Watch Lauryn Hill and Andra Day honor Nina Simone at The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 2018 class induction ceremony

On April 14th in Cleveland, Ohio, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame held an induction ceremony for the 2018 class, and among the honored were soul goddess Nina Simone and legendary guitarist and gospel singer Sister Rosetta Tharpe.

Mary J. Blige had the honor of inducting Nina Simone into the Hall of elites, talks about the late singer’s songs in her speech saying, “songs about injustice, struggle, and black life resonate to this day.” Simone served as an activist during the Civil Rights Movement, using her voice as a tool to make a difference. Her work influenced many of today’s famous artists including Lauryn Hill who did a split tribute with Andra Day to honor Simone, who died of cancer in 2003.

Backed by The Roots, Day began the tribute with an uplifting cover of “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free” and Jay Hawkins’ “I Put a Spell on You”, which was famously covered by Simone, along with an insane guitar solo from Captain Kirk. Lauryn Hill took on the emotional ballad “Ne Me Quitte Pas” then added her signature touch to “Black Is the Color of My True Love’s Hair” with her iconic rapping and ended the powerful tribute with a hope- inducing rendition of “Feeling Good”.

Check out the performances from Andra Day, Lauryn Hill, and Brittany Howard at The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 2018 Class Induction Ceremony below. In related news, Lauryn Hill just announced a Philadelphia appearance to celebrate the 20th anniversary of her album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.

In honor of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Shakes singer Brittany Howard gave an inspiring upbeat rendition of “That’s All” and “Strange Things Happening Every Day.” The Alabama artist was dancing around on stage with her guitar, keeping the soul of Tharpe alive.