In 1945 in Ann Arbor, Michigan Bob Seger was born. The son of a Ford plant worker who was also a musician, Seger seemed destined to pursue music. At age 15, he formed his first band and wrote his first song. By the mid-sixties Seger had cut his first few singles and once he signed to Capital Records, his career began taking off. While his success was initially regional, he eventually became one of the best-selling and loved musicians in the industry. Forty-four years after that first band, Seger was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

In 2004, Bob Seger was among a group of very talented inductees and rightfully so. Jackson Browne, The Dells, Prince, George Harrison, Traffic, and ZZ Top were his fellow groupmates, and the evening proved to be one full of amazing talent both on the stage and in the crowd (rockhall.com). Bob Seger’s induction and ultimate recognition for his contributions were long overdue.

Kid Rock, who also hails from Michigan, was asked to introduce the “Night Moves” songwriter.

(Kid Rock introducing Bob Seger in 2004. Video courtesy of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.)

Seger embraced Kid Rock before going on stage and presented a heartfelt, thankful speech to the audience.

(Bob Seger gives a thankful speech at the Rokc and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. Video courtesy of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.)

While many have graced the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s stage with lengthy exhortation, Bob Seger’s speech was short and to the point. He acknowledged the people who were there for him throughout his career. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction would not have been possible without their hard work and continued support. Seger’s success was as much his as it was theirs, and he understood this completely. They deserved to be on that stage, too, even if the hall of fame didn’t acknowledge it.

Forty-four years after forming his first band, Bob Seger was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. A lot of hard work not only his part, but on those he has worked with over years, helped him reach that point in his career. His success wouldn’t have been complete without them, and the singer-songwriter gave a very thankful speech in recognition of them.

~Jenna Jakes, WOGB

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