Editor’s Note by Marie Elium
My first record was a shoe store giveaway — a 45 of “Momma Told Me Not to Come” by Three Dog Night. I listened to it on a console stereo until it got too scratched up to play.
I later bought three albums, the only ones I ever owned: Helen Reddy’s “Long Hard Climb,” “John Denver’s Greatest Hits,” and The Carpenter’s “A Song for You.”
My parents never played music at home, not even the radio. No older siblings influenced my musical taste; I was the older sibling.
I’ve evolved very little, music-wise. My iPhone has 112 downloaded songs — from musicals, the ‘70s and TikTok videos.
So imagine my surprise when the Rock Hall folks gave me Media Work Room credentials to cover the Hall of Fame Induction at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. I didn’t know if I’d be hobnobbing with stars or staring at a trash can. I did a little of both.
Better Than Us
The reporters and photographers in the Work Room were a combo of local and national media representatives. I’m not sure because no one talked to each other. The Induction was streamed live into the media room, just a short distance from the main stage. J Lo was there, as was Taylor Swift, the Foo Fighters, Jay-Z, Keith Urban, Dave Chappelle, Sir Paul Paul McCartney and other A-list celebrities. So close and yet so far; I only saw them on a monitor.
My takeaway: Paul McCartney shouldn’t sing anymore and Taylor Swift didn’t sound that great. But that’s just me.
Throughout the long night, celebrities came into the Work Room, posed for photos, a few answered questions, and then quickly left. We were only 10 or 15 feet from them.
Inductee Carole King seemed excited and humbled to be at the induction and talked about the environment. Brandi Carlile, fresh off a gig as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live, was effusive and relaxed. Rapper and inductee LL Cool J came across as gracious, exhilarated and, yes, cool. He sparkled from head to toe. Jennifer Hudson looked tall; Lionel Richie looked tired. Angela Bassett, who inducted Tina Turner, was dramatically and stunningly glamorous.
The Go-Gos, who not only were inducted but also performed several songs, wore aggressively uncoordinated outfits. If they were any other group of 60-something women, say my book club, their clothing could be described as quirky-boho. They were terrific.
My opinion, music aside, is that celebrities really are better looking than us, more charismatic than us, and generally better. It’s not just filters, skillful editing and extraordinary lighting. I liked seeing them up-close, even for a few minutes, and it proved that celebrities are called “stars” because songs and movies and TV shows make them seem close to us, yet as untouchable and unknowable as actual stars up above.
My foray into rock & roll was short (about 8 hours), and I’m glad I did it. I’m fine remembering Carole King in her “Tapestry” days, and Sir Paul McCartney as a Beatle. Stars are most impressive when they’re out of reach, both here and in the night sky.
Back to Earth, we’ve got a jam-packed issue for you. Stories about our 2021 Boomer Impact Award winner, sportswriter Terry Pluto, and the founder of the world’s largest candy company highlight just how diverse and interesting life can be here in NEO.
Speaking of diverse and interesting, I’m going to download a couple of Jay-Z and LL Cool J songs. I need to keep up, even though I’m about 20 years behind. Seeing stars has that effect; their songs will have to do for now. After all, it’s too cloudy around here to see real ones.
Happy holidays,
Marie
traci mcbride
Had to be a highlight of your job.