Bobby Womack Reacts to Hall of Fame News: "I Wish I Could Call Sam Cooke"

Bobby Womack says he is extremely happy to learn he'll be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the rest of the 2009 class (Metallica, Jeff Beck, Run-DMC and Little Anthony and the Imperials). "My very first thought was — I wish I could call Sam Cooke and share this moment with him," Womack said in a statement. "This is just about as exciting to me as being able to see Barack Obama become the first black President of the United States of America! It proves that, if you're blessed to be able to wait on what's important to you, a lot of things will change in life."

Making the honor even more special to Womack is that this year's ceremony will take place in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. "Being able to work, perform and make people happy is where it's at. I haven't been home in almost 30 years, so having this happen in my hometown is really icing on the cake," Womack said. "I'm looking forward to going home."

The April 4th induction ceremony will be the Hall's first in its hometown since 1997, and will feature Run-DMC's first performance since the death of Jam Master Jay seven years ago. For a full report on the Rock Hall inductees, click here:

• Metallica, Run-DMC, Jeff Beck Lead Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's Class of 2009

• Photos: The Rock Hall's Class of 2009

Plus, visit Rolling Stone's Rock Hall home:

• Rolling Stone's Essential Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Coverage

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Song Stories

“Is It True”

Brenda Lee | 1964

As the British Invasion reached its peak in 1964, Brenda Lee went from Nashville to London to record one of her hardest-rocking hits, her perky vocal backed by a stuttering, squalling guitar. That guitar was played by session musician Jimmy Page, yet to skyrocket to fame with first the Yardbirds and then Led Zeppelin. "She said to me, 'I've come here to make a record with the British sound,'" remembered producer Mickie Most. "She felt she wouldn't get the same sound in Nashville because they're only just catching up on the British beat group sound of about six months ago."

More Song Stories entries »

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