The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame welcomed a trio of significant figures from the music industry during its induction ceremony on November 8, 2023, in Los Angeles. Notable musicians Carol Kaye and the late Warren Zevon, along with record executive Lenny Waronker, were honored for their contributions to the music world, marking a moment in Jewish-American rock history.
David Letterman, a renowned television host, played a pivotal role in the ceremony by honoring Warren Zevon posthumously. Zevon, who gained fame for hits like “Werewolves of London,” had a touching final appearance on Letterman’s “Late Show” in 2002, where he performed “Keep Me in Your Heart” while battling terminal illness. At the ceremony, Letterman presented Zevon’s guitar, which he had preserved for 22 years, to Dave Keuning of the band The Killers, stating, “By God, tonight it’s going back to work.”
While reminiscing about Zevon’s life, Letterman shared anecdotes provided by Zevon’s son, Jordan Zevon, including mentions of his father’s early influences such as classical composer Igor Stravinsky. Letterman humorously noted, “Oh, by the way, Igor Stravinsky is still waiting for his nomination,” eliciting laughter from the audience. Following the speeches, musician Waddy Wachtel, who collaborated with Zevon, performed “Lawyers, Guns and Money” alongside The Killers.
Warren Zevon’s contributions to music are noted for their ironic and satirical qualities, as described by Jonathan Karp, a Jewish historian and professor at Binghamton University. Karp emphasized the importance of Zevon’s unique style, stating, “You don’t have to be Jewish to have those qualities, but it helps.”
Inducted alongside Zevon, Lenny Waronker was recognized for his extensive career at Warner Bros. and DreamWorks Records. Karp highlighted Waronker’s legacy within the music industry, noting his connections to a long-standing tradition of Jewish influence in the business. “Jews were important even before the recording industry started,” Karp explained, pointing out their pivotal role as entrepreneurs and impresarios.
Waronker, the son of Liberty Records founder Simon Waronker, exemplifies the significant contributions of Jewish executives in shaping the industry’s landscape. Karp remarked on the historical context, noting that during the 1940s and 50s, Jewish executives were instrumental in promoting rhythm and blues music, which later evolved into rock and roll.
Also honored at the ceremony was Carol Kaye, a distinguished studio musician known for her work on classics like the Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations” and The Monkees’ “I’m a Believer.” Kaye, who converted to Judaism in the 1960s, has played a crucial role in the music scene, despite her preference for remaining out of the spotlight. Karp mentioned that Kaye declined to attend the ceremony, feeling that the honor did not fully reflect the work of studio musicians.
He noted her significance in a predominantly male environment, stating, “She shuns fame… She’s a woman playing in a totally male Wrecking Crew studio musician environment influenced by the Phil Spector sound.” Kaye’s journey from a Baptist upbringing to embracing Judaism and taking on the name “Ruth” reflects her unique place in music history.
The induction of these three figures underscores the profound impact of Jewish musicians and executives on the evolution of popular music, celebrating their lasting influence in a genre that continues to shape cultural landscapes globally.
