Taylor Swift officially kicked off the 36th annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame festivities with a tribute to Carole King, singing an opening cover of “Will You Love Me Tomorrow”.
This song holds a special place for the 79-year-old singer-songwriter, also famous for hits like “You’ve Got a Friend” and “It’s Too Late”, “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” was a hit. monster for the Shirelles in 1960, when King was only a songwriter and not yet a recording artist; she re-recorded it for her solo album “Tapestry”, which in the early 1970s became what was then one of the biggest albums of all time.
Taylor Swift starts the show to induct Carole King. pic.twitter.com/lOGefhnIGP
– Dr Bryan McGeary (@BMcgeary) October 31, 2021
Swift’s respectful performance took place in front of a crowd of 12,000 at the ceremony, held at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland.
🚨 Taylor Swift in concert at the 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony singing “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” by Carole King #ARIAsTaylorSwift pic.twitter.com/MVAyz0Qoss
– ray (Taylor version) 🧣 (@rayymorgenstern) October 31, 2021
Swift and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson shared the stage in King’s honor, commemorating his second induction into the hall. King and Hudson appeared together on the cover of Variety this summer, talking about their experience writing a new song for Aretha Franklin’s biopic “Respect”, in which Hudson starred. King said in this interview that while she rarely leaves the state of Idaho, she would make an exception for the Hall of Fame.
King previously presented Swift with the American Music Award for Artist of the Decade in 2019. “Over the years I’ve known great songwriters and I’ve known great singers and performers, too,” said King said in his speech on this show. “It’s rare to see all of this talent in one person… She’s one of the few modern pop artists whose name (sometimes) appears as the only songwriter in the credits of her song. His lyrics resonate through all generations, his songs touch everyone and his impact across the world is extraordinary.
Coming up tonight: Drew Barrymore will be on hand to induct the Go-Go’s. Bassett will host Turner, whom she portrayed in the movie “What’s Love Got to Do With It”. Christina Aguilera, Mickey Guyton, HER and Keith Urban (replacing Bryan Adams) will perform Turner’s songs. Paul McCartney will induct Foo Fighters, with a planned set that will include a Beatles song, Variety has learned. In addition, a mix of Rolling Stones songs in honor of the late Charlie Watts are expected to be performed. A source tells Variety that the Foo Fighters had rehearsed “nothing but Rolling Stones songs” before their pop-up show Thursday night at the House of Blues in Cleveland. Among this set of songs, the band jammed on “Tumbling Dice”.
Additionally, the Go-Goes pulled one out of the bag with an interview on Sirius XM on Friday, saying Eminem would be in attendance. Sources confirm that Eminem is on hand to induct LL Cool J into the Hall. Additionally, Pharrell Williams recorded a tribute to the Kraftwork inductees. Lionel Richie will also induct executive Clarence Avent in the Hall this evening, having arrived earlier today a day after performing at his Las Vegas residence at the Wynn Las Vegas Resort.
Congratulations to James’s dear friend @Carole_King, who is inducted tonight into the @RockHall of Fame for the SECOND time! She is already there as a songwriter, and now she is recognized for her talent as a performer. May she reign for a long time!#CaroleKing # RockHall2021 pic.twitter.com/n1uaE5WOAO
– James Taylor (@JamesTaylor_com) October 30, 2021