The Shalom Group of Huntley hosted a presentation by Ron Romero, Chairman of the Board of the Rock & Roll Museum, a new museum in Joliet.
Romero said, “I woke up one morning and had a dream of capturing the music influence that came from our state Illinois. I wanted to showcase the creative spirit of Illinois.”
Romero’s dream of bringing a museum of local music to Joliet is coming true. The Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 is a nonprofit organization that wants to preserve the history of musicians and bands with ties to Illinois.
Romero said, “The museum is building a collection of artifacts of artists who have reached national and international recognition. We have memorabilia from photos to instruments donated by artists and supporters.”
Is it just rock ‘n’ roll artists?
Romero said, “No, the name is just to give it some sizzle. It is more than rock ‘n’ roll. We have a rich history of some of the music that began here. We have the Chicago Blues, which was the result of poor black workers from the South into the industrial cities of the North, such as Chicago.”
Will they just be featuring musicians?
“No, we have much more,” Romero said. “For example, we have highlighted Chess Records, an American record company specializing in blues and rhythm and blues. It was established in 1950 right here in Chicago,” Romero said.
Two Sun City residents that attended the presentation are descendants of Chess Records: Vicki Goldberg and Sandy Schwedel’s late husband.
The museum will also feature a tribute to the history of radio.
Romero said, “WLS, a station familiar to most Chicagoans. But do you know what the call letters stand for? World’s Largest Store. And that store was Sears, Roebuck & Co.”
The museum is in a 1920s three-story building at 9 W. Cass St. in downtown Joliet. The Joliet City Council gave the building landmark status due to its historic nature. Romero has been busy going through massive interior renovations to the building. which was built in the late 1920s and opened in 1930. It was Goldblatt’s Department Store.
Romero said, “We were slowed by the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. We are grateful to several trade unions who have donated electrical, plumbing, drywall, and carpeting.”
Who are some the Illinois musicians?
Romero said, “Naming a few, we have Buddy Guy, Chicago, Cheap Trick, REO Speedwagon, Muddy Waters, The Buckinghams, The Ides of March, Radio DJ – Dick Biondi, Radio – DJ Larry Lujack and WLS – AM Radio.”
There are many more, Romero added.
Romero said, “We will have live music concerts and music educations for children.”
Donations are still critical as renovations continue inside the building.
Romero said, “Thanks to social media and the website, roadtorock.org, the museum already has 600 members in 29 states and three countries.”
You can find more information on the museum at www.roadtorock.org.
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