1979 — 1985
Disneyland & The Formative Years
A young multi-instrumentalist earned his stripes performing five sets a day at Disneyland — clarinet, bassoon, mandolin, and guitar — laying the groundwork for a career without genre.
A Digital Museum
The Works of
John Jorgenson
Grammy-winning virtuoso. Founding voice of the Desert Rose Band. American pioneer of Gypsy jazz. A life measured in six strings and countless songs.
Permanent Collection
Exhibits
1985 — 1994
The Desert Rose Band
Co-founded with Chris Hillman and Herb Pedersen, Desert Rose fused country, bluegrass, and rock, earning ACM's Touring Band of the Year honors three years running.
1990s
The Hellecasters
With Will Ray and Jerry Donahue, the trio's debut was named Guitar Player Magazine's Album of the Year — a landmark of American electric guitar.
2000s — Today
Gypsy Jazz & Beyond
The John Jorgenson Quintet brought the Django Reinhardt tradition to new American audiences. Later ensembles continue an ever-widening body of work.
Gallery II
The Ensembles
A single musician, a chorus of voices. Each project below represents a distinct chapter in a life of collaboration.
Bluegrass
John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band (J2B2)
Gypsy Jazz
John Jorgenson Quintet
Rock / Fusion
John Jorgenson Electric Band
Acoustic Trio
Hooker, John & Harry
Guitar Trio
The Hellecasters
Country / Bluegrass
Desert Rose Band
Wing III
The Instrument Room
Select an instrument to explore its story in the collection.
Museum Library
Works & Recordings
Continue your visit — official archives, discographies, and performances.