Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

(Photograph Courtesy WKYC Videographer Dan Keefe)

Today's Hidden Gem: George Shuba & his photography

Cleveland truly deserves the honor of being called the birthplace of Rock and Roll and host city for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.

One of the men who played a key role during this historic musical evolution was and still is George Shuba, 'the Grandfather of Rock and Roll Photography.'

Shuba spoke to a captive audience at the Rock Hall Wednesday night as part of their Rock and Roll Night school series where he highlighted some of his photographs taken over the years, discussed his book 'Cleveland Rocks: The Birthplace of Rock and Roll,' and met with the crowd afterward for a book signing.

Shuba currently has his own exhibit on display at the Rock Hall. The exhibition was organized by Jon Jicha and runs through January 4, 2009.

The Cleveland Rocks exhibition highlights the photographs Shuba took between 1964 and 1970, starting with true royalty, The Beatles! Shuba shared how an assignment from WHK radio really got the ball rolling. It gave him his big break and allowed him to shoot The Beatles arriving in Cleveland in 1964.

And the rest is history! Shuba believes he has taken over 6,600 photographs of musical artists and their performances with his ties to not only WHK but WIXY, WKYC, various record labels, and his stint with the Upbeat Show! A sampling of the artists include The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, The Who, Aretha Franklin, Jim Morrison, Smokey Robinson....

Make a trip to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum to see Shuba's exhibition and, you too, will see why George Shuba and his photography is this week's Hidden Gem!