Elvis drummer Dominic Joseph \"DJ\" Fontana, Metallica, Jeff Beck and Run-DMC are among the artists inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. The induction ceremony took place at Cleveland, Ohio on April 4, 2009. For the first time the event was accessible to the public.
\"This year’s class of inductees truly represents what the Hall of Fame is all about. From classic artists that began their careers in the 50’s and 60’s to those that have defined the modern sound of rock and roll. These artists demonstrate the rich diversity of rock and roll itself. We are proud to honor these artists and celebrate their contribution to rock and roll’s place in our culture.”
About DJ Fontana
DJ Fontana is best known as the drummer for Elvis Presley for 14 years. He joined a band consisting of Scotty Moore (lead guitar), Bill Black (bass) and Elvis Presley (rhythm guitar), calling themselves “The Blue Moon Boys”. The band would perform and record the vast majority of the Elvis Presley hits of the 50’s including Heartbreak Hotel, Hound Dog, Don’t Be Cruel, and Jailhouse Rock. DJ Fontana also toured extensively and performed on several television appearances through 1956 and 1957. His drumming built the foundation of rock and roll percussion influencing future players such as Ringo Starr, Charlie Watts and Max Weinberg.
About Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The 2009 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame performer inductees were chosen by the 600 voters of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation. Artists are eligible for inclusion in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twenty-five years after their first recording is released.
In addition to being honored at the April ceremony, each inducted artist is commemorated at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum - along with previous year’s inductees and hundreds of other artists – with an exhibit and film that serve to tell the story of modern music.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is a museum located on the shores of Lake Erie in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, United States, dedicated to recording the history of some of the best-known and most influential artists, producers, and other people who have in some major way influenced the music industry, particularly in the area of rock and roll.
