An exhibit at the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin features iconic objects from America’s music history. The exhibition, which ends on August 11, was brought to the library by the Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music.
Music America: Iconic Objects from America’s Music History is excellent. The website says it best: It chronicles how music informed, interpreted, and inspired our national identity for nearly two and a half centuries. Be it sacred or secular, urban or rural, folk or pop, classical or experimental, it all contributes to the soundtrack of our American story.
The exhibits are a diverse collection, ranging from instruments to hand-written original lyrics, books, photographs, costumes, and other objects. They represent major artists from all corners of American music and the fascinating stories of those who have shaped it.
The exhibit starts with a hymnal, early recording devices, an ornate opera dress dated to the last 1800s, a flapper dress, and artifacts from artists like Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Buddy Holly, Carlos Santana, Chuck D, Ella Fitzgerald, Faith Hill, Frank Sinatra, Gloria Estefan, Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Cash, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Prince, Sam Cooke, Tupac, Whitney Houston, Woody Guthrie, and more, including the iconic RCA Victor dog, listening to “His Master’s Voice.”
It’s a fantastic walk through music history.
As I strolled past the glass showcases, I was treated to a close-up view of the iconic musical artists of the past few decades. I saw the velvet shirt Elvis once wore, the long blue coat Lady Gaga donned, and the dress Madonna wore.
Music plays through the exhibit: gospel, blues, jazz, and rock and roll.
The last display is the clothing Taylor Swift wore in a concert.
Music America is curated by the Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music in association with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, New Orleans Jazz Museum, Hard Rock International, and other institutions nationwide.
Admission is included in admission to the presidential library.
For more information, click here.
