FUN WITH MAPS ISSUE 2026-009

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (January 23, 2026) – This issue of Fun with Maps shares some special Rock-n-Roll history right here in Ohio.

Rock

Elvis Presley, Fats Domino, Jerry Lee Lewis, James Brown, Ray Charles, Little Richard and Buddy Holly.  What do they have in common, aside from the obvious?  They were part of the first class inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 40 years ago.

The Hall is the brainchild of Atlantic record’s CEO Ahmet Ertegun.  The foundation behind the Hall was established in 1983.

So, why is it in Cleveland of all places?  There is the money reason of course, as the city pledged a considerable sum to build the facility.  The other, more emotional reason is that the term “rock n roll” originates in Cleveland with Alan Freed coining it on air at WJW.

There are 350 inductees to date.  It is definitely worth a visit.

This map of Cleveland is from 1898 by Rand McNally.  

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps.

Visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Steve Kovacs: Fun with Maps here on Loveland Beacon.