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
Video Shoot “Weapon” Prop
Fall Out Boy’s drummer, Andy Hurley, wielded this weapon as part of the long-form 2014 video “The Youngblood Chronicles,” which accompanied the Fall Out Boy 2013 album Save Rock and Roll. This prop was used in the “Rat-a-tat” section, guest starring Courtney Love.
Courtesy of Fall Out Boy
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.
The State of Sound Playlist
Listen to our curated playlists of the music from Illinois on Spotify.
Listen Here