Peter Frampton, Stevie Nicks & Sheryl Crow Stuns Crowd At Rock Hall Of Fame
via Cal Vid / Youtube
American music icon Sheryl Crow was graciously received into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as she wowed the crowd with a string of performances featuring a heartwarming collaboration with one of her devoted young fans and two fellow iconic musicians during the 2023 induction ceremony on November 3, 3023 at Brooklyn, NY’s Barclays Center.
The highly anticipated event, streamed live for the first time ever, paid tribute to the 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame performer inductees, including Willie Nelson, Kate Bush, Missy Elliott, Rage Against The Machine, George Michael, The Spinners, and, of course, Sheryl Crow.
A notable highlight amidst the star-studded presentations was the country rock and pop icon’s jubilant set as a newly inducted member. Crow’s celebratory performance included guest appearances by Olivia Rodrigo, Stevie Nicks, and Peter Frampton.
One of her closest friends inducted Sheryl Crow
The evening jumpstarted with a captivating performance as Rodrigo joined her idol stage, providing her musical prowess to assist in delivering Crow’s 1996 hit, “If It Makes You Happy.” This dynamic duo, having recently shared the stage at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe, engaged in a seamless exchange of verses, showcasing their musical synergy with Crow strumming on the electric guitar and Rodrigo skillfully playing the acoustic.
Following this mesmerizing performance, one of Crow’s closest friends Laura Dern took the stage to deliver the induction speech, addressing the audience with profound words.
Dern shared, “She mapped out the chapters of our lives and has continued to be a multi-generational muse for everything we feel, always discovering a newness to reflect on in herself and in us. With success came massive sales, numerous awards. But Sheryl, she makes art because she has to. For her, success has never been measured outside herself.”
The actress’ eloquent words painted a picture of Crow’s enduring impact on both the musical landscape and the personal experiences of her audience, emphasizing the artist’s commitment to artistic expression beyond external accolades.
Stevie Nicks and Peter Frampton turned up
Following Laura Dern’s moving speech, Sheryl Crow and Stevie Nicks—who was inducted into both the Fleetwood Mac and solo artist ranks in 2019—took the stage and performed a wonderful cover of Crow’s heartfelt ballad, “Strong Enough”.
The performance was further enhanced by a striking visual element as both musicians wore Nicks’ renowned “sisters of the moon” necklaces, which stand for a bond and friendship. When Peter Frampton unexpectedly joined the group on stage, the atmosphere was electrified. Together, they powerfully performed “Everyday Is a Winding Road”.
In a lighthearted moment, Crow, acknowledging the significance of the occasion, humorously quipped, “This is a little bit like getting an Oscar for a screenplay you haven’t finished writing yet”.
She then playfully teased the audience about her original acceptance speech being a lengthy seven-and-a-half hours. Expressing her genuine thrill and honor, Crow added, “For me, it’s just a huge thrill and definitely a very big honor for me to get to be inducted alongside one of the people I admire most on this planet, and that’s Willie Nelson.”
In an elite club of women of music
Crow and Rodrigo have harbored reciprocal admiration since the moment Crow presented Rodrigo with the Billboard Women in Music award in 2022. Reflecting on Rodrigo’s talent, Crow remarked, “Her songs have a visceral power to them that touches your core. I say to you, Olivia: ‘You’re going to be around for a very long time.’”
During her own speech, the “Vampire” singer expressed her profound admiration for Sheryl Crow, stating, “Sheryl, I’m such a massive fan of you and your songwriting and I’m so grateful that you’re here. It really means the world.”
Crow and Nicks, on the other hand, were longstanding friends with a history of collaborative performances both on stage and in the studio. The duo shared a heartwarming moment of celebration with the Fleetwood Mac songstress being one of the first to congratulate Crow on her Rock Hall induction.
Nicks wrote, “Congratulations, Miz Crow for your upcoming induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ~ I am so proud of you ~ It’s a very elite club for us women. I found out at 4 o’clock this morning and had to dance around my room for you. See you on the road! Love you, Stevie.”
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A celebration of musical greatness
During the ceremony, Sheryl Crow and fellow inductee Willie Nelson performed a riveting version of “Crazy” and “On The Road Again.” She also performed The Band’s iconic song “The Weight” with Brittany Howard, Chris Stapleton, and Elton John, honoring the late Rock Hall member Robbie Robertson.
In addition to the notable performers mentioned, Soul Train creator Don Cornelius was also honored at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony with the Ahmet Ertegun Award.
Along with Link Wray, the guitarist recognized as the creator of the power chord, DJ Kool Herc, who is considered the “father of hip-hop,” was also presented with the Musical Influence Award at the event. Chaka Khan, Al Kooper, and Bernie Taupin—who had received the Musical Excellence Award—were also honored at the occasion.
Live performers and presenters at the ceremony included acclaimed artists such as Carrie Underwood, Elton John, H.E.R., New Edition, St. Vincent, and many more, adding to the diverse and star-studded lineup of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction event.
A new album to commemorate her induction
To commemorate her induction in November, Sheryl Crow revealed the exciting news of her upcoming 11th album, titled Evolution, along with the release of a single titled “Alarm Clock”. Scheduled to be released on March 29, 2024, Evolution marks her first musical offering since her 2018 album, Threads.
Speaking about the creation of the new album, Sheryl Crow shared insights, stating, “Everything is more song-oriented now with streaming, and making an album is a huge endeavor. I started sending just a couple of demos to [Producer] Mike [Elizondo], but the songs just kept flowing out of me and it was pretty obvious this was going to be an album.”
In a continuation of her statement, Crow expressed the deep inspiration behind the music, stating, “This music and these lyrics came from sitting in the quiet and writing from a deep soul place. I said I’d never make another record, though there was no point to it.
She went on, “But this music comes from my soul. And I hope whoever hears this record can feel that.” Crow’s words reveal the profound and personal nature of the forthcoming album, highlighting the emotional depth and authenticity she brings to her music.
