CLEVELAND- Tucked away in the Delta town of Cleveland, lies a gem that can’t be found anywhere else outside of Los Angeles California, The GRAMMY Museum Mississippi. It all began at GRAMMY Night in Tunica. Folks came together from all over to celebrate and showcase Mississippi’s musical talent. In 2009, after the third annual “Mississippi – The Birthplace of America’s Music – Celebrates its GRAMMY® Legacy” gala, talks of building a museum to honor the achievements of Mississippi artists and the birthplace of American music started happening.
Vicki Jackson, External Affairs Manager at the museum said those talks made their way to Bob Santelli, the Executive Director at the GRAMMY Museum at L.A. Live, at the time. A package was put together and pitched for building a certified GRAMMY Museum in Cleveland.
Cleveland was selected for the location of the museum because of a partnership with Delta State and the Delta Music Institute which provides students internships at the museum. Also, the rich history of the Delta and it’s influence on music created a draw for museum organizers to locate there.
The official announcement was made in 2011 at the Mississippi Economic Council’s annual meeting, that Cleveland, MS would be home to the first GRAMMY Museum outside of Los Angeles.
The GRAMMY Museum was officially opened on March 5, 2016.
Since then, Jackson said the museum has seen guests from all over the world. She said there have only been three states that they have not had visitors from and that the museum has even seen guests from over 17 countries. They’ve had over 30,000 visitors, over 5,000 of them have been students, since the grand opening.
“The GRAMMY Museum represents an international brand, we showcase Mississippi’s influence, but it’s about the power of music from a global standpoint,” said Jackson.
The community is excited about the facility as well. With over 500 members, Jackson said the community support has been incredible.
“Through public programs and specific events you see that continued support from people living near by in great financial ways,” said Jackson.
As you begin your walk through the museum you’ll be met with an array of memorabilia; signed vintage guitars, former red carpet outfits, photos of the greats, like Elvis Presley. The entire museum is created with an interactive theme.
Want to know who won the GRAMMY awards in 1989? All you do is tap the screen and you can find out the artist, the album, and even listen to a little bit of the music.
About halfway through, the real fun begins for the musician in you. Looking to be the next Taylor Swift? The Singing and Song writing pods are just the place for you. With the use of computer software, a little help from Keb’ Mo’ and your own voice you, can write and record the next pop hit.
Want to show off for your friends? There’s a stage for that. Grab an instrument and perform your music in the Roland Room. You’ll get the chance to play electronic instruments and think critically about the music making process. This might just be the day you begin a music career that could land your face in the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi.
The museum in Cleveland has a special section for all the greats that came from the Magnolia State. The “Mississippi Music Bar” takes you back in time and brings you up to speed on some of the best musicians to influence American tunes.
This year in collaboration with GRAMMY Week at the Museum, they will be hosting a preview party Sunday, Feb. 12, for members only. Guests can enjoy a live feed of the GRAMMYS in Los Angeles, as well as a their very own red carpet event. Members are coming dressed to the nines for the Rock and Roll theme.
There will be cocktails, food, and an auction featuring signed memorabilia and gift packages that have been donated.
Planning a visit to the museum, or maybe you want to host a meeting in their state of the art Sanders Soundstage, the museum also serves as a sight to host events. For more information on how to book your next work conference visit here.
Forever keeping music alive in the heart of the delta, The GRAMMY Museum Mississippi stands as a reminder of the Magnolia States contribution to America’s best music.
The Grammy Museum is open everyday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m, ticket prices vary.
