CELEBRATE THE 2013 ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanEach year we recognize talented individuals who contribute so much to the entertainment industry. They bring life a more colorful meaning with a gift of pleasing performances again and again over the years.
On Thursday, April 18, 2013, the nation watched as a star-studded celebration took place when the 28th Annual 2013 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted its eight new members chosen by over 500 voters of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation as well as by adoring fans. The event took place in Los Angeles at the Nokia Theater. In order to become eligible for induction, a candidate must have released a debut album or single at least 25 years earlier.
The eight honorees included disco queen Donna Summer, producer legend Quincy Jones, comedy-rocker Randy Newman, Canadian progressive rock band Rush, blues guitarist Albert King, hip hop pioneers Public Enemy, popular rock band Heart and veteran producer, Lou Adler. Each one of these iconic stars is no stranger to the realms of the music world.
Randy Newman was one of the most active inductees of the evening as he opened the show with “I Love LA” joined by Tom Petty, Jackson Browne and John Fogerty, all legends in their own right. Former Eagle member, Don Henley, joined Newman later in the evening for a couple more of his famous songs as well as inducting him into the Hall of Fame making it ever so more meaningful for Newman.
Each of those individuals/groups that was recognized was paid a touching tribute by a fellow artist of the entertainment industry.
The dynamic Kelly Rowland inducted the late sultry superstar Donna Summer giving her credit for paving the way for many of the female artists of today and giving disco its popularity. Summer’s husband and daughter were in attendance to accept the award. As a special treat, Grammy award-winning artist, Jennifer Hudson, once again brought the house down with her rendition of “Bad Girls” and “Last Dance”. If Donna could have seen her, she would have been smiling and moving to the beat.
A successful entrepreneur, media mogul and much more, Oprah Winfrey was thrilled to be able to do the honors for Quincy Jones, who incidentally, discovered her in 1985 when he cast her in “The Color Purple”. Jones can be attributed to making so many talented individuals into stars such as the late Michael Jackson. Jones has earned 27 GRAMMYs including the GRAMMY Legend Award in 1991. At 80 years old, he can definitely say he has had a successful and satisfying life. Usher magically performed on stage during the induction.
Although Albert King died in 1992 at 69 years old, he will be fondly remembered for the way he gave us the American blues. John Mayer remembered how influential King had been on his own musical career as he inducted him into the Hall of Fame.
Bigger and better than ever, Heart was back on stage performing “Butterfly” and “Barracuda” as they were presented the honors by Chris Cornell. It was almost as if time had stood still for just an instant.
As we began to get into the groups, the evening was winding down in an energetic manner. Foo Fighters’ own Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins brought the fans to their feet as they inducted Canadian hit group, Rush.
Flavor Flav of the new Hall of Fame group, Public Enemy, tipped his hat to his fellow band members and gave praise to how his group has influenced the world of hip hop in the 80’s.
HBO will be bringing you this special ceremony on May 18th so that you can view it from start to finish and look back on the marvelous memories of this new group of 2013 Hall of Fame Inductees.
PHOTO CREDITS: Kevin Winter/Getty Images, Zimbio.com, Reuters/Mario Anzuoni
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