Hip Hop Legend DJ Kool Herc Cries as He Receives Musical Influence Award at Rock Hall 2023 - Spotify Vibes

DJ Kool Herc, the Jamaican American pioneer of hip hop music, broke down in tears while accepting the Musical Influence honor during the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2023 induction ceremony on Friday, November 3, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Read more about his emotional speech and his journey from Kingston to the Bronx.

DJ Kool Herc Breaks Down in Tears at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2023 Induction Ceremony

DJ Kool Herc, the Jamaican American pioneer of hip hop music, broke down in tears while accepting the Musical Influence honor during the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2023 induction ceremony on Friday, November 3, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

The 68-year-old deejay, who is widely credited as the founder of hip hop culture, was presented the award by two-time inductee Stevie Nicks, who praised him for his innovation and impact on the music industry.

"DJ Kool Herc is the reason why we are all here tonight," Nicks said. "He is the one who created the breakbeat, the foundation of hip hop music. He is the one who inspired generations of artists, producers, and deejays to express themselves through this powerful art form. He is the one who changed the course of rock and roll history."

DJ Kool Herc, whose real name is Clive Campbell, took the stage with his sister Cindy, who helped him organize his legendary parties at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx, New York, in the 1970s.

He thanked his family, friends, fans, and fellow inductees for their support and recognition, and recalled his journey from Kingston, Jamaica, to the Bronx, where he developed his unique style of deejaying.

"I came to America with a dream, and I made it come true with music," he said. "I wanted to share my love of funk, soul, and reggae with the people, and I found a way to do it with two turntables, a mixer, and a microphone. I didn't know I was creating a new culture, I was just having fun."

He also paid tribute to the pioneers of hip hop, such as Afrika Bambaataa, Grandmaster Flash, and Kurtis Blow, and the four elements of the culture: rapping, graffiti, b-boying, and deejaying.

"Hip hop is a movement, a lifestyle, a voice for the voiceless," he said. "It is a culture that celebrates diversity, creativity, and unity. It is a culture that has influenced the world in so many ways, from fashion to politics to education. It is a culture that I am proud to be a part of."

He then became emotional as he dedicated his award to his late mother, Nettie, who passed away in 2022.

"Mom, I know you are watching me from heaven, and I want to say thank you for everything you have done for me," he said, wiping away tears. "You gave me life, you gave me love, you gave me music. You were my first teacher, my first fan, my first hero. You always believed in me, even when no one else did. You always supported me, even when I had nothing. You always encouraged me, even when I faced challenges. You are the reason why I am here today, and I hope I have made you proud. I love you, Mom, and I miss you so much."

The audience gave DJ Kool Herc a standing ovation as he hugged his sister and held his award. He then joined the other inductees for a group photo and a final performance of the night.

The 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be broadcast live coast to coast on Disney+ from Brooklyn, New York, on FRIDAY, NOV. 3 (8:00 p.m. EDT/7:00 p.m. CDT/6:00 p.m. MDT/5:00 p.m. PDT), and will be available to stream following the ceremony. ABC will air a special featuring performance highlights and standout moments on MONDAY, JAN. 1, 2024 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EST).

Conclusion:

DJ Kool Herc, the founder of hip hop culture, was honored with the Musical Influence award at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2023 induction ceremony. He thanked his family, friends, fans, and fellow inductees for their support and recognition, and dedicated his award to his late mother, Nettie, who passed away in 2022. He also paid tribute to the pioneers and elements of hip hop, and expressed his pride in being a part of the culture that has influenced the world in so many ways.

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