Across the United States, from the iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to the esteemed Jazz Hall of Fame, music halls of fame dot the landscape, paying tribute to the pinnacle talents of the music industry throughout the years.

Whether you're a Billy Joel fan who wants to catch a glimpse of the piano he played on "Vienna," or get a peek at the mood board that led to Kacey Musgraves' "Slow Burn," these esteemed halls of fame offer a wide selection of programs and exhibits that provide a behind-the-scenes look at music history, past, present, and future.

From the sonic heart of Nashville, to the bustling music hub of Long Island, these institutions pay homage to top stars across the ages and are worth a trip to this spring. Regardless of your musical preferences, there's a music hall of fame and exhibit tailored to your tastes. Dive into these 11 this spring and discover something new about your favorite artists. 

Country Music Hall of Fame

Nashville, Tennessee

The Country Music Hall of Fame boasts a collection of over 2.5 million artifacts and is one of the most frequented museums in the United States. This institution celebrates the rich legacies of country music through a wide array of exhibits, memorabilia, and educational initiatives.

Stop by this spring for: "American Currents: State of the Music," spotlighting artists who are making waves in today's music scene.

In this exhibit, you'll find memorabilia from Oliver Anthony, Kelsea Ballerini, Sam Bush, Tyler Childers, Luke Combs, S.G. Goodman, Nat Myers, Nickel Creek, Joy Oladokun, Jelly Roll, Allison Russell, SistaStrings, Billy Strings, Taylor Swift, Molly Tuttle, Morgan Wallen, Kelsey Waldon, The War And Treaty, Lucinda Williams, Lainey Wilson, and Shucked (the Broadway musical scored by Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally).

From Jelly Roll's iconic jacket from his first headlining show in Nashville to an electric guitar belonging to Lainey Wilson, to a banjo once strummed by Billy Strings, visitors can see these artifacts firsthand that have shaped moments of music history.

Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall Of Fame

Long Island, New York

The Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame celebrates the indelible mark left by local musicians and entertainers on the music industry.

Within its walls, visitors can journey through Long Island's star-studded musical history with top names like Billy Joel, Twisted Sister, Mariah Carey, Simon & Garfunkel, Louis Armstrong, and more. Spanning genres from rock and pop to jazz and beyond, the museum offers a compelling narrative of Long Island's cultural richness.

This spring, don't miss the exclusive exhibit, "Billy Joel: My Life, A Piano Man’s Journey”. Showcasing over five decades of Billy Joel's most treasured possessions, the exhibit unveils rare memorabilia, behind-the-scenes footage, unique audio and video recordings, vintage instruments, and historic photographs — many of which were donated by the artist himself and are on display for the first time.

Drawing enthusiasts of all ages, this exhibit offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to delve into Billy Joel's remarkable career journey, from his humble beginnings in Long Island to his iconic albums, world tours, artistic influences, and personal anecdotes.

Partnering with Stevie Van Zandt's TeachRock organization, the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame also hosts regular teacher training events. Every Sunday, visitors can enjoy live music concerts featuring local emerging talent.

Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum

Nashville, Tennessee

From memorabilia from Johnny Cash to TOTO, the Musicians Hall of Fame pays tribute to musicians from a wide array of genres. 

rom iconic instruments to stage attire worn during historic performances, each artifact offers a glimpse into the world of American music history. Inside, you'll also find the GRAMMY Museum Gallery offering an interactive experience for visitors on the history of the GRAMMY Awards.

Visitors to the Hall of Fame can try their hand at playing electric drums, keyboards, bass, and guitar, and even try out singing to a Ray Charles and the Raelettes track.

At the Musicians Hall of Fame, you'll also find exhibits dedicated to songwriting, engineering, and producing, allowing patrons to take a peek behind the scenes of what it takes to make a hit record.

Blues Hall of Fame

Memphis, Tennessee

Opened in 2015, The Blues Foundation's Blues Hall of Fame Museum captivates blues enthusiasts and casual visitors. Highlighting inductees across five key categories — Performer, Individual, Album, Single, and Literature —the museum offers an exploration of the genre's legacy. Visitors can walk through 10 curated galleries while immersing themselves in the music, videos, and stories of inductees. 

Take a walk around and visit Pee Wee Crayton's Fender Stratocaster Guitar, Donald "Duck" Dunn's Lakland Electric Bass, Matt "Guitar" Murphy's McHugh Guitar, Bettye LaVette's Kennedy Center Honors Performance Outfit, Stevie Ray Vaughan's Performance Kimono, and more. 

From rare album covers and photographs to prestigious awards, the exhibits showcase items that encapsulate blues history.

Jazz Hall of Fame

Kansas City, Missouri

Step into the rhythm and soul of jazz at the Jazz Hall of Fame in Kansas City. 

As jazz traversed the globe, it became a melting pot of diverse musical cultures, resulting in a tapestry of unique styles.

In the early 1910s, jazz emerged from a fusion of brass-band marches, French quadrilles, biguine, ragtime, and blues, crafting a sound marked by collective polyphonic improvisation.

Delve into the genre's improvisational spirit as you discover the groundbreaking work of jazz luminaries like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Miles Davis.

Explore the evolution of jazz through interactive exhibits and rare recordings that continue to inspire musicians and aficionados alike.

Alabama Music Hall of Fame

Tuscumbia, Alabama

The Alabama Music Hall of Fame was established by the Muscle Shoals Music Association, a professional organization made up of producers, musicians, songwriters, recording studio owners, and studio owners. 

In 1980, they founded the Alabama Music Hall of Fame to honor Alabama's top music achievers.

Through its exhibits and interactive displays, the Alabama Music Hall of Fame commemorates the diverse musical history of Alabama.

From Hank Williams' incisive country ballads to Lionel Richie's soulful melodies and Alabama's chart-topping hits, the museum illustrates the profound impact Alabama musicians have had on the world of music.

Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame

Nashville, Tennessee

The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame is a non-profit committed to preserving songwriting in the Nashville music community.

Throughout its 40 years since inception, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame used to be only virtual. The Hall of Fame Gallery is now open in the Music City Center, Nashville’s 1.2 million-square-foot convention center.

Featuring the works of legendary songsmiths such as Dolly Parton, Shania Twain, and Keith Urban, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame has inducted many stars who have had a significant impact on the Nashville music scene.

Whether you're a devoted fan of country music or simply fascinated by the art of songwriting, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame gallery provides an immersive experience that celebrates the past, present, and future of Nashville music complete with educational videos and memorabilia.

Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame

Detroit, Michigan

As visitors step into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame, they will be welcomed with a wealth of memorabilia and photographs that chronicle the evolution of R&B music.

Visitors can explore the pioneering work of legendary artists such as B.B. King and Aretha Franklin, whose voices transcended boundaries and inspired millions around the world. 

Visitors can also delve into the performances of James Brown, the "Godfather of Soul," whose stage presence revolutionized the live music experience. Through immersive exhibits and interactive displays, visitors have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of R&B music and its cultural significance.

Whether exploring the origins of the Motown sound or tracing the influence of gospel and blues on the genre, each exhibit offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of R&B history. In addition to its exhibits, the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame hosts a variety of events, concerts, and educational programs throughout the year.

International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame

Owensboro, Kentucky

The International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame stands as a renowned institution, revered by music enthusiasts from around the world. Rooted in the heart of the Bluegrass State, this museum serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of bluegrass music and the many artists who have shaped its distinctive sound. 

The museum's current exhibits offer an immersive experience, inviting guests to explore the genre's rich tapestry through a diverse array of artifacts, memorabilia, and interactive displays. 

From the iconic instruments of Bill Monroe, the "Father of Bluegrass," to the revolutionary banjo picking of Earl Scruggs, visitors can trace the footsteps of these legendary pioneers and gain insight into their innovative contributions to the genre.

With displays featuring recordings and personal artifacts from modern-day luminaries like Alison Krauss, visitors can witness firsthand the evolution of bluegrass and its enduring relevance in today's music landscape. The museum serves as a hub for live performances, workshops, and educational programs, fostering a sense of community among bluegrass enthusiasts and providing aspiring musicians with the tools and resources they need to carry the genre forward into the future.

GRAMMY Hall Of Fame

Los Angeles, California

The Recording Academy has revealed 10 incredible recordings to be newly inducted to the distinguished GRAMMY Hall Of Fame as part of its 2024 inductee class and in celebration of its 50th anniversary this year.

The inducted recordings, which will be added to the iconic catalog residing at the GRAMMY Museum, will be honored at GRAMMY Museum's inaugural GRAMMY Hall Of Fame Gala and concert, presented by City National Bank, taking place Tuesday, May 21, at the NOVO Theater in Los Angeles. Tickets for and performers at the Gala will be announced at a later date.

This year's GRAMMY Hall of Fame additions, the first inductions since 2021, include four albums and six singles that exhibit qualitative or historical significance and are at least 25 years old. See here for a full list of the 2024 recordings inducted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame!

10 Recording Studio Tours That Take Fans Behind The Music

Memphis is the cradle of blues music, a city whose history runs as deep as the Mississippi River hugging the city's limits. To celebrate that history, the Memphis-based Blues Foundation hosted six days of events, beginning with the Blues Hall of Fame induction ceremony and the 43rd Blues Music Awards. The award ceremonies preceded the four-night International Blues Challenge talent contest at various clubs on the historic Beale Street.

The celebrations were a sort of comeback for Memphis' blues scene. Though tough for the music industry as a whole, two years of COVID-induced shutdowns seemed particularly hard on the tight-knit blues community, where artists, industry workers and fans often intermingle like long-missed family and friends.  

"I always say the industry has not been that kind to me, but so many of the people have," 2020 Hall of Fame inductee Bettye LaVette, a classic R&B singer known for her emotional-yet-controlled vocals, told GRAMMY.com.

Held May 4 at the historic Orpheum Theater's Halloran Centre for Performing Arts & Education, the Blues Hall of Fame induction ceremony was a particularly large and emotive occasion. Because of COVID shutdowns, no Hall of Fame induction ceremony was held in 2020 and no new inductees were announced in 2021. The 2020 and 2022 classes were combined for this year's event.

"My career has been one of the most ridiculous things you ever heard of," Lavette continued. "They have literally carried me to this fifth career that I'm experiencing now. I call it my fifth career because every one of the other four started with a big bang and then it all turned to s*** and I had to start all over again."

Read: Tito Jackson On His New Blues Album Under Your Spell & His Better-Late-Than-Never Solo Career

The Blues Foundation started the Blues Hall of Fame in 1980 and has since inducted more than more than 400 artists, industry professionals, recordings, and works of literature. In 2015, the Hall of Fame established a brick-and-mortar presence in the foundation's downtown Memphis headquarters, which recently reopened following a renovation.

In addition to LaVette, 2020 performer inductees included Chicago harmonica player Billy Branch; singer Eddie Boyd; George "Harmonica" Smith; guitarist/singer/songwriter Syl Johnson, who passed away just three month earlier; and blues pioneer Victoria Spivey, whose induction was accepted by GRAMMY nominee Maria Muldaur.

Non-performer inductees in the 2020 class included pioneering roots producer Ralph Peer. French music scholar Sebastian Danchin's 2001 book Earl Hooker, Blues Master was entered as a Classic Of Blues Literature and Howlin' Wolf: The Chess Box as a classic album. Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup's original recording of "That's All Right (Mama)"; Bertha "Chippie" Hill's 1926 hit "Trouble in Mind"; "Future Blues" by Delta bluesman Willie Brown; B.B. King's first big hit, "3 O'Clock Blues"; and Ruth Brown's "Mama, He Treats Your Daughter Mean" were included in the Hall as classic singles.

Blues Hall of Famer Taj Mahal receives a star on the Orpheum Theatre-Memphis Sidewalk of Stars in Memphis, Tennessee | Photo: Greg Campbell/Getty Images

The 2022 class of inductees included performers Lucille Bogan and Little Willie John, whose induction was accepted by his son Keith John — a longtime backup singer for Stevie Wonder who evoked his father's soaring voice while thrilling the audience with off-the-cuff renditions of some of his father's hits like "Fever." Soul man Johnnie Taylor, another 2022 inductee, was honored in a separate, earlier ceremony to accommodate his family.

Read More: The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach & Patrick Carney On Why Recording Freewheeling Blues Covers Led To Inspired New Album Dropout Boogie

2022 non-performers included songwriter Otis Blackwell and blues historian and DJ Mary Katherine Aldin. Bo Diddley's 1958 self-titled Chess/Checker debut was inducted as an album along with the singles "Good Rocking Tonight" by Roy Brown; "Rollin' and Tumblin'" by the Baby Face Leroy Trio; "Eyesight to the Blind" by Sonny Boy Williamson II; Bobby "Blue" Bland's "Farther Up the Road"; and B.B. King's "Rock Me Baby." English folklorist Bruce Bastin's 1986 work Red River Blues: The Blues Tradition in the Southeast was entered in the literature category.

The following night, veteran California bluesman Tommy Castro was the big winner at the 43rd Annual Blues Music Awards. Castro took home three of the night's biggest honors: B.B. Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year for his Alligator Records release Tommy Castro Presents A Bluesman Came To Town, and, with his backing group, the Painkillers, Band of the Year.

"The one I really wanted to see us get was the Band of the Year [award] because these guys work really hard," Castro told GRAMMY.com backstage after the show. "Nobody's in this for the money. It's a steady gig, but nobody's making lots of money doing this. They're really doing it out of love; you have to really be behind the music."

Florida singer/guitarist Selwyn Birchwood — who first burst on the scene in 2013 when he won the International Blues Challenge, an unsigned band contest presented by the Blues Foundation — captured the night's other big award: Best Song for "I'd Climb Mountains," off of his 2021 release, Living in a Burning House.

Other big winners on the night included flame-haired Canadian guitarist Sue Foley, who took home awards for Traditional Blues Album and the Koko Taylor Award for Best Traditional Artist-Female. Clarksdale, Mississippi, blues guitarist and singer Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, fresh off a GRAMMY win for Best Contemporary Blues Album at the 2022 GRAMMYs, also received awards for Best Contemporary Blues Album for his record 662 and Best Contemporary Blues Artist-Male. Two-time GRAMMY winner Taj Mahal won Best Traditional Artist-Male.

In addition to Castro, the long night's lineup of performances included Birchwood, a second-line-inspired set from Louisiana favorite Kenny Neal, and a Bobby "Blue" Bland tribute by the late blues great's son, Rodd Bland and his Members Only Band, who took home the Best Emerging Artist Album award for Live on Beale Street.

All photos by Greg Campbell/Getty Images

Yola On Reclaiming Her Agency, New Album Stand For Myself & The Evils Of Tokenism

The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame has announced their 2020 class of inductees: Steve Earle, Bobbie Gentry, Kent Blazy, Brett James and Spooner Oldham. 

Because of the pandemic, the new 2020 class will be celebrated Nov. 1, 2021, at the "50-51" edition of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala. The yet-to-be-named 2021 class will also be officially inaugurated then. 

"This year marks our 50th year to welcome a new class into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame," Sarah Cate, chair of the board of directors of the organization, said in a statement. "And although our year has looked different, we couldn't be more excited to continue our commitment and core mission by announcing the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Class of 2020." 

GRAMMY-winning Americana artist Earle has been releasing music since his GRAMMY-nominated 1986 debut, Guitar Town. "Copperhead Road" and "The Devil's Right Hand" are among the most popular songs he's penned. The late GRAMMY-winning country/pop singer/songwriter/producer Gentry is best known for her 1967 GRAMMY-winning No. 1 hit "Ode To Billie Joe," as well as "Fancy" and others.

Kentucky-born country songwriter Blazy has written several hits for Garth Brooks, including "If Tomorrow Never Comes," the GRAMMY-winning country singer's first No. 1 on the country charts. GRAMMY-winning singer/songwriter/producer James has lent his songwriting skills to many major country acts including Billy Ray Cyrus, Martina McBride, Kenny Chesney and Carrie Underwood. He co-wrote Underwood's GRAMMY-winning No. 1 single "Jesus, Take the Wheel," among other No. 1 hits.

Muscle Shoals session musician and songwriter Oldham cowrote R&B and pop hits including James & Bobby Purify's 1967 GRAMMY-nominated gem "I'm Your Puppet," the Box Tops' "Cry Like a Baby" and Percy Sledge's "A Woman Left Lonely" and "It Tears Me Up."

This year's class joins the 219 songwriters inducted over the last 50 years.

Meet House Gospel Choir: The London Vocal Group Bringing Faith To The Dance Floor

On March 27 the Country Music Hall Of Fame announced its three 2018 selections for induction: Johnny Gimble, Ricky Skaggs and Dottie West. All three musicians left an indelible mark on the music industry, even beyond their native country genres, and they have the pedigrees to prove it.

<iframe width="620" height="349" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VkCtjqHyVvA" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Singer/songwriter West won Best Country & Western Vocal Performance — Female GRAMMY at the 7th GRAMMY Awards for her 1965 hit "Here Comes My Baby." Along with Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn, West is still considered one of the leading ladies of country music.

Swing fiddler Gimble, one of the most important fiddlers in the genre, earned his first GRAMMY win for Best Country Instrumental Performance at the 36th GRAMMY Awards for "Red Wing" and his second and final career win in the same category at the 38th GRAMMYs for "Hightower."

Skaggs is a man of many instruments, several genres, a composer, and producer, but first associations place him with a mandolin playing bluegrass. He's won an impressive total of 14 career GRAMMYs for country and bluegrass. His most recent win was for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album at the 59th GRAMMY Awards for Love Remains.

For these three country dynamos, the formal induction ceremony into the Country Hall in their honor will take place later this year.

Catching Up On Music News Powered By The Recording Academy Just Got Easier. Have A Google Home Device? "Talk To GRAMMYs"

One of Nashville's main country music attractions, the Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum has announced its lineup of 2018 exhibits, featuring GRAMMY winners Emmylou Harris, The Judds, Dr. Ralph Stanley, and Little Big Town.

The year's first exhibit will be a refresh of "American Currents: The Music of 2017." The exhibit will open to the public March 9 and feature some of today's hottest country acts such as Maren Morris, Eric Church, Luke Combs and Chris Young.

The first of the museum's new artist spotlights will be unveiled on June 29, highlighting Alabama-bred quartet Little Big Town. Two weeks later on July 13, the museum will premiere a special exhibit dedicated to Dr. Ralph Stanley, celebrating the late bluegrass icon's storied career and massive influence.

<iframe src="https://tools.applemusic.com/embed/v1/album/68876549?country=us" height="500px" width="100%" frameborder="0"></iframe>

Chart-topping mother-daughter duo the Judds will get an exhibit of their own on Aug. 3 and country's angel-voiced stalwart Harris will be the focus of an exhibit opening Oct. 5. Harris, a member of the Country Hall Of Fame, continues to perform and record more than 40 years into her illustrious career.

More information, including ticket details, can be found via the Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum's website.

Preview Katy Perry's GRAMMY Museum Exhibit