NEW YORK: Sheryl Crow delivered a foot-stomping medley of her greatest hits as she was inducted on Friday into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as part of a class that also includes Missy Elliott and the late George Michael.

Rock experimentalist Kate Bush, Rage Against the Machine, country icon Willie Nelson and R&B group The Spinners rounded out the 2023 class of inductees.

The concert gala at Brooklyn’s Barclays Centre got underway with heartland rocker Crow belting tracks including “If It Makes You Happy” alongside Olivia Rodrigo, before Stevie Nicks and Peter Frampton also joined in the party.

“Music really helped me navigate my emotions,” the 61-year-old told journalists backstage, wearing a glittering velvet jacket with equally starry black jeans and a turquoise-studded belt.

“I’m a big believer in manifesting,” she said. “All of my energy went into expressing my experiences through music and through words and, lo and behold, I got back what I put out.”

Michael, who died in 2016 at age 53, was inducted by his other half from the hit duo Wham!, with a medley performance from Miguel, Adam Levine and Carrie Underwood, who sang “One More Try.” Andrew Ridgeley told the audience his musical partner “would have been delighted and flattered over his inclusion into these hallowed ranks.” “George was one of the greatest singers of our time, his voice was sublime.” he said. “His pain healed ours and his grace gave hope.”

DJ Kool Herc and Link Wray were inducted as “influences” and the late creator of “Soul Train,” Don Cornelius, received a non-performer honor.

Published in Dawn, November 5th, 2023