Rare History in Hard Rock's Tour

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - I know it's only rock n' roll, yet for the legendary Hard Rock Cafe franchise, for decades the music and those who've written and performed it have provided a wealth of memorabilia. So much so, this summer they're putting some of their collection of rock history on wheels with the Hard Rock Cafe 40th anniversary memorabilia tour, which is making a stopover in Memphis.

According to Hard Rock Café historian Jeff Nolan, "We've taken some of the most iconic, most historically impressive and most just over the top pieces of memorabilia from our huge collection of over 73,000 pieces."

This isn't just some willy-nilly-throw-it-in-the-box-no-name collection. It's the real stuff, unique items chosen by the votes of fans on the Hard Rock Facebook page - 40 pieces of pure Rock n' Roll gold.

"When they see things, like Jimi Hendrix's guitar or the jacket Michael Jackson wore in the "Beat It" video, these things have a resonance with people emotionally," Nolan said. "Watching peoples' jaws drop has been one of the most fun things this summer."

From the clothes, to original instruments and even personal letters and handwritten lyrics, it also includes stuff from the new breed, including Katy Perry and Justin Bieber, whoever that is. But, Nolan says two particular pieces are drawing the real oooohs and aaahs on tour. One involves a timeless hit, the other a timeless publication.

"People get emotional when they see [John Lennon's 'Imagine']. I mean, it's a great example of one of John's most beloved songs in John's own handwriting. It's a beautiful thing to see."

And, the legendary Ray Charles never let blindness stop him from appreciating beauty; also on display is a Braille edition of Playboy magazine from January 2000 that belonged to Ray Charles, and Ray signed it as well.

"Everybody always asks me is there like a relief map inside? No, Ray was reading the articles."