Carole King. Jay-Z. Foo Fighters. The 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees represent the broader, evolving sounds of the rock world. The same mix of artists as reflected in recent, updated best albums and songs lists (see my recent post on Rolling Stone’s Updated 100 Greatest Songs of All Time). Add the Go-Go’s, Tina Turner, and Todd Rundgren, as well as Musical Excellence Awards for LL Cool J, Billy Preston, and Randy Rhoades, and you have another dynamic lineup. One that makes for a lively, charismatic television program that honors the influence of the past and illuminates the path to the future. The annual HBO telecast is the highlight of the Awards shows. It seems more sincere than the Academy Awards, Golden Globes, Grammys or Emmys. The presenters have a connection with the recipients; they tell personal stories of how they discovered the artist and the lasting impact their music has had on them. It’s educational and historical; each artist’s story is visited through documentary footage and interviews. Many of the inductees perform a short set of songs. Lastly, and oh so noticeable, is that both the presenters and inductees are not subject to that common irritation of other awards shows; the short time clock on speeches that inevitably results in the speaker getting annoyed when that finish-it-up music comes on, pleading for just another 30 seconds, or just blowing it off and finishing their speech by perfunctorily reeling off more names to thank.
The Rock Hall of Fame Foundation was started by Ahmet Ertugen, founder and president of Atlantic Records in 1983. The first class of inductees was in 1986 – Elvis Presley, James Brown, Little Richard, Fats Domino, Ray Charles, Chuck Berry, Sam Cooke, The Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly, and Jerry Lee Lewis. The Museum, on the shores of Lake Erie in Cleveland, Ohio, was dedicated in 1995. I.M. Pei was the architect, probably best known for the controversial glass and steel pyramid design of the Louvre. The majority (26) of the ceremonies have been at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York City, with five in Cleveland and two in Los Angeles. There have been many magical musical moments over the years. Tops in my book was the 25th Anniversary Ceremony with “Gimme Shelter” performed by Mick Jagger, the scorching background vocals of Merry Clayton sung by Fergie, and the backing band of, wait, who was it? Oh yeah, U2. Recent inductees include The Cure, Radiohead, Roxy Music, and Stevie Nicks in 2019 and Depeche Mode, Doobie Brothers, Nine Inch Nails, and T-Rex in 2020. To be eligible for the Hall of Fame, your first record must be released at least 25 years prior to induction.
Visiting the Hall of Fame was always on my list; a necessary pilgrimage of sorts. So, for my 50th birthday celebratory trip with my friend, Mark, it was Cleveland here we come. People were surprised, “I don’t get it. For your 50th you want to go to Cleveland?!” Even in Cleveland that was the sentiment. Our first night there at the local bar, the guy next to me said the same exact words. All I know is we had some special experiences: two fantastic Cleveland Indian games (now the Guardians), a huge street celebration as the Cavaliers beat the Celtics in the NBA Conference championship, and the NFL museum in nearby Canton to make it a double Hall of Fame trip. The Rock Hall is full of treasures. The architecture and lakeside setting. Photos, lyrics, memorabilia, attire, guitars, and accompanying audio-visuals throughout the museum. A wall, Pink Floyd style. When we were there, special exhibits honoring The Doors and The Clash. And a killer merch store. It’s hallowed ground for rock and roll.
Taylor Swift opened the ceremonies by singing Carole King’s “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?” King wrote this song, first made popular in 1960 by the Shirelles, along with her partner Gerry Goffin. The pair are in the Hall as songwriters, so this was King’s second induction, this time as a performer. Jennifer Hudson followed with “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” which became one of Aretha Franklin’s signature songs. King played “You’ve Got a Friend” on piano, which became a No. 1 hit for James Taylor. It made you realize how many great songs she is responsible for; her Tapestry album was cited as an all-time classic.
The next three inductions were in the Musical Excellence category. Dr. Dre inducted LL Cool J who played a rousing, raucous set with special guests Eminem and Jennifer Lopez. Tom Morello introduced Randy Rhoades and emphasized how fundamental he was in reviving Ozzy Osbourne’s career. Ringo Starr gave a retrospective of Billy Preston’s accomplishments, such as being a member of Ringo’s All-Star band, the Rolling Stones, and the Beatles.
Angela Bassett inducted Tina Turner, a perfect pick since she played Turner in the movie What’s Love Got to Do With It in 1993. Turner was previously inducted into the Hall in 1991 as part of the Ike and Tina Turner duo. Patti Smith introduced Todd Rundgren, who a la Mark Knopfler of Dire Straights a few years ago, was a no-show. Since being in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame means nothing to him, I’m not going to spend any time on Todd Rundgren here.
Next up was the Go-Go’s (see my recent post spotlighting their achievements). Super fan Drew Barrymore reminisced about buying her first album, Beauty and the Beat. All of a sudden during her remarks, she starts wrapping herself in towels and applying facial mask just like the spa-day Go-Go’s on the back cover of that album. Hilarious. Their upbeat, fun set was the big 3: “Vacation,” “Our Lips Are Sealed,” and “We Got the Beat.”
Jay-Z was welcomed with recorded messages from a who’s who of celebrities, including President Obama. Dave Chappelle did the formal induction. Surprisingly, Jay-Z did not perform.
The finale was the Foo Fighters (also, the second time for Dave Grohl, previously inducted with Nirvana). As cool as it must be for any band to be inducted into the Hall of Fame by Paul McCartney, this was the ill-fitting induction of the evening. It’s not that they’re from different generations, it’s that while the Foo Fighters are Beatles lovers (really, who isn’t?), McCartney has no musical or personal connection with the Foo Fighters, and it showed. They rocked the place down with “Best of You,” My Hero,” and “Everlong.” Usually, the final number is a rock standard jam with many of the inductees on stage. This time it was slimmed down to McCartney and the Foo Fighters playing “Get Back.”
And so went the 36th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. With fewer of my favorite bands, it probably wasn’t my very favorite show. But it never disappoints. It’s a must-see for rock and roll fans, as is a visit to Cleveland. The Induction Ceremony reminds us all of the power of rock and roll. Its past is celebrated alongside the living history of the moment. Some bands are still rockin’! I always learn something and end up appreciating the full spectrum of rock and roll.
Trivia ? – Who coined the term “rock and roll” and promoted the music on his Cleveland radio station?
Answer: Alan Freed. His contributions to early rock and roll were instrumental in Cleveland being named as the home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.