Clinton introduces exhibit

Presidential library display shows power of music, politics.

Visitors drifted through the third floor of the Clinton Presidential Center on Sunday to the sound of rock ’n’ roll songs that influenced and reflected the politics of the day.

“There’s something in rock ’n’ roll for everybody,” said former President Bill Clinton, speaking to a packed room Sunday evening.

Clinton, also known as the first rock ’n’ roll president, welcomed the opening of the new temporary exhibit titled “Louder than Words: Rock, Power and Politics.” The exhibit will open to the public today.

More than 50 artists and political figures contributed to the exhibit, which features instruments, stage costumes and handwritten lyrics, according to the center. The artists who contributed to the exhibit include Neil Young, Beyonce, Aretha Franklin and Bruce Springsteen, among others, according to the center.

Speaking before the crowd, Stephanie Streett, executive director of the Clinton Foundation, said the exhibit explores the critical role music can play in shaping social and political change.

Displays in the exhibit featured information on Elvis Presley’s tenure in the Army. Another included a handwritten draft of the Bob Dylan song “The Times They Are a-Changin’.”

A separate display provided information on how the perceptions of the Vietnam War were defined by music on both sides of the debate.

Recalling the era, visitor Matthew Bryant said the music a person listened to defined what they thought about the war and which side they were on.

“It was a divided country,” he said.

Clinton shared his personal memories of how rock ’n’ roll shaped his upbringing and recalled his experiences with famous musicians throughout his life. He recalled the time he watched Presley’s first movie in Hot Springs, and the time in Fort Smith he saw Ray Charles deliver a powerful performance — a concert he still recalls the date of.

The former president also joked of how he used the White House to meet the musicians he loved, including the late rock ’n’ roll pioneer Chuck Berry.

Greg Harris, CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, was also on hand to welcome the exhibit to Little Rock.

“Rock ’n’ roll is the sound of freedom around the world,” he said.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/THOMAS METTHE Former President Bill Clinton talks about rock music Sunday before a reception for the opening of the “Louder than Words: Rock, Power and Politics” exhibit at the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/THOMAS METTHE Katy Nelson of Fayetteville (from left) Catherine Campos of Miami, Fla., and Mollie May Henager of Little Rock visit the disco display that’s part of the “Louder than Words: Rock, Power and Politics” exhibit Sunday at the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock.