The Smithsonian's collections feature iconic art and artifacts that celebrate the genre's rich history from the "Godmother" of Rock 'n' Roll, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, to Elvis to Nirvana. Highlights include Chuck Berry's red Cadillac and his electric guitar "Maybellene," Jimi Hendrix's Afghan vest, and Prince's Yellow Cloud electric guitar.
She started shakin' to that fine, fine music. You know her life was saved by rock 'n' roll.
—Lou Reed, The Velvet Underground, "Rock & Roll," Loaded, 1970
