BY: JOEY REAMS
The 36th annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony is tomorrow on Oct. 30 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. With the event so close, everything you need to know about the most significant event in the rock and roll industry has been released, including inductees, presenters, and performers. We’ve decided to break down all of this to prepare for this big event, so you know what to expect. Here is everything you need to know about the 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame performers and presenters.
Performers
Every year, a handful of artists will perform at the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to celebrate their fellow musicians. These performers often have a lot of respect or appreciation for the artists they are playing for, and they always try their best to do so. Some of the best performances have come out of this famous Cleveland venue, mainly for the jaw-dropping combinations amongst performers. One of the all-time best performances at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame included Chuck Berry, Steve Winwood, Jerry Lee Lewis, Keith Richards, John Fogerty, Chubby Checker, the Rock Hall Jam Band. It’s unknown if the following artists will play together in a massive jam-band such as the previously mentioned. However, there’s a great chance some of these artists play with one another for at least one song. Here are the 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame performers:
Christina Aguilera, Mickey Guyton, H.E.R., and Bryan Adams
The first block of performers all come for one artist: Tina Turner. This is a testament to her influence and power as a musician. Each of these artists comes from different backgrounds but has all been inspired by Turner one way or another. Aguilera, while having no direct relationship with the singer, will perform a special tribute for the artist. One of the trailblazers in black country music was Mickey Guyton. Although Turner is known as a pop artist, her first solo album was Tina Turns the Country On!, released in 1974. Following this release, she would go on to a broader genre within pop. This has influenced many artists, such as the Pointer Sisters and Mickey Guyton.
One of the newer artists celebrating Tina Turner is H.E.R., a 24-year-old singer-songwriter born as Gabriella Wilson. Although H.E.R. has only been around for five years, she embodies everything Tina Turner did to form the genre into what it is today. Last on the list is Bryan Adams, who has a long history with Tina Turner. Bryans started his relationship with Turner by supporting her on her 1985 Private Dance Tour. Almost 20 years later, the two performed a duet of Rod Stewart and Sting’s “All For Love” for her 2013 Erwin Beach wedding. There’s a chance we will see them perform this song together once again at this ceremony.
“I am absolutely thrilled to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame amongst such amazing artists!” Turner said on her Twitter. “Thank you for all your continued love and support over the years!”
Taylor Swift and Jennifer Hudson
The next duo of performers is all for Carole King, the now two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee. For this performance, the two artists performing represent the new and the old, both drawing inspiration from Turner. Swift is one of the most successful female artists, with over 200 million records sold worldwide. Her accolades include 11 Grammy Awards, an Emmy, 12 CMA Awards, 25 Billboard Music Awards, and 29 Guinness World Records. All of them were made possible by Turner, who set the stage for solo female artists.
Another artist to follow in Turner’s footsteps was Jennifer Hudson. The Chicago-based singer-songwriter rose to fame as a finalist in American Idol in 2004. Following her successful career, which includes two Grammys, she embarked on an acting career, similar to Turner following her musical career.
Presenters
Unlike the performance awards, each Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee is introduced by someone who has played a significant role in the band/ artist’s career. The presenters usually provide touching monologues that encapsulate the essence of what each nominee represents. While most of the speeches are heart-warming, they often include rare stories and playful jokes. Here are this year’s presenters for the 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of fame
First, on the list, we have Angela Bassett inducting Tina Turner. Bassett is an American actress who played Tina Turner in the 1993 biographical drama What’s Love Got to Do with it. The performance earned Bassett a nomination for the 66th Academy Awards for Best Actress. Bassett also won a Golden Globe award for the musical. Following this, Bassett and Turner remained close friends. In 2018, Bassett supported the singer by attending her Broadway show Tine – The Tina Turner Musical.
Before she performs at the ceremony, Taylor Swift will be inducting Carole King. As mentioned, it doesn’t appear the two have any close relationship with each other. That doesn’t mean the young singer-songwriter hasn’t found inspiration from King. Swift will likely discuss the impact King has had on her and the industry as a whole.
Actress Drew Barrymore will induct The Go-Gos. Although, at first, this doesn’t seem to make much sense, their stories run much deeper than expected. The Go-Go’s lead singer Belinda Carlisle interviewed Barrymore back in 1984. The two went on their own paths and created lives for themselves, but it’s clear that interaction left a deep impact on Barrymore.
Legendary Beatles guitarist Paul McCartney will induct Foo Fighters. This matchup makes the most sense. Paul McCartney and the Beatles helped revolutionize the rock industry when the “British invasion” took over America in the 60s. Their career and legacy influenced countless other bands, including Nirvana, Foo Fighters, and more. With Foo Fighters being inducted into the 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, it only makes sense to have one of the greatest musicians introduce them.
Last but not least, we have Lionel Richie inducting Clarence Avant. Dubbed “The Black Godfather,” Avant has had incredible relationships with several artists throughout his career, including Lionel Richie. It’s without a doubt Richie will use his time to express his deep gratitude for Avant, who turned 90 years old earlier this year.