REGINA SPEKTOR Writing Through Rock & Roll – Summer Class

BACKGROUND Regina Spektor was born in Moscow, Russia. Like every other member in her family, Regina had a deep passion for music. After moving to New York City, when she was six years old, her parents signed her up for piano lessons with a professor from the Manhattan School of Music. Growing deeper in her music, she developed a love for writing songs as well as making people happy with her unique sound.

ARTIFACT – ONE “SAMSON” The song that is playing is “Samson.” “Samson” is Regina Spektor’s fans most beloved song. This song increased Spektor’s fan base, after being released in 2002, by inviting listeners to an interlude of musicality across various genres. When fans hear this song, “we get tingles in our toes,” and “a heart beat that never wants to stop!” Critics were astonished that a young artist could compose such passionate lyrics. Needless to say, after 12 years, “Samson” remains a Spektor show stopper.

ARTIFACT - TWO REGINA SPEKTOR’S PASSPORT Regina Spektor has had this passport since she and her family moved to the United States from Russia when she was six years old. Being fluent in Russian, Italian, Yiddish, and French, Spektor utilizes her passport privileges, and shares her music with the world.

ARTIFACT - THREE THE POSTAGE STAMP FROM GRAMMY NOMINATION LETTER The blue butterfly stamp that you see here, is from the envelope that contained a letter nominating Regina Spektor for a Grammy Award in the category of Best Music Video in Visual Arts in Butterflies evolve from the most humble beginnings, much like Spektor’s journey to her induction to the Rock Hall.

ARTIFACT - FOUR PIANO KEY FROM SPEKTOR’S ORIGINAL PIANO This key and piano wire are from Regina Spektor’s first piano. This simple piece of ivory, tuned to the perfect tone and pitch, has allowed Spektor to create a new world of music to listeners of all ages.

ARTIFACT - FIVE ORIGINAL (HANDWRITTEN) LYRICS FOR “ALL THE ROWBOATS” The song “All the Rowboats” is a hit off of her 2012 album “What We Saw From the Cheap Seats.” This song tells us that two is better than one. “All the Rowboats” is a very powerful song in which the listener is taken on a journey that is better shared with a companion. Spektor’s view in the grand scheme of things empowers fans to share life with the world around us – how fitting for a new member of the Rock Hall.

The Regina Spektor Exhibit

Regina Spektor is more than artist, she is an inspiration. She has influenced a world of listeners as well as hard headed critics. Spektor speaks to the souls of the lost, whole-hearted lovers, passionate dreamers, and everyday happy people. She has accomplished so much in her lifetime already, that her dreams will only get bigger as time goes on. “This is how it works, you're young until you're not, you love until you don't, you try until you can't, you laugh until you cry, you cry until you laugh, and everyone must breathe until their dying breath.” “On the Radio” – Regina Spektor