House That Rock Built: How it Took Time, Money, Music Moguls, Corporate Types

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was almost never built in Cleveland. It was only due to a missed phone call by Leslie Gore that it became a reality. Norm N. Nite spearheaded the campaign to bring the museum to Cleveland, arguing that the city's deep historical connection to rock music made it the perfect location. The book "The House That Rock Built" provides a detailed record of the Rock Hall's inception and creation, honoring the people who made it happen and the music it celebrates.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 30 October 2020
Publisher: Kent State University Press

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has played a pivotal role in shaping Cleveland's reputation as the Rock and Roll Capital of the World for over two decades. However, it was mere inches away from never being built in Cleveland. The crucial turning point came in August 1983 when prominent singer and actress Leslie Gore reached out to radio personality Norm N. Nite. Gore had learned that the newly formed Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation was searching for a city to host their envisioned museum dedicated to the history of rock music. Recognizing Nite's earlier proposal for a similar museum, Gore contacted him to inform him that other figures in the music industry were working towards realizing his dream.

Nite's response was swift and decisive. He immediately joined the project's Rules and Nominating Committee and assumed the leadership of the campaign to bring the museum to Cleveland. At the time, the search committee was considering several other cities, including Memphis, Detroit, and New York. However, Nite argued that Cleveland's deep historical connection to rock music, dating back to Alan Freed and the Moondog Coronation Ball, made it the ideal location for the Hall. He embarked on a tireless lobbying effort, engaging with local and state politicians, raising funds from music industry moguls, and promoting the museum to the broader Cleveland public. As fans became increasingly involved, particularly through their overwhelming response to a USA Today phone poll, Nite's campaign gained momentum.

In the end, his tireless efforts paid off. Cleveland was chosen as the location for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the museum opened its doors in 1995. This book, written from Nite's insider perspective, combines first-person accounts and exclusive interviews with influential figures to provide a comprehensive account of the behind-the-scenes battle for the Hall's establishment. The story showcases Nite's unwavering dedication, passion, and strategic thinking as he worked tirelessly to bring the museum to his hometown. It also sheds light on the broader Cleveland community's unwavering support and the broader impact that the Hall of Fame has had on the city's cultural and economic landscape.

In conclusion, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's journey to Cleveland is a testament to the power of perseverance, vision, and community engagement. It serves as a reminder that even the most ambitious projects can be brought to fruition with the right.

Weight: 670g
Dimension: 218 x 279 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781606353998