From Songwriters to Soundmen: The People Behind the Hits

“From Songwriters to Soundmen: The People Behind the Hits” gives Rock Hall audiences an inside look at aspects of the music business that are often concealed from view. The series is held on the third Wednesday of every month.

For those who wonder how songs become recordings, how recordings become hits, or how the show gets on the road, this series offers both answers and anecdotes beyond imagination.

From label executives to producers to guitar techs, the music industry is populated with remarkable characters who have equally remarkable stories to tell. If many of us know a whole lot about the stars, too few among us know about the folks who work alongside the stars, who discover stars, who direct the careers of stars, who produce their songs.

Upcoming schedule:

May 21, 7 p.m.: Former MTV VJ Matt Pinfield
The tables are turned, as the interviewer becomes the interviewee. Matt Pinfield, whose name is most well known for his time as an MTV VJ, will be interviewed in front of a live audience at the Rock Hall. Pinfield started his career in the early 1980s in college radio in New Jersey. In 1995, he was hired for his first television hosting position on MTV’s 120 Minutes. He also hosted MattRock, Pinfield Suite, Pinfield Presents, Rocks Off, Say What and MTV Live along with many MTV specials. In 2001, Pinfield became Vice President of A&R and Artist Development for Columbia Records where he worked with such acts as Coheed & Cambria and Crossfade. Today, Pinfield hosts Matt Pinfield Plays Whatever He Wants, on SIRIUS Satellite Radio and Soundoff with Matt Pinfield on HDNet. This event is free with a reservation. The program will take place in the Museum’s 4th Floor Theater. Please email or call 216.515.8426 to RSVP.