The Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and Museum doesn’t have walls yet, but it now has its first major exhibit. A collection of 300 photographs, personal items, lyrics and posters belonging to the late Janis Joplin was donated by Rolling Stone in a ceremony in Cleveland attended by David Getz, Sam Andrew, James Gurley and Peter Algin – Joplin’s original band mates in Big Brother and the Holding Company.
Currently being designed by architectural legend I.M. Pei, the Hall of Fame will be located in downtown Cleveland. Although construction isn’t expected to begin until summer 1992, the foundation hopes to have the museum open by 1994.
The Joplin collection includes handwritten lyrics to “Bye-bye Baby” and private photos from the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival.
“We’re interested in major collections, not just memorabilia,” says Susan Evans, executive director of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame Foundation. “Our exhibits are going to be MUCH more than somebody’s guitar or glasses.”
