists become eligible for induction into the Hall of Fame 25 years after the release of their first record. Criteria include the influence and significance of the artists' contributions to the development and perpetuation of rock and roll. The selection process is overseen by a nominating committee, which selects a group of nominees each year. The nominees are then voted on by a larger body of experts and previous inductees. Inductees are announced in the winter, with the induction ceremony taking place in the spring.

Induction Categories

The Hall of Fame has several categories under which individuals can be inducted:

• Performers
• Non-Performers (Songwriters, Producers, Disc Jockeys, etc.)
• Early Influences (artists who predate rock and roll but had an impact on its genesis)
• Sidemen (session musicians who have played an integral role in music history but are not front-line stars)

Exhibits and Library

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's exhibits offer a comprehensive journey through the history of rock and roll music, from its roots to the present day. Exhibits include personal items from musicians, instruments, costumes, and multimedia presentations. The museum also houses a library and archives, which offer an extensive collection of books, audio recordings, and films related to rock and roll.

Impact and Criticism

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has been both praised for its role in preserving the history of rock music and criticized for its selection process and perceived biases. Critics have pointed out the underrepresentation of certain genres and artists based on race, gender, and musical style.

See Also

• List of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees
• Music of the United States
• History of rock and roll