R-E-S-P-E-C-T

The contributions to popular music by African American artists is difficult to overstate, so we’re not even gonna try. Instead, here are some incredible pieces of history from some true legends.

This is probably the single most significant piece of pop culture in the Hard Rock collection. It’s the red, zippered jacket Michael Jackson wore in the “Beat It” video. It’s got a goofy sort of “Members Only” vibe and more than 20 superfluous zippers. Nothing in the world is cooler.

 

We’ve got a lot of Jimi Hendrix wardrobe in our collection, but this may be the best example. It’s Jimi’s famous “eyeball jacket” made for him by Chris Jagger – Mick’s brother. Hendrix wore it on cover of his debut alum, Are You Experienced?

But get this – he also wore it on the back cover of his third album, Electric Ladyland.

 

No artist has dominated the 21st century quite like Beyoncé Knowles. When she performed with Destiny’s Child at the 2001 United We Stand concert at RFK Stadium in Washington, she was sporting these mega-patriotic pants.

 

Want the greatest of all time? Well here you go – the Godfather of Soul himself: JAMES BROWN!

No one before or since as been able to touch James for impact, influence and sheer badassery. Check him out doing his famous cape routine in 1964 on the legendary T.A.M.I. Show concert:

Gimme a break. That’s ludicrously awesome. Fun fact: the Rolling Stones had to follow that performance. Can you imagine?

Here’s one of James’s signature capes:

Too much!