Music America: Iconic Objects From America's Music History will open in the Ansary Gallery of American History at the Bush Library and Museum on Monday, May 5, 2025, and remain on exhibit until January 5, 2026.
With nearly 100 objects representing the best of American music, the exhibit - curated by the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music (BSACAM) at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey - tells the story of how music has informed, interpreted, and inspired our national identity since it was founded nearly two-and-a-half centuries ago.
The exhibit features legendary objects from artists such as Johnny Cash, Sam Cooke, Chuck D,Woody Guthrie, Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Holly, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen, Tupac, and more.
Specific artifacts include: a late 18th century hymnal, Bob Dylan's harmonica, Ella Fitzgerald's cabaret card, Leonard Bernstein's outfit and baton, and iconic clothing from Elvis Presley and Lady Gaga. Along with interactive audio recordings from throughout history, the numerous one-of-a-kind artifacts demonstrate the depth, breadth, and great productivity of American musicians.
The Museum's Fidelity Gallery will also feature a selection of musical instruments from the Library's artifact collections. The exhibit will be on display from July 14, 2025, to March 1, 2026.
The George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum is grateful for the generous support of the George & Barbara Bush Foundation in sponsoring these exhibits.
With nearly 100 objects representing the best of American music, the exhibit - curated by the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music (BSACAM) at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey - tells the story of how music has informed, interpreted, and inspired our national identity since it was founded nearly two-and-a-half centuries ago.
The exhibit features legendary objects from artists such as Johnny Cash, Sam Cooke, Chuck D,Woody Guthrie, Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Holly, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen, Tupac, and more.
Specific artifacts include: a late 18th century hymnal, Bob Dylan's harmonica, Ella Fitzgerald's cabaret card, Leonard Bernstein's outfit and baton, and iconic clothing from Elvis Presley and Lady Gaga. Along with interactive audio recordings from throughout history, the numerous one-of-a-kind artifacts demonstrate the depth, breadth, and great productivity of American musicians.
The Museum's Fidelity Gallery will also feature a selection of musical instruments from the Library's artifact collections. The exhibit will be on display from July 14, 2025, to March 1, 2026.
The George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum is grateful for the generous support of the George & Barbara Bush Foundation in sponsoring these exhibits.