Cool J, King, Turner inducted into shrine
CLEVELAND >> LL Cool J got together some of his heavyweight musical friends to usher him into rock immortality.
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 Saturday night during the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
With New York street style and swagger, Cool J was one of hip-hops first stars in the 1980s and remains a relevant artist more than 40 years later.
“What does LL really stand for?” asked rapper/ produced Dr. Dre at the opening of his induction speech for his good friend. “Ladies love? Living large? Licking lips? I’m here because I think it stands for living legend.”
Cool 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.”
After the final note, Cool J pointed to a photo of his mother behind the stage and said, “Mom, I made it.”
He was enshrined for for musical excellence along with keyboardist Billy Preston and guitarist Randy Rhoads.
Electronic 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.
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. It became a soundtrack for a generation and has sold more than 25 million copies worldwide.
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.
“If they’re still giving me awards at 81,” Turner said in a video message. “I must have done something right.”