The State of Sound: A World of Music from Illinois
April 30, 2021 - January 23, 2022
Buy Tickets Online
From Muddy Waters to REO Speedwagon, Cheap Trick to Earth Wind and Fire and Chance the Rapper, the land of Lincoln has produced some of the most highly celebrated music in rock history. Musicians, legendary radio stations, and musical gear have shaped the sonic history of Illinois and the world.
This one-of-a-kind exhibit showcases the achievements and contributions of Illinois’ finest in music. Written by award-winning author, documentary-producer and former Chicago Sun-Times Columnist and Critic, Dave Hoekstra.
Produced by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and hosted in the 3,000-square-foot Illinois Gallery.
Featured Artifact
Artifact of the Week
This week's artifact from the State of Sound: A World of Music from Illinois exhibit
Technics 1100A Turntable Used by Frankie Knuckles
Frankie Knuckles used this turntable in the Warehouse nightclub in Chicago during his career as a pioneer and innovator of House Music. Knuckles was considered a master at utilizing multiple turntables to create unique sound experiences.
Courtesy of the Estate of Frankie Knuckles & the Frankie Knuckles Foundation
The State of Sound Podcast
A production of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
A companion series to the blockbuster exhibit, The State of Sound, a World of Music from Illinois.
This bi-weekly podcast series dives deep into the stories behind the stories of the exhibit “The State of Sound” - with newly taped interviews from key players, artists, families, authors as well as historical perspectives. The music from Illinois has inspired the soundtrack of our lives, hear the stories about the music creators and the artifacts in the exhibit - check back here every other week for new episodes.
Where to listen:
Episode 1
Exhibit Director Lance Tawzer interviews Tim McIlrath, the singer and guitarist from the punk powerhouse band, Rise Against.
Episode 2
ALPLM’s Joe Crain interviews REO Speedwagon’s lead singer and songwriter, Kevin Cronin.
Episode 3
State of Sound writer, Dave Hoekstra interviews Rosanna Goodman, the daughter of folk legend Steve Goodman.
Episode 4
ALPLM's Reggie Guyton interviews Gospel journalist and historian Robert Marovich.
Episode 5
State of Sound writer, Dave Hoekstra interviews Cheaa Mayfield, the son of Soul legend Curtis Mayfield.
Episode 6
ALPLM’s Lance Tawzer and UK contributor Gordon Lee interview international house music DJ and producer, Derrick Carter.
Episode 7
State of Sound writer, Dave Hoekstra interviews Jonathan Wright and Dawson Barrett authors of the new book Punks in Peoria.
Episode 8
ALPLM’s Joe Crain interviews guitarist and Styx founding member James "JY" Young.
Episode 9
ALPLM's Reggie Guyton interviews House Music legend Steve "Silk" Hurley. Production by ALPLM's Randy Erwin
Episode 10
ALPLM's Joe Crain interviews Michael Pettersen, historian for Shure, Inc. on the history of microphones.
Episode 11
State of Sound exhibit writer, Dave Hoekstra interviews Alex Dixon, the grandson of Blues Legend Willie Dixon.
Episode 12
State of Sound exhibit writer, Dave Hoekstra interviews Alt-Country legend Jon Langford, live in the State of Sound Studio.
Episode 13
ALPLM’s Exhibit Director, Lance Tawzer interviews Jimmy Chamberlin, the drummer from alternative rock superstars The Smashing Pumpkins.
Episode 14
State of Sound exhibit writer Dave Hoekstra interviews legendary Chicago radio personality, Terri Hemmert about her career on the air.
Episode 15
State of Sound Curator Lance Tawzer interviews Jeff Tweedy of Wilco about his career and Illinois roots.
Episode 16
Exhibit creator Lance Tawzer interviews Jeff Murphy, guitarist & singer for power-pop legend, Shoes, about their unique musical career journey.
Episode 17
State of Sound exhibit writer Dave Hoekstra sits down with Recycled Records owner Mark Kessler in the State of Sound Studios
Episode 18
State of Sound Curator Lance Tawzer sits down with Maggie Brown, singer, actor, educator and daughter of Oscar Brown Jr. in the State of Sound Studios
The State of Sound Playlist
Listen to our curated playlists of the music from Illinois on Spotify.
Listen Here