ATLANTA, Ga. - Continuing a tradition of recognizing Southern rock with this year's induction of Widespread Panic, the Georgia Music Hall of Fame changed its tune Saturday by welcoming Chris ``Ludacris'' Bridges as its first rapper.
After Widespread Panic's two-song performance at the Georgia World Congress Center had people dancing in the aisles, Rolling Stones keyboardist and former inductee Chuck Leavell introduced the band: ``Widespread Panic has proved you can be successful by doing things your own way.''
Singer-guitarist John Bell's long-winded acceptance speech had the audience howling and screaming with almost every story he told of the band's early history.
``For us it could have closed up as innocently as the whole thing began but at that point in time, I promise you, we were not looking to this day 20 years into the future,'' he said.
Ludacris recognized his distinction of being the first rapper to be inducted with an articulate speech thanking all who have helped him along the way. But he began noting his very humble beginnings.
``And just to think 10 years ago I was trying to put pizzas through the oven at Pizza Hut to make sure I didn't get fired,'' said Ludacris. ``Now the only way I'll get fired is if I fire myself, so that's a beautiful thing right now for sure.''
R&B singer-songwriter Keith Sweat jump-started the show with an inspired performance before his induction that followed the posthumous award to the ``Queen of Gospel'' Dottie Rambo.
The two non-performers awarded included Macon disc jockey Hamp Swain and Fred and Dinah Gretsch, makers of world-famous Gretsch guitars and drums.
Swain, also known as King Bee and only the seventh DJ to be inducted, is widely regarded for helping break the careers of the ``Godfather of Soul'' James Brown and the legendary Otis Redding by being the first to play their records on air.
Tuesday
June 3rd, 2025
10:06AM
