Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Vault

The Beastie Boys never took the easy way out - always pushing the intersection of rock ‘n' roll and hip hop closer together. Chuck D. & LL Cool J both give props to the group for their contributions to rap, and Mike D. & Ad-Rock thank NYC as well as all of their fans, while also representing on behalf of MCA aka Adam Youch. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

In 2011, Bette Midler inducted Darlene Love into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, praising her powerhouse voice and unquenchable spirit. Throughout the 1960s, Love was a leader of the pack in her own right as not only a lead vocalist and solo performer but providing unmistakable background support for countless artists and fellow Hall of Fame Inductees. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

In 1998, superstar Shania Twain honored one of her greatest influences, the Mamas and the Papas, as she inducted them into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Michelle Phillips, Denny Doherty, and John Phillips graciously accept their award, with a little help from Cass Elliot's daughter Owen. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

ZZ Top is there to honor and recognize Cream - the supergroup who set the blueprint for many rock trios, including that little ole' band from Texas. As Cream accepts the honor, they highlight the magic and power of the induction ceremony itself as it reignites friendships of the past and brings people together. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Bruce Springsteen was on-hand to induct U2 into the Rock Hall with a quite fittingly funny & literary speech. The Boss sings the praises of each of the four lads, underscoring how their songwriting, spirituality and democratic nature have contributed to the band's success.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Patrick Stump and Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy got to honor their heroes as they inducted Green Day into the Hall of Fame. They both commend the trio for their ability to both defy and define labels, refusing to box in a genre as paradoxical as punk rock. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Jakob Dylan shares memories of growing up on and following Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, noting how timeless the band truly is. Petty rounds out the acceptance speeches by sharing just how much he believes that the story of becoming a rock star is a prime example of living out the American dream. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

“Impact, influence, and awesomeness” – according to Tom Morello, these are the reasons KISS earned their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014. With heavy emotion and impeccable precision, he delivers a bombastic tribute perfect for the band he calls the “fearsome foursome."  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Rock & roll is alive and well as Brian May inducts Def Leppard into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class of 2019. Brian shares a look back, through a few photographs, of his personal journey with the band. He was blown away with a band whose arpeggiated guitar riffs, juicy bass lines and beautiful harmonies rivaled the likes of his own band, Queen.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Horror movie director and fellow spooky rocker Rob Zombie inducts Godfather of Shock Rock, Alice Cooper and his band. Zombie reflects on the influence that Alice Cooper's theatrical rock and macabre stage shows had on music. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Rage Against the Machine's Zach de la Rocha inducted Patti Smith into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, perfectly encapsulating the punk-poet's contributions as musician and activist. The 2007 Rock Hall ceremony marked a victory for punks and revolutionaries the world over. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Inducted by future Hall of Famer JAY-Z in the year 2007, Grandmaster Flash's innovations and pioneering techniques on the turntable rivals what Les Paul and Chuck Berry did for the electric guitar. As Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five accept the honor, the audience celebrates the first Hip-Hop inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

In the year 2000, rapper Lil' Kim inducted EWF into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, honoring a band that created, “Music that brings people together…that celebrates who we are and who we can be.” Maurice White thanks Rock Hall Inductee Clive Davis before giving ultimate gratitude to the those who meant the most to Earth, Wind & Fire's success: the fans. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

No Doubt frontwoman and style icon Gwen Stefani gets a special fangirl moment when she inducts the Police into the Rock Hall. Sting, Andy & Stewart focus on gratitude in their remarks, thanking those that supported them during their relatively brief but definitely extraordinary time as a band. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Rock out with your sock out as Chris Rock honors the Red Hot Chili Peppers - a band who brought a splash of color that came as a fresh funk-punk breakout among their flannel-clad, grunge rock contemporaries. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

In 1999, Billy Joel was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame by fellow piano man, the great Ray Charles, who also happened to be one of Joel's heroes. Ray Charles arrives on stage to thunderous applause and shares his admiration as he inducts a dear friend.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Paul McCartney talks to his songwriting partner and friend in an honest, open letter to John Lennon. John's widow Yoko Ono accepts the honor, with a brief, emotional speech about the honor of her husband's solo work being recognized. John Lennon's music and message resonate as the world continues to imagine peace- living together as one.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

The Temptations set the standard with their sense of style, show-stopping dance moves, and vocal harmony. Hall & Oates not only talk about the incredible impact the Temptations had on them, they then jump into a full-on song – that the Tempts are more than happy to join in on. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

In 1991, Nirvana changed the face of music, busting the door wide open for underground bands to break out into the mainstream. In 2014, REM's Michael Stipe inducted the grunge trio into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He summed up their impact: “Nirvana defined a moment, a movement for outsiders.” Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Justin Timberlake shares how Madonna used her talent, business acumen and creativity to rule the music world and the charts. In Madonna's humorous and poignant remarks make it clear that her drive, vision and Blond Ambition are what led to her “first name only” icon status. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

In his entirely improvised speech, Neil Young eloquently expresses his love for the Pretenders, proclaiming them “one of the greatest rock and roll bands ever.” Original members Chrissie Hynde and Martin Chambers honor and remember the late James Honeyman-Scott & Pete Farndon. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Revolutionary blues maven Janis Joplin achieved rock icon status when the Rock Hall honored her in 1995 - her first year of eligibility. Melissa Etheridge, an outsider and activist in her own right, pays tribute to the woman she deems “the only goddess in a sea of rock gods.” Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

In 2017, the band Yes were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Rush, who were themselves inducted a few years earlier. This is a special moment – as one Prog Rock band gets to induct one of their Prog Rock heroes. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

In 2006, Black Sabbath received Rock's Highest Honor: Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Metal superstars James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich of Metallica were on hand to honor their heroes and the members of Black Sabbath kept their speeches short and sweet, emphasizing the power and importance of heavy music. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Pat Monahan of Train shares the Journey's history, from their roots in Santana to their peak as one of the top-selling bands in the world, describing the transcendent power of their music. The common theme from each member of the band is clear: this night was about Journey's legion of loyal fans as much as it was about the band itself.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Ann and Nancy Wilson fronted one of the most successful hard rock bands of the 70s and 80s at a time when, as Nancy put it, “women normally did not rock and women were not expected to be leaders.” Chris Cornell deemed them the “hometown heroes” of his Pacific Northwest city and helped the Rock Hall add two more rock goddesses to its pantheon. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Run-DMCs music bridged the gap of rock and rap, representing people who were otherwise not being seen or heard. To Eminem – and many teenagers growing up in the 1980s – Run DMC were “The Beatles” of the rap scene. These Kings of Rock were the group that convinced the public that hip-hop was here to stay and all it took was two turntables and a microphone.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

"P-Funk mastermind George Clinton offers a witty but entirely unrehearsed speech to honor his fellow funk legends, dubbing the Family Stone the “greatest funk band that ever was” and calling his longtime comrade Sly “the greatest writer” he can think of." Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Post-punk, power pop, classic rock, and new wave all came together in the music of the Cars – a sound you can't help but sing along to. Brandon Flowers of the Killers professes his love for the Cars through a story of his older brother introducing him to the band. Easton, Hawkes, Robinson, and Ocasek tell the story of the Cars incredible journey, and the thrill of being Inducted into the Rock Hall alongside their personal heroes. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

U2 frontman Bono puts his Irish gift of gab to good use when inducting the late Bob Marley, praising the reggae pioneer and global superstar with an almost lyrical cadence. Rita Marley, Bob's widow & musical collaborator, accepts the honor on his behalf with a moving speech comprised of his iconic song lyrics, underscoring the power of his music. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Curtis Mayfield is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for a second time by Sean "Diddy" Combs. Diddy marvels at Mayfield's ability to connect to the human experience as a singer, songwriter, poet & pioneer. Longtime manager and friend Marvin Hyman accepts the award on his behalf, sharing Mayfield's appreciation of hip-hop & R&B artists who had sampled his songs, allowing his music to live on and be shared with a new generation of music fans. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Virtually every singer and songwriter who came after Bob Dylan was influenced by him in some way, and Bruce Springsteen's induction of Dylan into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame captures that true essence and what he means to every songwriter and fan. Bruce demonstrates his great prowess as a storyteller – undoubtedly a skill he picked up directly from the songwriting of Dylan. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Chris Martin of Coldplay is honored to induct his hero, with a speech that gives both humor and sincerity. He relays a personal story about how his cassette copy of the Gabriel album Us took him on a journey and into a lifelong love of Peter's music. Gabriel shares a potent message for young musicians - Dream Big and surround yourself with brilliance. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Nothing is off limits as Pete Townshend inducts The Rolling Stones with his signature style of humor, honesty, and admiration. Pete expresses how the Stones were like his crash course in rock & roll and were the epitome of British Rock. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood and Mick Taylor honor the members not in attendance and look ahead to many more years together. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Speaking as one of Leon's biggest fans, Elton John offers a glowing tribute to his idol, whose work as a pianist, songwriter, and solo artist was a key influence on his own work. Elton acknowledges the man he calls “The Master” for all he's done for American music, including an astonishing list of artists with whom Leon worked throughout his distinguished career.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

The rap-rocker & multi-instrumentalist Kid Rock's induction of Southern rock giants Lynyrd Skynyrd centers around the idea of down-home values, even designating “Free Bird” as the National Anthem of the South. The acceptance speeches of the band and their families mix gratitude, celebration, and the somberness that accompanies a band that lost so many members over their storied past. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Stevie Wonder highlights the greatness of Bill Withers songwriting, his music, and his friendship. To Stevie, what Bill Withers achieved as an artist surpasses time, culture, and style. The music resonates, the message is timeless. Withers, the self-proclaimed “youngest living solo performer” of this induction class, is welcomed to the stage with a standing ovation. He enjoys every moment he has in the spotlight. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Elton John jumped at the chance to induct a fellow fashionable diva: blue-eyed soul icon Dusty Springfield. Elton describes the inspiration he drew from both Dusty's inimitable, versatile voice as well as her trademark sartorial style. Sadly, Springfield passed away less than two weeks before the induction ceremony. Her dear friend and manager, Vicki Wickham, accepts on her behalf. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Inductee Diana Ross pays homage to and welcomes the late Billie Holiday into the Hall of Fame as an Early Influence, leading with a haunting performance of “Strange Fruit.” Ross's praise flows like poetry, reflecting the power and pain of a woman whose impact continues to inspire generation after generation. Billie Holiday's voice came out of her soul, and it's the soul she left behind that has forever changed the landscape of rock & roll.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

In 2013, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame welcomed RUSH into their pantheon of rock immortals. 2014 Inductee Dave Grohl & Taylor Hawkins of 2021 Nominees Foo Fighters had the honor of inducting the trio. They highlight the superior musicianship, prolific output, and all-around “Working Man” philosophy that made RUSH one of the most successful prog bands of all time.   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Both U2 and Rage Against The Machine were hugely inspired by the hard-charging, political punk rock of the Clash. In the reverent and enthusiastic induction speech made by U2's The Edge, he explains how The Clash were a catalyst that changed U2's musical path, as well as the world around them. Tom Morello starts the night off by sharing personal memories and paying tribute to the most inspirational aspects contributed by each member of the band. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

During the 60s and 70s, psychedelic rock band Traffic pushed rock and roll into new directions by mixing blues and folk with new musical sounds, jazz improvisations, and extended jams. It comes as no surprise that in 2004, Dave Matthews was on hand to induct them. As Traffic accepts, Dave Mason shares the notion that rock and roll is really all about an attitude as Steve Winwood thanks everyone for recognizing the spirit of the band – the true meaning behind the music of Traffic. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

In 2007, rock & roll legend Keith Richards inducted Ronnie Spector, Estelle Bennett, and Nedra Talley a.k.a the Ronettes. Growing up, these women shared dreams of success and fame through the power of their immense vocals. The Ronettes' siren sound and edgy image planted the group into the sonic memory of rock ‘n' roll as well as the hearts of generations to come. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Michael Jackson's music and showmanship influenced virtually every pop star who followed, and at the 2001 ceremony the members of *NSYNC share that they are no exception.  Each of them give props to the man who paved the way for artists like them.  The often-reserved Jackson warmly accepts his second induction, and thanks all of his family and musical mentors who helped shape his natural talent into what became the legendary "King Of Pop" status. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Blues legend Buddy Guy has had a tremendous influence on the sound of guitar-based rock & roll for over half a century. And in 2005, fellow guitarists B.B. King and Eric Clapton were on hand to welcome Buddy to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee family.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

While inducting several supporting bands collectively, Smokey Robinson honored the “movers, groovers, drummers and strummers” that made music magic. Robinson shares that it was The Miracles that made his music whole, and the first lady of Motown Claudette Robinson and fellow Miracle Bobby Rogers step on stage to accept the honor. Claudette reflects on the success of the Miracles, sharing her mantra from the beginning: If you can dream it, miracles can happen. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Public Enemy were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame by activists Spike Lee and Harry Belafonte. Spike Lee reflects on how their groundbreaking song “Fight the Power” was created for his 1989 film Do the Right Thing and Belafonte celebrates the group as revolutionary change agents. Members of Public Enemy step to the mic to accept with inspiring words, including Chuck D who proudly describes the group as “real people who do real things”.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Mariah Carey inducted the legendary “Empress of Soul,” Gladys Knight and her heartwarming speech rightly celebrates the music of Gladys and her backing group, the Pips. The groups' modest remarks showcase their strong connections and acknowledge the determination it took to achieve their long and successful run. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Late night host David Letterman honors Pearl Jam by sharing their significance in rock history, while the Seattle-based rockers gave shout outs to their parents for letting them rock out in their childhood homes.  One of Letterman's resounding points of the night rings particularly true today: “Never take the opportunity for live music for granted.” Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Back in 2009, metal fans across the globe celebrated as Metallica received rock's highest honor: Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. And some of those fans were lucky enough to be in the room AND a part of history that night, as it was the first ceremony to ever be open to the public. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

In 2017, singer-songwriter Jackson Browne offers a moving induction of his idol, Joan Baez. Jackson illustrates how much Joan meant to his generation, describing her as the voice of the new folk movement. Joan's acceptance speech is equally inspirational as she shares her story of political activism and how she became a practitioner of non-violence, using her voice in the fight for justice. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com