Yesterday evening (March 14), music legends Neil Diamond, Alice Cooper and Tom Waits were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame during a black-tie dinner at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in Manhattan, reports the Hollywood Reporter.
Musicians Dr. John, Leon Russell and Darlene Love were also inducted during the ceremony. Singer Darlene Love, who gained prominence in the 1960s with her signature song Christmas (Baby Please Come Home), was moved to tears in her speech, saying it was the best present she could have received for her birthday.
Rob Zombie was given the honor of inducting eccentric rocker Alice Cooper, whose hits No More Mr. Nice Guy and School’s Out marked the 1970s.
Pop singer-songwriter Neil Diamond artist was honored in turn by Paul Simon. The Sweet Caroline hitmaker traveled all the way from Australia for the event, and was planning to return to his tour after the ceremony.
Blues songwriter Tom Waits received tribute from Neil Young during the evening. “In the scope of things,” said Young, “This man is a great singer, actor, magician, spirit guide, changeling and performer for you."
Elton John inducted musician and songwriter Leon Russell, who, aided by a cane, walked slowly on stage and told the crowd that earlier this year John had found him in “a ditch beside the highway of life.” British pop star John described his collaboration with the artist as one of the best years of his life.