The Smithsonian's collections feature iconic art and artifacts that celebrate the genre's rich history from the "Godmother" of Rock 'n' Roll, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, to Elvis to Nirvana. Highlights include Chuck Berry's red Cadillac and his electric guitar "Maybellene," Jimi Hendrix's Afghan vest, and Prince's Yellow Cloud electric guitar. Take a deep dive into rock and roll history with Smithsonian Rock and Roll: Live and Unseen with Bill Bentley and Smithsonian Books.
She started shakin' to that fine, fine music. You know her life was saved by rock 'n' roll.
—Lou Reed, The Velvet Underground, "Rock & Roll," Loaded, 1970