Why is the Rock-N-Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland?

Question

Wouldn't it have made more sense for it to be in Memphis? Elvis alone puts it at the top of the list in my book. Was there an actual debate to put it there? Or did they simply give the most tax bucks to get it?

Answer 1

We here in Memphis ask your question all the time. I've never been to Cleveland, but I know Memphis has much more musical heritage.

Answer 2

Well Memphis has Graceland. I heard that the very first rock n roll concert was in Cleveland. Yeah, we did pay the most for the Rock hall, but damn why did they leave out the most important part? The introduction ceremonies!!!!! They still hold them in NY! Another thing too, not everyone thinks of Elvis when they hear Rock n Roll, and the Rock hall does a good job showcasing all genres of music.

Answer 3

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation was created in 1983. During early discussions on where to build the Hall of Fame and museum, the Foundation's board considered the Cuyahoga River. Ultimately, the chosen location was in downtown Cleveland by Lake Erie, just east of Cleveland Browns Stadium and the Great Lakes Science Center. Cleveland lobbied to be chosen, citing the facts that one-time Cleveland disc jockey Alan Freed is widely credited with promoting the new genre (and the term) of "rock and roll", and that Cleveland was the location of the first rock and roll concert. After a petition drive that was signed by 600,000 fans favoring Cleveland over Memphis, and a USA Today poll which Cleveland won by 100,000 votes, the hall of fame board voted to build the museum in Cleveland.

At a point in the planning phase when a financing gap existed, a proposal was made for the Rock Hall to be located in the then vacant May Company Building, but it was finally decided that Chinese architect, I. M. Pei, who is credited with such other projects as the Louvre Pyramid in Paris, France and the Bank of China Tower, would be commissioned to design a new building. Pei came up with the idea of a tower with a glass pyramid protruding from it. The museum tower was initially planned to stand 200ft high, but it had to be cut down to 162ft due to its proximity to Burke Lakefront Airport. The building's base is approximately 150,000 square feet. The groundbreaking ceremony was June 7, 1993, with Pete Townshend and Chuck Berry doing the honors. The museum opened on September 2, 1995, with the ribbon being cut by an ensemble that included Yoko Ono and Little Richard, among others.

The museum documents the entire history of rock and roll, regardless of induction status. Hall of Fame inductees are honored in a special exhibit inside the museum's spire.
There are seven levels in the building. The first through fifth levels feature many permanent and temporary exhibits documenting the history of rock and roll. Temporary exhibits display items that have only been borrowed for a short period of time, or they show films, such as 2007's temporary exhibit running George Harrison's Concert for Bangladesh. Some of the permanent exhibits include a history of audio technology, a section of mannequins donning outfits of famous performers past and present, and an area which looks at music scenes in various cities throughout different eras, including Memphis in the 50's, Detroit, Liverpool and San Francisco in the 60's, Los Angeles in the 70's, New York City and London in the 70's and 80's and Seattle in the 90's.
The sixth level is where the actual Hall of Fame is located and includes a wall with all of the inductees' signatures. The seventh and final level of the building is a temporary exhibit which features a certain group or artist for a period of time. It occupies the entire floor, which is the smallest since it is at the top of the pyramid. Some of the artists featured have been Elvis Presley, John Lennon, U2, Bob Dylan, and The Supremes.

While the museum is located in Cleveland, the induction ceremony is held in New York City. This has been a source of controversy and signifies tension between the Foundation's commitment to a yearly showcase and the Hall of Fame itself.

Answer 4

BECAUSE CLEVELAND ROCKS!