The battle of the Rock Hall: How Cleveland claimed the crown

• The New York-based Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation eventually narrowed it down to a final five:

Cleveland

The city's pledge of $65 million in public funds set the bar for the other competing cities.

New York

New York was eventually ruled out because the museum might get lost among the city's other attractions, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Chicago

The legendary blues city wanted the Rock Hall, but couldn't free up public funds at the time.

San Francisco

San Francisco, the epicenter of 1960s counterculture, used Jefferson Starship's "We Built This City" as a theme to dredge up support.

Philadelphia

Philly, the original home of "American Bandstand," proposed a prime spot on its waterfront as a potential location.

The bottom line: The Rock Hall Foundation said it chose Cleveland in May 1986 because of our rock 'n' roll history and enthusiasm.

• Of course, the $65 million pledge probably helped, as the museum eventually opened in September 1995.