The legacy of rock and roll is now on display at the University of Connecticut’s Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts. The exhibition, titled “Eight Days a Week: An Illustrated Record of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” showcases a rich archive of memorabilia collected by journalist and radio disc jockey Ken Best. This extensive collection is open for viewing until December 13, 2023.
The exhibit features over 100 items, including iconic photos, album covers, and promotional materials that span the history of rock music. A significant highlight is a series of more than 40 photographs of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members taken by Connecticut photographer Joseph Sia. Among these is Sia’s renowned image of Jimi Hendrix captured during a performance at Woolsey Hall in New Haven, known as “The Shadow.” This photograph is part of Best and Sia’s 1992 publication, also titled “Eight Days a Week: An Illustrated Record of Rock ‘n’ Roll.”
In addition to photographs, the exhibition includes various posters and promotional materials from record companies, historic albums, and special editions of major music magazines such as Rolling Stone, Life, and Billboard. The collection reflects Best’s nearly 30 years of experience in the music industry, where he wrote for newspapers in New Jersey and Connecticut and conducted numerous interviews with renowned musicians.
Ken Best’s Contribution to Rock Music
Since 2008, Best has hosted the “Good Music Program” on WHUS, the radio station at the University of Connecticut. Previously, he was the host at WPKN-FM in Bridgeport from 1996 until 2008. His commitment to music extends beyond radio; in 2015, he produced a weekly program titled “Walking a Blues Road,” focusing on the archives of blues music at Babbidge Library.
Throughout his career, Best has interviewed many influential figures in rock music, including Bruce Springsteen, Joan Jett, and John Phillips of the Mamas & Papas. His journalistic work also covers authors who have written about legendary musicians such as Willie Nelson, James Taylor, and Johnny Cash.
The Birth of Rock and Roll
The history of rock and roll has sparked debates among music scholars regarding its origins. According to a piece published by The New York Times, the first live television performance of a rock and roll song occurred in 1955. On August 7, 1955, Bill Haley and His Comets performed “Rock Around the Clock” on Ed Sullivan’s “Toast of the Town.” This event marked a significant milestone in the genre’s rise to prominence.
Visitors to the Jorgensen Gallery can explore this vibrant history and connect with the music that has shaped generations. The gallery is located at 2132 Hillside Road on the UConn campus in Storrs, making it an accessible destination for music enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
