A new exhibition titled “Eight Days a Week,” showcasing the rich history of rock ‘n’ roll, is on display at the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts on the University of Connecticut’s Storrs campus. This collection, curated by journalist and radio disc jockey Ken Best, features over 100 items of rock music memorabilia, including iconic photographs, album covers, and promotional materials. The exhibition will run until December 13, 2023.
The exhibition draws from Best’s extensive archive accumulated during his nearly 30 years as a music journalist and disc jockey. Best has worked at WPKN in Bridgeport and WHUS in Storrs, interviewing musicians and authors while documenting the evolution of rock music. According to the exhibition organizers, it includes significant pieces from his collection, including more than 40 photographs of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members captured by Joseph Sia. Among these is Sia’s renowned image of Jimi Hendrix performing at Woolsey Hall in New Haven, featured in their 1992 book, “Eight Days a Week: An Illustrated Record of Rock ‘n’ Roll.”
Rich Collection of Rock Memorabilia
In addition to photographs, the exhibition offers a selection of posters and promotional materials from record companies and museums. Visitors can also view historic albums and special editions of magazines such as Rolling Stone, Life, and Billboard. This diverse range of items provides a comprehensive look at the impact of rock music over the decades.
Best has hosted the Good Music Program on WHUS since 2008, following a long run on WPKN. His dedication to sharing music history has led him to produce various programs, including “Walking a Blues Road,” which highlights the rich African American musical culture documented in the Samuel and Ann Charters Archives at Babbidge Library.
Throughout his career, Best has interviewed numerous influential musicians, including members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame such as Bruce Springsteen, Joan Jett, and Billy Joel. He has also written about renowned music authors, covering significant figures like Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Joni Mitchell.
Historical Milestones in Rock Music
The exhibition not only celebrates past achievements but also contextualizes the birth and evolution of rock ‘n’ roll. According to The New York Times, the first performance of a rock ‘n’ roll song on national television occurred on August 7, 1955, when Bill Haley and His Comets performed “Rock Around the Clock” on Ed Sullivan’s “Toast of the Town.” This moment marked a pivotal point in the genre’s rise to prominence.
Visitors to the Jorgensen Gallery will find the exhibition located on the lower level of the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts at 2132 Hillside Road in Storrs. The exhibition promises a captivating glimpse into the history of rock music, engaging both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
