Home  News Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Welcomes Clothing Designer Manuel
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Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Welcomes Clothing Designer Manuel
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Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
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(January 11, 2009) - He made Johnny Cash the "Man in Black" and put the "sparkle" in Sparkle & Twang. Renowned costume designer Manuel will be the first guest of 2009 for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum's FREE monthly program From Songwriters to Soundmen: The People Behind the Hits. He will be interviewed at the Rock Hall on Wednesday, January 21 at 7 p.m. in the Museum's 4th Floor Theater.
Manuel recently traveled to Cleveland, Ohio for the opening of the Rock Hall's new exhibit Sparkle & Twang: Marty Stuart's American Musical Odyssey. The collection represents over 40 years of rock and roll, classic country, rockabilly, bluegrass and southern gospel greats. It encompasses an astounding array of accessories, handwritten lyrics, personal letters, instruments, and performance costumes, several of which were designed by Manuel.
More than a fashion designer; he is a costumer and an artist. His original designs have become the trademark of true American style. Some of the iconic highlights of his career include:
*. Making Johnny Cash the man in black.
*. Crafting Elvis' signature gold lamé suit.
* Making the garments Bob Dylan wore when performing for the Pope.
* Dressing all three Hank Williams....
And if this is not enough to bring him a legendary status in music history, you can thank him for both The Rolling Stones and The Grateful Dead's notorious insignias.
Presidents, athletes, dancers, artists, and movie stars have also donned his glittering couture. He has wardrobed eighty-nine movies and thirteen television shows, most recently seen-- Jonathan Demme's film featuring Neil Young titled, "Neil Young: Heart of Gold."
Often referred to as the "Rhinestone Rembrandt," Manuel's fascination with his craft began at the age of seven in Coalcoan, Michoacan, Mexico, when his older brother Adolfo taught him how to sew. With a natural flair for color and cloth, Manuel moved to Los Angeles and worked for several tailors, including Hollywood's Sy Devore--making suits for clients such as the Rat Pack, but soon became bored with everyday clothing.
He then moved on to the world of costumes at Nudie's famed western store, designing for the likes of Roy Rogers and the Lone Ranger. After fourteen years in western wear, Manuel branched out and opened his own shop in Hollywood, eventually relocating to Nashville in 1989 to continue his association with the music industry.
Manuel has also been recognized many times for his marvelous contribution to pop culture. He was given the Hispanic Designers "MODA" award in 1992 and the "Intercoiffure" American award in 2006. Manuel proudly received special recognition from the Country Music Association and several awards from Cody High Style.
Along with designing in his Nashville studio, Manuel is currently collaborating with award-winning British photographer Cambridge Jones to release a photography book of his creations later this year and he's working on his not-for-profit organization, "Friends of Manuel Foundation" created to support the Manuel Fashion Institute for the enrichment of the arts in the fashion and textiles industry.
Museum members and visitors will have the opportunity to hear Manuel's incredible stories firsthand in a discussion led by Howard Kramer, curatorial director at the Rock Hall. Questions will be taken from the audience at the end of the interview. Please email
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or call (216) 515-8426 to RSVP.
This event is part of the series, From Songwriters to Soundmen: The People Behind the Hits, a groundbreaking Rock Hall program that shines the spotlight on the people whose contributions to the rock and roll art form are often as powerful as those of the artists themselves.
Photo Credit: Manuel Cuevas by Cambridge Jones
For information on the Rock Hall contact:
Margaret Thresher, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, at (216) 515-1215 or
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Reena Samaan, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum at (216) 515-1503 or
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For information on Manuel, interviews or high res photos contact Jayne Rogovin
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or 615-403-2393
About the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is the nonprofit organization that exists to educate visitors, fans and scholars from around the world about the history and continuing significance of rock and roll music. It carries out this mission both through its operation of a world-class museum that collects, preserves, exhibits and interprets this art form and through its library and archives as well as its educational programs.
About Manuel
Manuel has been designing clothes, creating images and influencing pop culture for more than 50 years. Known for elaborate custom stage clothes, embellished with rhinestones and intricate colorful embroidery, he has dressed just about everyone who is anyone in the world of music.
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