The Songwriters Hall of Fame’s traveling exhibit “The Power of Song” is on public display at Belmont through April 21 as part of the University’s 50th anniversary of the Music Business program.
Hosted by the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business, the exhibit highlights the art of songwriting, celebrating the legacy and works of SHOF inductees and other renowned songwriters. Playing tribute to masters of the craft, The Power of Song exhibit pays tribute to masters of the craft, offering a rare glimpse behind the creation of some of the most popular hits of all time.
For more than 50 years, the Songwriters Hall of Fame has honored and celebrated the greatest songwriters and composers of all genres who have significantly contributed to America’s rich songwriting legacy. The Power of Song exhibit pays tribute to the work and legacy of the SHOF and explores the creative process behind the making of popular songs.
Through original lyrics, historic photos, a songwriting interactive experience, artifacts and original SHOF films, The Power of Song examines the songwriter’s creative process, tells the stories of legendary songwriters — all of whom are SHOF inductees or special award recipients — and rejoices the songwriters who have significantly contributed to America’s rich songwriting legacy.
- An original film featuring songwriters Jimmy Jam, Toby Keith, Alan Menken, Carole Bayer Sager and Diane Warren sharing insights about their creative processes.
- Letters, lyrics and artifacts of legendary songwriters Irving Berlin, Cole Porter and SHOF co-founder Johnny Mercer.
- A songwriting interactive featuring Toby Keith, Carole King, Smokey Robinson and Don Schlitz dissecting one of their hit songs.
- Handwritten music and lyrics by Burt Bacharach, Marilyn & Alan Bergman, Felice & Boudleaux Bryant, Jon Bon Jovi & Richie Sambora, Desmond Child, Steve Dorff, Harlan Howard, Alan Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, David Porter & Isaac Hayes, Curtis Mayfield, Imagine Dragons’ Dan Reynolds, Ed Sheeran and more.
- Instruments belonging to benny blanco, Halsey, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Toby Keith, Post Malone, John Mellencamp and Bill Withers.
The Power of Song exhibit was curated by Kelsey Goeltz of The GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles which has served as one of the physical homes of the Songwriters Hall of Fame since 2010. The GRAMMY Museum’s ongoing relationship with the organization led to their curating and booking this traveling exhibition that illuminates the art of songwriting. Officially launched at CUNY Graduate Center in New York in summer 2022, the exhibition then resided at The GRAMMY Museum from April 2023 through Labor Day before coming to Nashville. Belmont was chosen as the Nashville venue to commemorate a new partnership with SHOF which also includes masterclass sessions and a scholarship.
VISIT THE EXHIBIT
Visit the exhibit within the Lila D. Bunch Library at 1907 Belmont Boulevard.
Hours:
- Monday, Thursday- Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Sunday from 1-4:30 p.m.
- Closed Tuesdays and Wednesday
Closed for holidays: The Gallery will be closed on New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Good Friday, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving (and the following Friday), Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The Gallery will close at noon Saturday, Dec. 23 for the holiday.