This article by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's public relations people moved across the public relations news wires in January 1995.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum Receives Byrds Collection

CLEVELAND, Jan. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman, founding members of The Byrds, have presented a collection highlighting elements of their career to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. The collection will be incorporated into the exhibitions of the museum, which opens in Cleveland in September 1995.

"The Byrds had a significant impact on the development of rock and roll," said Chief Curator Jim Henke. "They took folk music and electrified it, and their sound -- particularly Roger McGuinn's ringing guitar -- continues to influence bands today. I'm really pleased that we will be able to give them appropriate recognition in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum."

Items in the collection include two of McGuinn's trademark 12-string Rickenbacker guitars, Hillman's bass guitar, handwritten music and lyrics, a synthesizer and costumes from the group's heyday in the 1960s and into the '70s. It will join a growing collection that includes items representing the lives and careers of seminal rock and roll figures like James Brown, Buddy Holly, Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, Janis Joplin, Pete Townshend, and Jim Morrison.

The Byrds, considered the pioneers of "folk rock," were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991. Founding members included McGuinn, Hillman, David Crosby, Gene Clark and Michael Clarke. They are widely remembered for their enduring hits "Mr. Tambourine Man" and "Turn! Turn! Turn!"

The Byrds collection is a significant addition to the museum's holdings and helps fulfill the institution's mission to become the definitive source for the preservation, interpretation and celebration of the history of rock and roll. Exhibits will chart the evolution of rock and roll music, from its roots in the 1920s to the present, including its influence on 20th century society, politics, fashion, the economy, technology and the arts.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is the world's first museum dedicated to the living heritage of rock and roll music. The 150,000 square-foot facility is designed by internationally renowned architect I.M. Pei. It is scheduled to open September 1995 in Cleveland.

The Byrds Collection

• Handwritten music and lyrics to the traditional song "He Was A Friend of Mine" from 1963. This is McGuinn's own arrangement of the song, with added lyrics, which was recorded by the Byrds (on their album "Turn! Turn! Turn!").
• The mustard-colored leather jacket worn by McGuinn on the album cover of "Mr. Tambourine Man."
• Vintage Fender bass guitar played by Hillman throughout the '60s while with the Byrds.
• Moog synthesizer, used in the recording studio between 1968 and 1973. Used on the Byrds' song "Moog Raga," as well as McGuinn's solo work in the early '70s.
• A one-of-a-kind 12-string Rickenbacker guitar with psychedelic lighting effects -- the lights in the guitar's body would change as different chords were played. The guitar also has unique slanted frets. This guitar was used by McGuinn in the early '70s during encore performances of the song "8 Miles High."
• A custom-made, multi-colored, long-sleeved t-shirt worn on the cover of the Byrds' 1973 reunion album. The front of the shirt has "Byrds" embroidered in maroon with an American eagle seal; the back of the shirt has "Roger McGuinn" embroidered in white.
• A pair of wire-rimmed glasses, an example of the trademark "Granny" or "Byrds" glasses worn by McGuinn in the '60s.
• One of McGuinn's signature 12-string Rickenbacker guitars, blond with wood and pearl trim.

-0- 1/25/95