ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF MANDOKI SOULMATES WITH A MEMORY OF OUR FUTURE

Continuing the international success of the Mandoki Soulmates’ latest album, A Memory Of Our Future, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Vice President Jason Hanley invited Leslie Mandoki to the Rock Hall to celebrate “30 Years Of Soulmates” in the motherland of rock music. “We are thrilled to welcome Leslie Mandoki to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to commemorate 30 years of Mandoki Soulmates and their latest album, A Memory of Our Future,” Hanley said, and honored Mandoki's oft-quoted maxim that “music is the greatest unifier," especially in this "labyrinth of crises where the compass has seemingly been lost."

This Thursday evening in the Theater of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland became one of those memorable magical moments: During an evening of stories, film and music, the audience was treated to a look behind the scenes in the new film Mandoki Soulmates Inside Sound, shown here for the first time. The legendary musicians in the Soulmates are seen recording in the studio and playing live on stage; we see what backstage life is like and learn about the nearly-lost art of creating an entire album using a completely analog process, from first note to final vinyl LP. The film was followed by a Q&A with Leslie Mandoki, a devotee and master of analogue recordings, which he views as a way to honor his fans, saying he insists on their quality to send “a handwritten love letter to our audience—not a text message.” In addition, many fascinating stories about playing with the Soulmates over 30 years were recounted, including tales of band and Rock Hall members Chaka Khan, and the late Jack Bruce and Jon Lord.

Mandoki expressed his very personal gratitude to the Rock Hall and the audience: “What an honor be here in the legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and to present our new album A Memory Of Our Future here. My father was right when he told me on his deathbed ‘Don't dream your life, live your dream.’ I was 15 years old, and that became my life’s motto.”

Leslie Mandoki's own story begins with his escape from behind the Iron Curtain to pursue freedom of musical expression, which eventually led to his work as a producer for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees including Phil Collins, Chaka Khan, and Lionel Richie, as well as working in key roles with icons of rock music such as Eric Burdon, Jon Lord, Robin Gibb, and Peter Frampton, as well as Jennifer Rush und Bonnie Tyler, and ultimately to the founding of the Mandoki Soulmates band. This virtuosic meeting of musical minds has been rightly called a “band of bandleaders,” and Leslie has become known as the “Hungarian Quincy Jones,” dubbed thusly by Steve Lukather and Al Di Meola. Younger Soulmate, bassist Richard Bona, explains: “Leslie and Quincy have the same kind of essence to pull out forces and put them together to get to this result. So, it’s a wonderful gift he’s got.” The late, great Jack Bruce compared this ability to unite different characters in the band, both humanly and musically, with Duke Ellington.

In 1992, Ian Anderson, Jack Bruce and Al Di Meola became founding members of what, until then, was Leslie Mandoki's project band, Mandoki Soulmates. Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull) describes Leslie as the “master chef in the kitchen, mixing all these exotic spices and mystical musical influences together. He is a great musician and it’s very rare that you get good musicians and good record producers in one person. He is the mastermind, we just turn up for work.” Over the years, Leslie has continued to bring new musicians into the fold, and the Soulmates have developed into a unique supergroup with 13 albums, several live DVDs, Blu-rays, and countless concerts worldwide. The result of all this was once summed up by Greg Lake (Emerson, Lake & Palmer) who simply described the Soulmates as “one of the best bands you will ever hear.”

Mandoki's vision for the Soulmates band is to bring progressive jazz-rock back to sociopolitical relevance. For him, music has always been an expression of freedom. With intellectual, poetic lyrics, the band takes a stand on sociopolitical change. Even after more than 30 years, the Mandoki Soulmates prove that they are one of the most creative and committed bands of our time. A Memory Of Our Future impresses not only with its musical brilliance, but also with its profound messages that encourage and unite us in a challenging world. As Supertramp saxophonist and Mandoki Soulmates member John Helliwell tells it, Leslie is “a bona fide rock star who travels in the circles of presidents and prime ministers—Mikhail Gorbachev called Leslie ‘my old friend’ and told him that rock and roll was instrumental in tearing down what Churchill called the Iron Curtain. Leslie’s whole story, which he tells through his music, is about escaping oppression and standing up for freedom – and for this he was honored by Henry Kissinger“.

Mandoki explains: “In these trying times, when the bridge-builders in our society are missing or ineffective, we artists have a responsibility to respectfully, and with humility, give something back to the audience – for their decades of love, and for carrying us in their hands forward to this day.”

“Especially in New York, where I've recently spent much time, A Memory Of Our Future is getting traction with American media as one of the ‘most important albums of the year.’ At the Times Square billboard in New York City, our album cover beamed at me with the caption ‘Modern Day Masterpiece.’ The black swan cover image is an eye-catcher, and is prominently displayed in the trendy record stores in New York and London—and it literally shone like a light at the end of the tunnel for my Soulmate John Helliwell and me from the LED wall in London’s Waterloo Station. The euphoric reviews, especially from America, really touch me: I fled to the West through the Iron Curtain as a young musician almost 50 years ago, so this is a realization of a dream. As a teenager in the East, I was immensely proud of my seventh-generation tape copy of a copy of a copy (etc.) of a Jethro Tull album that I played (in mono) on my “Tesla” brand tape recorder. I dreamed that one day my own records would be presented in the legendary HMV flagship record store on London’s Oxford Street.” Soulmates founding member Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull says, looking back on Leslie Mandoki’s story, “Leslie often thinks of himself as a ‘refugee,’ escaping from something disagreeable and leaving the past behind. But I prefer to think of Leslie as one who arrives in a new place, with new resolve, new commitment, new optimism.”

As is customary at events like this at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, after the main event, Mandoki met the enthusiastic audience members, talking with them and signing CDs, LPs, and the 30 Years of Mandoki Soulmates Tour Book until late in the evening.


For Further Information:
https://mandokisoulmates.lnk.to/AMemoryOfOurFuture-Bio
https://youtu.be/pmws4k6VtEM?si=5XLlofv3jTYfPCMC

Press release and photo selection attached here:
https://we.tl/t-C1NOohwrk5

Mandoki Soulmates Website:
https://www.mandoki-soulmates.com
 
Mandoki Soulmates Promo Page:
https://promo.mandoki-soulmates.com/

Johnny Cash's Iconic Tour Bus Arrives at Ryman Auditorium

Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium today welcomed a new addition to its collection of unique music artifacts – Johnny Cash’s legendary tour bus, “JC Unit One.” The bus is now on public display outside of the Ryman, allowing guests to step inside and experience a piece of country music history during the venue’s tour hours. Access to “JC Unit One” is included with the purchase of a regular Ryman tour admission ticket.
 
JC Unit One, which Cash used for the 1991 Highwayman Tour that transported Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson, traveled to Nashville from its home at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. The bus’s journey to the Ryman is part of the venue’s partnership with the Rock Hall to showcase the Ryman’s significant rock and roll history. 
 
"We are excited to continue our partnership with the Rock Hall and honored to have 'JC Unit One' at the Ryman,” said Gary Levy, Ryman Auditorium General Manager. “Johnny Cash is a music icon with significant ties to this building. It was here that he graced the Grand Ole Opry stage for the first time, where he crossed paths with June Carter Cash and where the iconic 'Johnny Cash Show' found its home.”
 
In 2022, the Ryman was designated as an official Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Landmark and launched Rock Hall at the Ryman, a new exhibit in partnership with the Rock Hall. “While the Ryman is known as the Mother Church of Country Music, the partnership and exhibit honors the 100+ Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees, including Johnny Cash, who have performed on the Ryman’s hallowed stage throughout its 131-year history,” said Rock & Roll Hall of Fame President and CEO, Greg Harris. 

Credit: Catherine Powell

About Ryman Auditorium:
A National Historic Landmark, Ryman Auditorium was built by Captain Thomas G. Ryman in 1892 as the Union Gospel Tabernacle. A 13-time winner of the prestigious Pollstar Theatre of the Year award, the historic venue is well-known as the Mother Church of Country Music and is the most famous former home of the Grand Ole Opry (1943-1974). The Ryman’s thriving concert schedule hosts more than 200 shows per year, and the venue is open for daytime tours year-round. The Ryman has also been featured in numerous film and television projects including Coal Miner’s Daughter, The Johnny Cash Show, American Idol, Nashville and more. Ryman Auditorium is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. (NYSE: RHP), a Nashville-based REIT that also owns and operates the Grand Ole Opry, WSM Radio and Ole Red. For more information, visit 
ryman.com
 
About the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame:
Born from the collision of rhythm & blues, country, and gospel, rock & roll is a spirit that is inclusive and ever-changing. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame celebrates the sound of youth culture and honors the artists whose music connects us all. We share stories of the people, events, and songs that shape our world through digital content, innovative exhibits, live music, engaging programs, and our annual Induction Ceremony. We intentionally foster a diverse, equitable, educational nonprofit Museum that encourages and embraces creativity and innovation. As a community leader, we value, empower, and respect all people. Join the millions who love rock & roll as much as you do. Visit us in Cleveland, Ohio or at 
rockhall.com and follow us on Facebook (@rockandrollhalloffame), Instagram (@rockhall), Twitter (@rockhall), TikTok (@RockHallFame), and YouTube (youtube.com/rockhall).   Visit us in Cleveland, Ohio or at rockhall.com and follow us on Facebook (@rockandrollhalloffame), Instagram (@rockhall), Twitter (@rockhall), TikTok (@RockHallFame), and YouTube (youtube.com/rockhall).   

Ryman Auditorium and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Deliver Unforgettable Night with "Rock the Ryman"

ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME AND RYMAN AUDITORIUM DELIVER
UNFORGETTABLE NIGHT WITH “ROCK THE RYMAN” CONCERT

The Inaugural Event Featured Once-in-a-Lifetime Performances
by Some of Country Music’s Biggest Names

From L to R: Charlie Worsham, Caitlyn Smith and Little Big Town's Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook pay tribute to Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees who have graced the Ryman stage for "Rock the Ryman" last night (March 1) | Photo Credit: Jason Kempin

Celebrating the intersection of rock & roll and country, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Nashville’s Historic Ryman Auditorium hosted the inaugural “Rock The Ryman” event.
 
WHO: Some of Country Music’s biggest names including Little Big Town, The Cadillac Three, Caitlyn Smith, The War and Treaty, Gavin DeGraw, Charlie Worsham and Maddie & Tae performed live for the first-ever “Rock The Ryman” concert.
 
WHAT: The artists took the stage at the famed Ryman Auditorium, now an official Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Landmark, delivering reimagined songs by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees that have moved or influenced them in some way. Songs performed include:

  • “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John, sung by Maddie & Tae

  • “Maybe I’m Amazed” by Paul McCartney, sung by Gavin DeGraw

  • “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin, sung by Caitlyn Smith

  • “The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac, sung by Little Big Town

  • “I Hate Myself for Loving You” by Joan Jett, sung by The War and Treaty

WHEN: Wednesday, March 1 at 7:30 p.m. CT
 
WHERE: Ryman Auditorium, 116 5th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219
 
WHY: This special night of music, sponsored by PNC Bank and Gibson Gives, honored the legacy and impact of the 100+ Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees who have graced the Ryman stage. In November, the Ryman opened a major exhibition Rock Hall at the Ryman to celebrate the Ryman’s mark on rock & roll history. The interactive exhibit is housed in the venue’s newly transformed 5th Avenue vestibule and features Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees including James Brown, The Byrds, Eric Clapton, Foo Fighters, Joan Jett and Dolly Parton in addition to country music icons like Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and Hank Williams, who were early practitioners of what would become rock & roll music. Proceeds from the event will help preserve and celebrate the history of rock & roll at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Ryman Auditorium.

About the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: 
Born from the collision of rhythm & blues, country, and gospel, rock & roll is a spirit that is inclusive and ever-changing. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame celebrates the sound of youth culture and honors the artists whose music connects us all. We share stories of the people, events, and songs that shape our world through digital content, innovative exhibits, live music, engaging programs, and our annual Induction Ceremony. We intentionally foster a diverse, equitable, educational nonprofit Museum that encourages and embraces creativity and innovation. As a community leader, we value, empower, and respect all people. Join the millions who love rock & roll as much as you do. Visit us in Cleveland, Ohio or at rockhall.com and follow us on Facebook (@rockandrollhalloffame), Instagram (@rockhall), Twitter (@rockhall), TikTok (@RockHallFame), and YouTube (youtube.com/rockhall). 
 
About Ryman Auditorium:
A National Historic Landmark, Ryman Auditorium was built by Captain Thomas G. Ryman in 1892 as the Union Gospel Tabernacle. A 13-time winner of the prestigious Pollstar Theatre of the Year award, the historic venue is well-known as the Mother Church of Country Music and is the most famous former home of the Grand Ole Opry (1943-1974). The Ryman’s thriving concert schedule hosts more than 200 shows per year, and the venue is open for daytime tours year-round. The Ryman has also been featured in numerous film and television projects including Coal Miner’s Daughter, The Johnny Cash Show, American Idol, Nashville and more. Ryman Auditorium is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. (NYSE: RHP), a Nashville-based REIT that also owns and operates the Grand Ole Opry, WSM Radio and Ole Red. For more information, visit ryman.com.
 
About PNC Bank:
PNC Bank, National Association, is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com.
 
About Gibson Gives: 
For over 129 years, the iconic, American instrument brand Gibson has been shaping sound across generations and genres. Gibson, and its charitable arm Gibson Gives believe in the power of music, and that getting instruments into the hands of those with a desire to make music is a life-changing event. Gibson Gives--a 501(c)(3) is committed to making the world a better place by supporting non-profit organizations in their efforts to advance musicians, youth-focused education, music, and wellness initiatives. 100% of all donations to and from Gibson Gives go towards giving the gift of music. In the last three years, Gibson Gives has raised over $3.5 million dollars worldwide through its mission. Gibson Gives believes investing in music education will yield better people, better leaders, and a better world. Gibson Gives is changing lives…one guitar at a time. For more information, visit: www.gibsongives.org.

Ryman Auditorium and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ROCK THE RYMAN on March 1

ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME AND NASHVILLE’S HISTORIC
RYMAN AUDITORIUM TO HOST THE INAUGURAL
“ROCK THE RYMAN” CONCERT

The Latest Collaboration in a Multi-Year Partnership Illuminates
Rock & Roll and Country Music’s Congress

Cleveland’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditoriumrecognize the common ground between iconic locations as well as the forces that emerge in live music. Consequently, they’re teaming to present “Rock The Ryman,” a concert with Nashville’s most intriguing artists and special guests. Celebrating the intersection of rock & roll and country, this very special night of music will honor the legacy and impact of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees who have graced the Ryman stage. Powered by PNCand sponsored by Gibson Gives“Rock The Ryman” is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT, on Wednesday, March 1.
 
“More than 100 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees have performed on the Ryman’s hallowed stage throughout its 130-year history,” said Greg Harris, President & CEO of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. “We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with the Ryman by bringing together artists and fans for one incredible night to experience the power of rock & roll through some of Nashville’s great talent.”
 
Hosted by noted guitarist/songwriter Charlie Worsham, “Rock The Ryman” will explore how country music has shaped rock & roll and how rock & roll has merged with today’s Americana, country and beyond. The first group of performers to be announced are 2020 Folk Alliance Artist of the Year and 2022 Americana Honors Duo/Group of the Year The War and Treaty; multi-platinum, Grammy nominee Gavin DeGraw; and groundbreaking country duo Maddie & Tae.
 
More performers will be announced in the coming weeks to keep the excitement building – and expand the circle of influence. Each artist will be asked to perform two or three songs by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees that have moved them or influenced them in some way.
 
Among the many Inductees who’ve graced the Ryman stage are Hank Williams, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, R.E.M., Linda Ronstadt, Ray Charles, Chet Atkins, Neil Young, the Everly Brothers, the Staples Singers, Joni Mitchell, Carl Perkins, B.B. King, Jackson Browne, Odetta, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Roy Orbison, Blondie, Pete Seeger, Ricky Nelson, Stevie Wonder, Bill Monroe, James Taylor, Mahalia Jackson, Bonnie Raitt, the Byrds, Foo Fighters, Brenda Lee and more.
 
Tickets go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. CT, on Friday, Jan. 27 at ryman.com. Proceeds from the event will help preserve and celebrate the history of rock & roll at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Ryman Auditorium.
 
Last May, the Ryman was designated as an official Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Landmark, joining 11 other rock & roll institutions throughout the country including Austin City Limits, the Crossroads in Clarksdale, MS, J&M Studios in New Orleans and Whisky a Go Go, among others.
 
In November, the Ryman opened a major exhibition Rock Hall at the Ryman to celebrate the Ryman’s mark on rock & roll history. The interactive exhibit is housed in the venue’s newly transformed 5th Avenue vestibule and features Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees including James Brown, The Byrds, Eric Clapton, Foo Fighters, Joan Jett and Dolly Parton, in addition to country music icons Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and Hank Williams, who were early practitioners of what would become rock & roll music.
 
“This memorable evening is certain to build on PNC’s legacy of investing in music and advocating for broad engagement in the arts as a powerful avenue for advancing education, diversity and inclusion, and economic development,” said Mike Johnson, PNC regional president for Tennessee. “We are delighted to bridge our relationships with Cleveland’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Ryman under the same roof.”
 
PNC Bank has a strong history of supporting the communities it serves through music sponsorships and programming. In addition to The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland and the Ryman Auditorium, PNC has sponsorship agreements with Austin City Limits and ACL Live, in Austin, Texas.
 
“PNC Bank is a longtime supporter of The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame,” said Pat Pastore, PNC regional president for Cleveland. “Music is such a great platform to connect across communities, neighborhoods and generations. We’re excited to collaborate with our Tennessee market on this amazing event.”
 
More information about the Rock The Ryman concert, Rock Hall at the Ryman exhibit, daytime tours and shows can be found at ryman.com.
 
About the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame:
Rock Connects Us. Our mission is clear: To engage, teach and inspire through the power of rock & roll. We share stories of the people, events, and songs that shape our world through digital content, innovative exhibits, live music, and engaging programs. At the Rock Hall, we are dedicated to making a difference. We intentionally foster a diverse and equitable Museum that encourages and embraces creativity and innovation. As a community leader, we value, empower, and respect all people. Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion is more than just a policy. It supports our mission and defines our future. Join the millions who love it as much as you do. Experience us live or online – Visit rockhall.com or follow the Rock Hall on Facebook (@rockandrollhalloffame), Twitter (@rockhall), Instagram (@rockhall), TikTok (@RockHallFame), and YouTube (youtube.com/rockhall). Long Live Rock!
 
About Ryman Auditorium:
A National Historic Landmark, Ryman Auditorium was built by Captain Thomas G. Ryman in 1892 as the Union Gospel Tabernacle. A 13-time winner of the prestigious Pollstar Theatre of the Year award, the historic venue is well-known as the Mother Church of Country Music and is the most famous former home of the Grand Ole Opry (1943-1974). The Ryman’s thriving concert schedule hosts more than 200 shows per year, and the venue is open for daytime tours year-round. The Ryman has also been featured in numerous film and television projects including Coal Miner’s DaughterThe Johnny Cash ShowAmerican IdolNashville and more. Ryman Auditorium is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. (NYSE: RHP), a Nashville-based REIT that also owns and operates the Grand Ole Opry, WSM Radio and Ole Red. For more information, visit ryman.com.
 
About PNC Bank:
PNC Bank, National Association, is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com.
 
About Gibson Gives: 
For over 129 years, the iconic, American instrument brand Gibson has been shaping sound across generations and genres. Gibson, and its charitable arm Gibson Gives believe in the power of music, and that getting instruments into the hands of those with a desire to make music is a life-changing event. Gibson Gives--a 501(c)(3) is committed to making the world a better place by supporting non-profit organizations in their efforts to advance musicians, youth-focused education, music, and wellness initiatives. 100% of all donations to and from Gibson Gives go towards giving the gift of music. In the last three years, Gibson Gives has raised over $3.5 million dollars worldwide through its mission. Gibson Gives believes investing in music education will yield better people, better leaders, and a better world. Gibson Gives is changing lives…one guitar at a time. For more information, visit: www.gibsongives.org.

Ryman Auditorium and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Celebrate the Opening of "Rock Hall at the Ryman"

NASHVILLE’S HISTORIC RYMAN AUDITORIUM AND ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME CELEBRATE THE OPENING OF NEW EXHIBITION:
ROCK HALL AT THE RYMAN

The Exhibit Opened Today and Highlights
Significant Rock & Roll History at the Ryman

Photo Credit: Jason Kempin

Yesterday, Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium and Cleveland’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame celebrated the opening of their new collaborative exhibition: Rock Hall at the Ryman.

Rock Hall at the Ryman, which is now open to the public today, is part of a multi-year partnership with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and showcases the Ryman’s mark on rock & roll history. While the Ryman is known as the Mother Church of Country Music, Rock Hall at the Ryman honors the 100+ Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees who have performed on the Ryman’s hallowed stage throughout its 130-year history.

The exhibit surveys a selection of Inductees including James Brown, The Byrds, Eric Clapton, Foo Fighters, Joan Jett and Dolly Parton in addition to country music icons like Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and Hank Williams, who were early practitioners of what would become rock & roll music. Housed in the Ryman’s newly transformed 5th Avenue vestibule, the exhibit features instruments, stage costumes and personal artifacts.

Some of the exhibit’s unique items include:

  • Eric Clapton’s “Blackie” model Fender Stratocaster guitar played on the Journeyman tour in the early 1990s and then again in 1995.

  • Foo Fighters’ Taylor Hawkins' outfit worn during performance to induct Rush at the 2013 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

  • Joan Jett’s red latex halter bra top worn onstage at Vans Warped Tour ’06.

  • Elvis Presley’s full-length belted suede coat worn c. 1970.

Earlier this year, the Ryman was designated as an official Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Landmark and joined 11 other rock & roll institutions throughout the country including Austin City Limits and Whisky a Go Go, among others. Continuing the celebration of rock & roll, the Ryman will host a variety of shows featuring Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Members U2’s Bono (Nov. 9), Lynyrd Skynyrd (Nov. 13), Smokey Robinson (Dec. 16), and a three-night residency with John Mellencamp (May 8-10, 2023), with more to be announced.

Entry to Rock Hall at the Ryman is included in all daytime tour tickets at the Ryman, which also includes a souvenir photo on stage, Soul of Nashville immersive theater experience and other star-studded exhibits. More information about Rock Hall at the Ryman, daytime tours and upcoming shows can be found at www.ryman.com.

About Ryman Auditorium
A National Historic Landmark, Ryman Auditorium was built by Captain Thomas G. Ryman in 1892 as the Union Gospel Tabernacle. A 13-time winner of the prestigious Pollstar Theatre of the Year award, the historic venue is well-known as the Mother Church of Country Music and is the most famous former home of the Grand Ole Opry (1943-1974). The Ryman’s thriving concert schedule hosts more than 200 shows per year, and the venue is open for daytime tours year-round. The Ryman has also been featured in numerous film and television projects including Coal Miner’s Daughter, The Johnny Cash Show, American Idol, Nashville and more. Ryman Auditorium is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. (NYSE: RHP), a Nashville-based REIT that also owns and operates the Grand Ole Opry, WSM Radio and Ole Red. For more information, visit ryman.com.

About the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Rock Connects Us. Our mission is clear: To engage, teach and inspire through the power of rock & roll. We share stories of the people, events, and songs that shape our world through digital content, innovative exhibits, live music, and engaging programs. At the Rock Hall, we are dedicated to making a difference. We intentionally foster a diverse and equitable Museum that encourages and embraces creativity and innovation. As a community leader, we value, empower, and respect all people. Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion is more than just a policy. It supports our mission and defines our future. Join the millions who love it as much as you do. Experience us live or online – Visit rockhall.com or follow the Rock Hall on Facebook (@rockandrollhalloffame), Twitter (@rockhall), Instagram (@rockhall), TikTok (@RockHallFame), and YouTube (youtube.com/rockhall). Long Live Rock!

Ryman Auditorium Partners with Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to Open New Exhibition: "Rock Hall at the Ryman," Opening Wed Nov. 2

Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium announced its newest major exhibition Rock Hall at the Ryman will open on Wednesday, Nov. 2 as part of a multi-year partnership with Cleveland’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The interactive exhibit will be housed in the venue’s newly transformed 5th Avenue vestibule and will celebrate the Ryman’s mark on rock & roll history.

While the Ryman is known as the Mother Church of Country Music, Rock Hall at the Ryman honors the 100+ Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees who have performed on the Ryman’s hallowed stage throughout its 130-year history. Featured in the exhibit is a selection of Inductees including James Brown, The Byrds, Eric Clapton, Foo Fighters, Joan Jett and Dolly Parton in addition to country music icons like Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and Hank Williams, who were early practitioners of what would become rock & roll music.

Some of the exhibit’s unique items include:

  • Eric Clapton’s “Blackie” model Fender Stratocaster guitar played on the Journeyman tour in the early 1990s and then again in 1995.

  • Foo Fighters’ Taylor Hawkin’s outfit worn during performance to induct Rush at the 2013 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

  • Joan Jett’s red latex halter bra top worn onstage at Vans Warped Tour ’06.

  • Elvis Presley’s full-length belted suede coat worn c. 1970.

Earlier this year, the Ryman was designated as an official Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Landmark and joined 11 other rock & roll institutions throughout the country including Austin City Limits and Whisky a Go Go, among others. Continuing the celebration of rock & roll, the Ryman will host a variety of shows featuring Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Members U2’s Bono (Nov. 9), Lynyrd Skynyrd (Nov. 13), Smokey Robinson (Dec. 16), and a three-night residency with John Mellencamp (May 8-10, 2023), with more to be announced.

Entry to Rock Hall at the Ryman is included in all daytime tour tickets at the Ryman, which also include a souvenir photo on stage, Soul of Nashville immersive theater experience and other star-studded exhibits. More information about Rock Hall at the Ryman, daytime tours and upcoming shows can be found at www.ryman.com.

About Ryman Auditorium
A National Historic Landmark, Ryman Auditorium was built by Captain Thomas G. Ryman in 1892 as the Union Gospel Tabernacle. A 13-time winner of the prestigious Pollstar Theatre of the Year award, the historic venue is well-known as the Mother Church of Country Music and is the most famous former home of the Grand Ole Opry (1943-1974). The Ryman’s thriving concert schedule hosts more than 200 shows per year, and the venue is open for daytime tours year-round. The Ryman has also been featured in numerous film and television projects including Coal Miner’s Daughter, The Johnny Cash Show, American Idol, Nashville and more. Ryman Auditorium is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. (NYSE: RHP), a Nashville-based REIT that also owns and operates the Grand Ole Opry, WSM Radio and Ole Red. For more information, visit ryman.com.

About the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame:
Rock Connects Us. Our mission is clear: To engage, teach and inspire through the power of rock & roll. We share stories of the people, events, and songs that shape our world through digital content, innovative exhibits, live music, and engaging programs. At the Rock Hall, we are dedicated to making a difference. We intentionally foster a diverse and equitable Museum that encourages and embraces creativity and innovation. As a community leader, we value, empower, and respect all people. Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion is more than just a policy. It supports our mission and defines our future. Join the millions who love it as much as you do. Experience us live or online – Visit rockhall.com or follow the Rock Hall on Facebook (@rockandrollhalloffame), Twitter (@rockhall), Instagram (@rockhall), TikTok (@RockHallFame), and YouTube (youtube.com/rockhall). Long Live Rock!