USA: ERIC CLAPTON AND JAMES TAYLOR TAKE THEIR PLACES IN THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME

Record ID: 388941

  • Title: USA: ERIC CLAPTON AND JAMES TAYLOR TAKE THEIR PLACES IN THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME
  • Date: 16th March 2000
  • Summary: NEW YORK CITY, USA (MARCH 6, 2000) (REUTERS) (SOUNDBITE) (English) RAITT COUNTS HERSELF LUCKY TO BE IN THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME: "Absolutely unbelievable. It's enough of an honor to do it for a living, believe me. To not have to get a regular job all this time is blessing enough. I never expected to get in (the hall of fame) until I was about 70."
  • Embargoed: 31st March 2000 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: NEW YORK CITY, UNITED STATES
  • Country: USA
  • Topics: Entertainment
  • Reuters ID: LVA2X0GMSWPHGA45NC6HFXUO44YW
  • Story Text: Rock and rollers Eric Clapton and James Taylor - musicians who have inspired listeners for at least 25 years - have taken their place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in New York City.Other inductees include the groups "Lovin' Spoonful" and the "Moonglows," and Nat King Cole and Billy Holiday have also been inducted as "early influences."
    The induction ceremonies for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame were held in New York City's famous Waldorf-Astoria Hotel Monday evening (March 6).
    Bonnie Raitt took her place among the honored musicians quoting the legendary musician James Brown as she accepted.
    She said, "This is still in many ways a man's world, " adding, "but not for long."
    After performing "A Thing Called Love" with Melissa Etheridge, Raitt talked backstage about her recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.
    She said, "It was a really good idea in my case.I was really lucky I didn't go kicking and screaming or running over anybody.So, I'm very blessed to be one of the lucky ones that's able to stand up and remember what's going on.So I think it has everything to do and nothing to do with me.
    Everything to do with why I'm here.I'm plugged into some power line and I'm really appreciative of it, and I don't forget."
    British musician Eric Clapton was inducted into the Hall of Fame for the third time.This time it was as a solo artist, following earlier recognition for playing in the Yardbirds and Cream.Clapton told the audience, "Love and music is all we need," and then he began playing his song "Tears in Heaven."
    The song was written after the accidental death of his young son.
    Former Beatle Paul McCartney made a suprise appearance and introduced James Taylor, who was inducted.Taylor, like Raitt, mentioned with thankfulness his recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.The audience was quiet as he said, "It seems like a good moment to stop and thank providence and my sponsor for my program of recovery from addiction.Can a get an amen?," he asked, and then wiped his brow as if in relief.
    Later, backstage, Taylor said it was "good to be alive."
    He granted a reporter's request for an autograph and said he would have an album coming out later this year.
    The nine members of Earth, Wind & Fire, a wildly popular rhythm and blues band of the 70s, were all on the same stage for the first time in more than 20 years.The reunion was tender, as their lead singer Maurice White has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and the symptoms were visible.White declared that induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame had left him speechless, but then went on to say it had been a long hard road, but a beautiful one, with such talented musicians along to take the ride.He said performing with them was "pure joy."
    The band members said they didn't feel old, being together after all of the years.However, one of them, Al McKay, said "What makes up feel old is when we're out and about and someone comes up to us and says, 'My momma's got all y'all's records."
    Also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame were the groups "Lovin' Spoonful" and the "Moonglows." Nat King Cole and Billy Holiday were inducted as "early influences.
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