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On Wednesday,
January 27, 1999 at high noon, nine legendary bass players were
inducted into Hollywood's RockWalk in front of Guitar Center
Hollywood on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, California. Inducted
posthumously were James Jamerson and Jaco Pastorius. James' widow and
several other family members accepted the honor on his behalf and
Jaco's brother-in-law accepted his honor on behalf of Jaco's family
and his wife Ingrid.
In attendance
at the "Bass Greats" induction ceremony were the following inductees:
-
Tim Bogert
- Stanley Clarke
- Tony Levin
- Larry Graham
- Billy Sheehan
- Bootsy Collins
- Leland Sklar
Fellow Vanilla
Fudge member Carmine Appice attended and, as a surprise guest, actor
Steven Seagal. The entire event was hosted by Jim Ladd, a DJ from
KLOS the best local Los Angeles rock station.
While
introducing TIM BOGERT, Jim Ladd said that even 30 years later
"You Keep Me Hanging On" by the Vanilla Fudge is still
requested on a regular basis. He said that he, "will go to work
tonight and I guarantee someone will call in to request that song."
Each inductee
signed their name and placed their hands in a block of wet cement.
The block will be included in the foyer sidewalk along with other
legendary musicians and rock bands. Tourists and LA residents can
visit the sight during their next trip to Hollywood.
Each inductee
also received a beautiful plaque commemorating the event and
individual proclamations from Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan.
Tim had a
great time. He smiled so much that his cheeks hurt. Many of his
friends and former students attended the event. It was a wonderful
day and I think Tim was very proud and honored to be a part of it.
During his
acceptance speech Tim said, "I'm speechless and, for those of
you who know me, you know how significant that is."
According to
their web site at http://www.rockwalk.com, "Hollywood's RockWalk
is dedicated to honoring those individuals and groups who have made
significant contributions to the development and continuing evolution
of Rock 'N Roll, and to serve as an ongoing tribute to them." It
goes on to say, "...inductees are chosen solely by past
honorees. Selections are determined through secret ballot by each of
the past winners; each of whom are asked to submit a list of who they
would consider to be three deserving inductees. The individual or
group receiving the most first place votes is designated as the next
inductee.... In this way, inductees are chosen by real 'musical
authorities,' those who would best be suited to gauge his or her
contributions to Rock 'N Roll as an art form."
Congratulations
to all of the inductees, but we send particular congratulations to Tim
Bogert.
L to R; Lee
Sklaar, Tim, actor Steven Segal, Bootsy Collins,
James
Jamerson's widow and Larry Graham
Photo by Kris Osward |
