The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame welcomed new members Saturday with a star-studded event. This included a performance by Taylor Swift who serenaded Carole King, former US President Barack Obama complimenting rapper JAY-Z, and Paul McCartney paid homage to the Foo Fighters.
Swift started the event with one of King’s most well-known songs, “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” from her iconic 1971 album “Tapestry,” which served as a soundtrack for a generation.
Jay-Z has added Hall of Famer to his portfolio, which already includes rapper, composer, Grammy winner, millionaire business entrepreneur, and worldwide superstar.
The self-proclaimed “best rapper alive” was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday night, joining the likes of Foo Fighters, Carole King, Tina Turner, The Go-Gos, and Todd Rundgren.
Jay-Z came through the rap scene with strong, straightforward lyrics that often reflected the problems of Black people in America. He was once a heroin dealer on the dangerous streets of Brooklyn, New York.
He has 14 No. 1 albums and songs such as “Hard Knock Life,” “99 Problems,” and “Empire State of Mind” in his discography.
Foo Fighters, who have established themselves as one of rock’s best stadium performers, were greeted by Paul McCartney. The band began as a side project for frontman Dave Grohl, who had previously been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as Nirvana’s drummer.
With the Beatles’ “Get Back,” Foo Fighters and McCartney brought the event to a conclusion.
Along with pianist Billy Preston and guitarist Randy Rhoads, rapper LL Cool J was inducted into the Hall of Fame for their contributions to music.
Cool J enlisted the help of some of his heavyweight musical pals to guide him into rock n’ roll oblivion. Eminem and Jennifer Lopez joined one of rap’s original superstars on stage for a spectacular career-spanning concert.
Early inspirations included electronic pioneers Kraftwerk, singer-poet Gil Scott-Heron, and Delta blues great Charley Patton, while Sussex Records founder Clarence Avant got the Ahmet Ertegun Award.
The 81-year-old Turner, who found her greatest success when she left abusive husband Ike Turner, lives in Switzerland and did not attend the ceremony.
Considered the greatest female group in rock history, The Go-Go’s emerged from Los Angeles’ punk scene in the 1980s. The quintet broke rules and smashed gender ceilings in a male-dominated industry with hits like “We Got The Beat,” “My Lips Are Sealed” and “Head Over Heels.”
Here is a list of all those inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame over the weekend.
Performer Category:
- Tina Turner
- Carole King
- The Go-Go’s
- JAY-Z
- Foo Fighters
- Todd Rundgren
Early Influence Award:
- Kraftwerk
- Charley Patton
- Gil Scott-Heron
Musical Excellence Award:
- LL Cool J
- Billy Preston
- Randy Rhoads
Ahmet Ertegun Award:
- Clarence Avant
