Stay Tuned: Rock on TV Exhibit Officially Open at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame through March 2019

Don't touch that dial, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's newest featured exhibition, Stay Tuned: Rock on TV, sponsored by Pepsi, is officially open!

"TV has done more for entertainers than any other medium," said 2011 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Darlene Love in exclusive interview footage for the exhibit.

From the Ed Sullivan Show to the Voice, rock and roll has shaped television (and vice versa). This special exhibit tells the story of how TV launched rock's iconic stars, brought them into our homes, kept them in the spotlight and connected them to us with music and visual imagery.

The multi-floor, multimedia exhibit, provides viewers with an experience that's narrated with exclusive footage from Mike Meyers, Martha Quinn, Kelly Clarkson, Micky Dolenz, Kevin Eubanks, Cyndi Lauper, Paul Shaffer and Darlene Love.

"So many rock icons first broke out on television and still do," said Karen L. Herman, Vice President of Collections & Curatorial Affairs for the Rock Hall. "People don't realize the enormous impact of rock on TV or the impact of TV on rock. This exhibit celebrates that unique relationship."

Rock and television exploded on to the scene in the 1940s, with TV going to for the safe, commercial audience and rock and roll offering a loud, anti-establishment alternative. By the 1960s, the growing teen market and youth culture became too big for TV to ignore. The exhibit brings archival footage, original artifacts and new interviews together to create a fun, intergenerational experience that connects the early days of rock and TV to their ongoing evolution.

"TV gave rock and roll a visual component," said the Late Show with David Letterman's Musical Director Paul Shaffer in his exclusive interview for the exhibit. "It gave us a visual template to watch and see what does a rock and roll performance look like on stage."

Variety shows like the Smothers Brothers, The Johnny Cash Show, Sonny & Cher, and Donny & Marie made music a weekly ritual. Performance shows like Soul Train, Don Kirshner's Rock Concert, Solid Gold, and Austin City Limits introduced us to our future heroes. Competition shows like Star Search, American Idol, and the Voice changed the music business. Pop culture institutions like MTV and Saturday Night Live shaped our culture.

See archival footage and original artifacts on display, such as original stage designs from the Beatles' history Ed Sullivan Show appearance, outfits worn by Sonny and Cher on their hit series, CeeLo Green's jacket worn on The Voice, inspired by Michael Jackson's "Beat It" video, artifacts from iconic videos including Tom Petty's "Don't Come Around Here No More," Michael Jackson's "Thriller" and A-ha's "Take on Me."

The Who's Keith Moon blowing up his drum set on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour in the late '60s, was inspiring to artists like Dave Grohl. Original MTV VJ Martha Quinn was impacted by Dick Clark's interview techniques on American Bandstand. Others cite Michael Jackson's videos and the Beatles appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show insprired countless Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees. Stay Tuned: Rock on TV tells these stories and more.

On the eve of its opening, there will be a Member Only Open House. The event is AT CAPACITY and will feature a sold-out performance by singer CeeLo Green and special appearances by Darlene Love (2011 Inductee), Kevin Eubanks (former bandleader of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno) and Jim Bonfanti (drummer of Cleveland's The Raspberries).

Stay Tuned: Rock on TV will be open through March of 2019. For more information on the Rock Hall, its exhibits, and to plan your visit, go to rockhall.com. Join in the Rock on TV conversation on Facebook, Twitter (@rockhall) and Instagram (@rockhall) using #TVRocks.

About the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame:
Rock Connects Us. Our mission is clear: To engage, teach and inspire through the power of rock and roll. We share stories of the people, events and songs that shape our world through exhibits, innovative programs and concerts. Join the millions who love it as much as you do. Experience us live or online - Visit rockhall.com or Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@rockhall). Long Live Rock!

Rock Hall Contacts:
Shauna Wilson, 216-515-1215, swilson(at)rockhall.org
Carl Harp, 216-515-1503, charp(at)rockhall.org

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