New York City – Music royalty gathered in Manhattan for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Waldorf-Astoria. I say music royalty, as opposed to R&R royalty, because once again some of the inductees, although legendary, can hardly be considered definitive rockers.

Legendary songwriter and singer Carole King.

Whereas inductees Genesis, The Hollies and The Stooges were essentially non-debatable among most in the industry, the selection of the Swedish pop group ABBA raised some voices of dissension. Yes, we can all still sing along to many of their memorable hits, particularly with the success of "Mama Mia" on Broadway and film, but is it really Rock & Roll? Also receiving the performance honor this year was Jimmy Cliff, one of the greatest Reggae artists of all time, but again is it Rock & Roll? There was definitely less resistance to Cliff, perhaps because the genre is so small and his influence so profound on Rock & Roll artists over the years.

The non-performers category was more reflective of traditional Rock & Roll with numerous songwriters and songwriting teams inducted including Barry Mann and Cynthia Well, Jessie Stone, Mort Shuman, Otis Blackwell and Ellie Greenwich and Jeff Barry. Legendary producer and record label founder David Geffen was also inducted and honored with the Ahmet Ertegun Lifetime Achievement Award.

Besides the honorees the event was packed with music greats like Bruce Springsteen, Carole King, Faith Hill, Steve Van Zandt, Jackson Brown, Billie Joe Armstrong, Wyclef Jean, Trey Anastasio, Ronnie Spector, Peter Wolf and Barry and Robin Gibb, many of whom were presenters. Iggy Pop of The Stooges certainly stole the show during the media packed press conference and photo-op as the aging rocker peeled his shirt showing off a still trim 62 year-old torso.

Controversy aside, the event was a classic NYC red carpet held at one Manhattan's premiere venues. I know I am being a bit provincial but it is interesting is it not, that one gets inducted at the Waldorf-Astoria and enshrined in Cleveland? "If I can make it there, I can make it anywhere, New York, New York!"

For more info go to www.rockhall.com.

Iggy Pop of The Stooges stole the show at the media packed R&R Hall of Fame press conference and photo-op