“This timely exhibition illustrates the crossover between music and basketball and how, together, they have impacted the global cultural landscape,” says Greg Harris, President & CEO, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, in a press release. “We welcome fans from around the country to Cleveland to celebrate their teams, the players, and the power of rock ‘n’ roll during NBA All-Star Weekend and beyond.”
The exhibit includes custom casework constructed from pieces of the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball court and wooden locker room lockers used by Cavaliers coaches. Five-time All-Star Brad Daugherty’s jersey, players’ shoes, and City Edition rock & roll-themed uniform shorts will all be on display as will Cab Calloway’s “Hepster’s Dictionary” and his zoot suit worn in Janet Jackson’s “Alright” video. Both spotlight hip-hop’s origins and the beginning of basketball as entertainment with the Harlem Globetrotters.
Will.i.am’s outfit from the Black Eyed Peas’ 2004 NBA All-Star Game “Let’s Get It Started” promo will be on display and so will Air Jordans worn by Chuck D and Kelis.
You can scan QR codes in the exhibit to hear basketball-related tunes via Spotify.
The Rock Hall will have basketball apparel available through Rock Hall’s online or in-person store.
This article appears in Feb 9-22, 2022.