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A Look At Cleveland's Music History, From Screamin' Jay Hawkins To Obnox

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Cleveland native Screamin' Jay Hawkins performs during a concert in Switzerland in the 1990s. (memibeltrame/Flickr)
Cleveland native Screamin' Jay Hawkins performs during a concert in Switzerland in the 1990s. (memibeltrame/Flickr)

It's been a big week for Cleveland with the Republican National Convention, but the city is used to royalty — rock royalty. The phrase "rock 'n' roll" is said to have originated here, from local DJ Alan Freed.

Meredith Rutledge-Borger, associate curator at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, at the museum in Cleveland. (Jill Ryan/Here & Now)
Meredith Rutledge-Borger, associate curator at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, at the museum in Cleveland. (Jill Ryan/Here & Now)

Here & Now's Robin Young went to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and spoke with visitors and Meredith Rutledge-Borger, the museum's associate curator, about Cleveland's music history.

Rutledge-Borger said the music here has roots in the city's African-American population that came here on the Underground Railroad and during the Great Migration.

Hear more of Here & Now's coverage from the Republican National Convention.

Follow the Here & Now election road trip on Tumblr.

Music From The Segment

Screamin' Jay Hawkins, “I Put a Spell on You”

Valentinos, “It’s All Over Now”

Pere Ubu, “Final Solution”

Nine Inch Nails, “Hurt"

The Black Keys, “Your Touch”

Obnox, “Slaughter Culture”

More Of Meredith's Cleveland Music Picks

Guest

Meredith Rutledge-Borger, associate curator at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

This segment aired on July 22, 2016.

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