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Beginning Thursday, May 28, the Grammy Museum will unveil its latest exhibition, “Tower of Song: Iconic Songwriters & Recordings.” This immersive showcase celebrates the legacy of the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame (SHOF), featuring rare artifacts from legendary works including Prince and the Revolution’s Purple Rain, Nirvana’s Nevermind, and Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814, as well as timeless hits like Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September.”
The exhibition kicks off with a special public program at the museum’s Clive Davis Theater. Inductees Jimmy Jam and Diane Warren will lead a conversation dissecting the craft of songwriting and the evolution of landmark recordings, followed by an exclusive opening reception. Additional guest speakers will be announced in the coming days.
“Tower of Song” offers an intimate look at the creative process, utilizing an original documentary film featuring interviews with icons like Carole King and Alan Menken. Visitors can also engage with a digital interactive experience that explores the essential qualities that elevate a track to Hall of Fame status.
“The Grammy Museum serves as a vital bridge between musical heritage and contemporary discovery,” said Jasen Emmons, the museum’s chief curator and vice president of curatorial affairs. “This exhibit invites fans to deepen their connection to history by exploring the songwriters and producers who defined the soundtrack of our lives.”
This collaboration builds upon the museum’s ongoing partnership with the Songwriters Hall of Fame, following the successful conclusion of the third annual Grammy Hall of Fame Gala held earlier this month in Beverly Hills.
Exhibition Highlights:
- The Tools of Greatness: The LinnDrum and Ensoniq Mosaic synthesizer utilized by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis for Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814.
- Lyric Heritage: Neil Diamond’s original handwritten lyrics for “Song Sung Blue” and Allee Willis’ draft of the Earth, Wind & Fire classic “September.”
- Iconic Gear: Kurt Cobain’s Mosrite Gospel guitar used for Nevermind, Miles Davis’ custom red lacquer trumpet, and Herb Alpert’s vintage brass.
- Stage & Screen Memorabilia: Prince’s gold-rimmed Purple Rain glasses, Jim Morrison’s personal notebooks, and Frank Sinatra’s private sheet music for “My Way.”
- Classic Costume: Ann Wilson’s tour jacket from the 1977 Heart tour and Keith Moon’s gold Premier drum kit.
