Rock ‘n’ roll history is loaded with awkward ironies and bitter injustices. One of New Orleans’ finest is that the one-time home of J&M Studios at 838-840 N. Rampart St.—arguably the studio where rock ‘n’ roll was born—is now a laundromat, and the only remaining vestige of what it once was is the tilework in the entry way. On Friday, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is going to address that when it designates the one-time home of  Cosimo Matassa’s J&M Studios as a historic rock ‘n’ roll landmark—the 12th location in America to receive such a designation from the Hall of Fame.

The recognition ceremony takes place at 10 a.m. at 840 N. Rampart St., and kicks off this year’s Ponderosa Stomp weekend, which will include an interview with one of artists and arrangers most associated with J&M – Dave Bartholomew—Saturday at 3:45 p.m. at the Cabildo. Bartholomew recorded his own music and sessions with Fats Domino, Little Richard, Professor Longhair, Smiley Lewis, Lloyd Price, Shirley and Lee and more.

The event also starts the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s recognition of Bartholomew and Fats Domino, who are the honorees in it 2010 American Music Masters Series. They’ll be honored November 8-13 in Cleveland with a series of events culminating with a tribute concert with performances by Lloyd Price, Dr. John and the Lower 911, Irma Thomas, Rebirth Brass Band, Robert Parker and more.