The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony over the weekend was as much of an all-star event as one would expect, but one superstar performance in particular left us reeling.
Dolly Parton was among this year’s honorees, despite her previous humble insistence that she hadn’t yet done enough to earn her place as a legend in the rock and roll genre. Pat Benatar, Duran Duran, Eminem, Eurythmics, Lionel Richie, and Carly Simon were also among those inducted this year.
It was quite a show all around, with a number of performances from musicians paying tribute to these icons, including Judas Priest, who received an Award for Musical Excellence themselves. Their performance saw them reunite with two former members — guitarist K.K. Downing and drummer Les Binks as they graced attendees with a medley of some of their greatest hits.
But as amazing as that was, it wasn’t the highlight of the night. That came at the end, when front man Rob Halford joined Dolly Parton to sing her iconic song, “Jolene.” And they weren’t alone, also joined by Benatar, Neil Giraldo, Duran Duran’s Simon Le Bon, Eurythmics’ Annie Lenox, Brandi Carlile, Pink, Sheryl Crow, and Zac Brown Band.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Class of 2022 Finale - Jolene - Nov 5 2022www.youtube.com
There were a number of other amazing moments throughout the night, including Parton performing a brand new song she wrote just for the occasion called “Rockin’,” starting to make good on her promise to record a whole rock and roll album to feel as if she truly earned her spot in the Hall of Fame (even though we all know she already has).
Also of note was Judas Priest’s acceptance speech of their own award, which saw Halford receive a standing ovation when he reminded the crowd, “I’m the gay guy in the band.”
All in all, a memorable night for music and music lovers — and we’ll be waiting for that new album, Dolly!
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