Photographs, stage clothing, instruments and other personal memorabilia of the local rock legend are showcased.

Born August 1, 1951, Bolin was one of the most talented and versatile hard rock guitarists to emerge during the first half of the 1970s.  Best known as the man who replaced Joe Walsh in the James Gang in 1973 and Ritchie Blackmore in Deep Purple in 1975, Bolin also played on acclaimed jazz fusion albums by Billy Cobham (“Spectrum,” 1973) and Alphonse Mouzon (“Mind Transplant,” 1975).  The release of his solo debut “Teaser” in 1975 established Bolin as a viable solo act, while his 1976 album “Private Eyes” earned him opening slots for superstars like Peter Frampton, Jeff Beck, Rush and ZZ Top.

Though his life and career were cut tragically short by a drug overdose on December 4, 1976, Tommy Bolin’s status as one of the special talents in the hard rock pantheon has not diminished.   

Many of the artifacts on display are from the collection of Bolin’s brother Johnnie, who was the drummer in the original Tommy Bolin Band.