Run-DMC’s Adidas To Be Forever Enshrined In Cleveland

noah | January 14, 2009 3:30 am

Hip-hop pioneers Run-DMC, still-at-it metallurgists Metallica, guitar hero Jeff Beck, doo-wop group Little Anthony & the Imperials, and soul survivor Bobby Womack are this year’s performer inductees into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, the Cleveland-based museum that will enshrine (a certain type of) music that’s defined as “rock” for years to come, or at least as long as enough people want to pay the admission fee. The induction ceremony takes place on April 4, and this year it’s taking place in the museum’s home city, and not in splashy old New York City. Also being honored that night: sidemen Bill Black (bassist for Elvis Presley), DJ Fontana (drummer for Presley), and Spooner Oldham (session musician for Percy Sledge, Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan)—and rockabilly queen Wanda Jackson, who’s this year’s early influence of choice. I hope that she gets her “covered by a band of now” due during the ceremony, which is going to air live this year on Fuse (they’re taking over broadcast duties from VH1 Classic); some examples of why after the jump.

“Hard Headed Woman”

“Sparklin’ Brown Eyes”

“Mean Mean Man”

2009 Inductees [rockhall.org] Wanda Jackson – Hard Headed Woman [YouTube] Wanda Jackson – Sparklin’ Brown Eyes [YouTube] Wanda Jackson & Red Meat – Mean Mean Man (2007) [YouTube]