By MESFIN FEKADUAP Music WriterCLEVELAND (AP) - Bon Jovi reunited onstage with former members for a powerful performance celebrating its admission into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and the late icon Nina Simone was welcomed to the prestigious music club with show-stopping performances from Lauryn Hill and Andra Day.Bon Jovi's portion of the four-hour-plus event ran an hour-long Saturday night, with Jon Boni Jovi giving a lengthy 20-minute speech onstage. He said he had been writing the speech for years."Some days I write the 'Thank you' speech, sometimes I write the '(Expletive) you' speech," he said. "In the end, it's all about time. It took a lot of people to get us here tonight."Richie Sambora, who left the New Jersey band in 2013, and Alec John Such, who left in 1994, embraced their former bandmates with a hug after each one spoke onstage to accept the honor. They performed together, too, singing crowd favorites like "Livin' on a Prayer," ''You Give Love a Bad Name" and "It's … [Read more...] about Bon Jovi, Nina Simone, Moody Blues make it into Rock Hall
Nina simone
Rock Hall 2018: Lauryn Hill stuns during Nina Simone tribute
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Before inducting Nina Simone into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Mary J. Blige, and R&B legend herself, apologized for the length of her speech. It wasn't that long. Still, no one would have minded had Blige gone on and on and on. After all, we're talking about Nina Simone, one of the greatest and most versatile singers of all time. "Nina and I have a lot in common," said Blige. "Through our pain and our turmoil, we sing...and we help people get through." Representing Simone was her brother, Nyack Sam Waymon who couldn't have been more proud to honor his sister and tell stories about her life. Though, he admitted it was ironic seeing her inducted into the Rock Hall. "Nina Simone is a non-conformist," said Waymon. "She's a non-traditionalist, like me. When I think of her, I see my sister. But I also see an enormous classical pianist. She could play." Andra Day pays tribute to Nina Simone.Theo Wargo Perhaps no act inducted into the Rock Hall on Saturday has … [Read more...] about Rock Hall 2018: Lauryn Hill stuns during Nina Simone tribute
The Latest: Soulful Nina Simone inducted into Rock Hall
CLEVELAND (AP) — The Latest on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony (all times local):11:05 p.m.Soul singer Nina Simone, who raised awareness with a dazzling voice during the civil rights movement, is rock and roll royalty.Simone was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday night by R&B superstar Mary J. Blige, who described her as "bold, strong, feisty and fearless and so vulnerable and transparent at the same time."A classically-trained pianist, Simone is often referred to as "The High Priestess of Soul." She influenced countless musicians, including hip-hop artists Jay-Z, Kanye West and others who first discovered her from a 2015 Oscar-nominated documentary.Blige feels a deep connection to Simone and said the women share an ability to ease people's pain and "help people heal. We help people get through."Simone died in 2003. Her brother, Jon Wayman, accepted the enshrinement trophy on her behalf.———10:25 p.m.The Cars have … [Read more...] about The Latest: Soulful Nina Simone inducted into Rock Hall
Bon Jovi, the Cars, Nina Simone, Dire Straits to be inducted into Rock Hall
Bon Jovi, the Cars and four first-time nominees, including Nina Simone, will be inducted Saturday night as the 2018 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class.Dire Straits, The Moody Blues and Sister Rosetta Tharpe, who died in 1973, will also earn the prestigious honor at the organization's 33rd annual ceremony at Public Auditorium in Cleveland, where the Rock Hall is based.Bon Jovi, who have sold more than 120 million albums and launched multiple No. 1 hits, was first nominated in 2011. Jon Bon Jovi will be inducted alongside current bandmates David Bryan and Tico Torres, as well as former members Richie Sambora and Alec John Such. Sambora left in 2013; Such left in 1994.The frontman said though he and the other current members haven't spoken to Sambora since he left the group, he invites the performer, along with Such, to be part of the Rock Hall festivities. The band will be inducted by Howard Stern.Brothers Mark and David Knopfler, of English rockers Dire Straits, won't attend the event, … [Read more...] about Bon Jovi, the Cars, Nina Simone, Dire Straits to be inducted into Rock Hall
Lauryn Hill, Questlove to join Rock Hall’s Nina Simone tribute
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Questlove has been spotted on stage during rehearsals for the Nina Simone tribute taking place at tonight's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony in Cleveland. The Roots drummer was on stage at Public Hall Friday night. So was previously announced Andra Day, who will sing "I Put a Spell On You." Simone's cover of the legendary Screamin' Jay Hawkins tune is one of her best known recordings. It's also not surprising to see Questlove participating in the ceremony. He will serve as the DJ for an after party tonight at House of Blues. There is also strong evidence that Lauryn Hill will perform as well, according to bassist Jay Rosado's Instagram page. It's all but confirmed. … [Read more...] about Lauryn Hill, Questlove to join Rock Hall’s Nina Simone tribute