Music America: Iconic Objects From America’s Music History

On display through April 13, 2025, the exhibit will feature iconic objects from artists such as B.B. King, Billie Holiday, Bob Dylan, Buddy Holly, Ella Fitzgerald, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Jimi Hendrix, Lead Belly, Sam Cooke, and Whitney Houston. Specific artifacts on display will include:

• Late 18th century hymnal
• Edison Standard Phonograph
• Springsteen's outfit from the cover of 1984 album Born in the U.S.A.
• John Coltrane’s saxophone,
• Leonard Bernstein’s outfit and baton
• Original handwritten lyrics to John Mellencamp's “Pink Houses”
• Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Number One” guitar

Visitors will also experience an interactive “Song Bar” that enables them to hear performances by some of the artists highlighted in the exhibit, along with additional melodies that demonstrate the depth, breadth, and great productivity of American musicians.

This exhibit is made possible by Visit Mississippi and Mississippi Humanities Council with additional support from Ergon, Inc., South Delta Planning and Development District, Maddox Foundation, Southern Tire Mart, Gipson Mechanical, and Visit Cleveland.