“I can’t remember a time when I didn’t know Carole King’s music,” Swift said, saying her parents taught her several important lessons as a child with one of the most important being “that Carole King is the greatest songwriter of all time.” Swift gave a moving, heartfelt induction speech for one of her musical idols. It became a soundtrack for a generation and has sold more than 25 million copies worldwide. Superstar Taylor Swift opened the show by performing one of King’s best-known songs, “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” which appeared on “Tapestry” her seminal 1971 album. He was enshrined for for musical excellence along with keyboardist Billy Preston and guitarist Randy Rhoads.Įlectronic pioneers Kraftwerk, singer-poet Gil Scott-Heron and Delta blues legend Charley Patton are being inducted as early influencers and Sussex Records founder Clarence Avant is receiving the Ahmet Ertegun Award. “Ladies love? Living large? Licking lips? I’m here because I think it stands for living legend.”Ĭool J then did a medley of his hits, including “Rock The Bells” accompanied by a bearded Eminem before he was joined by J-Lo for “All I Have.” Cool J wrapped up his blistering performance with one of his biggest hits “Mama Said Knock You Out.”Īfter the final note, Cool J pointed to a photo of his mother behind the stage and said, “Mom, I made it.” Dre at the opening of his induction speech for his good friend. “What does LL really stand for?” asked rapper/produced Dr. With New York street style and swagger, Cool J was one of hip-hops first superstars in the 1980s and remains a relevant artist more than 40 years later.

Part of an eclectic 2021 class that includes Carole King, Tina Turner, The Go-Gos, Jay-Z, Foo Fighters and Todd Rundgren, Cool J was joined on stage by rapper Eminem and Jennifer Lopez for a powerful performance on Saturday night during the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. CLEVELAND (AP) - LL Cool J got together some of his heavyweight musical friends to usher him into rock immortality.

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