PRINCE REIGNS AT ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME

Just as he did at this year’s Grammys, Prince opened the show with a selection of hits at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction last night. His Purple Majesty was inducted at the ceremony at New York City’s Waldorf-Astortia Hotel alongside George Harrison, ZZ Top, Jackson Browne, Traffic, Bob Seger, The Dells and Jann Wenner.

Prince was introduced by Alicia Keys and OutKast. Taking the podium, Prince said, “When I first started out in this music industry, I was most concerned with freedom. I wish you all the best on this fascinating journey. It ain't over.”

Harrison was introduced by his Traveling Wilburys bandmates Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne, joining the Hall as a solo artist, making him the third Beatle to do so. Sorry, Ringo.

Said Petty: “He was a man who lived every minute of his life. He had a very keen sense of humor, sense of spirit. Years before Live Aid, he invented the idea of rock and roll giving back to the people.”

Harrison’s son Dhani joined Petty and Lynne for the Wilburys’ “Handle with Care” and “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” with Prince sitting in as well.

Dave Matthews inducted Traffic. “It's been a fantastic honor to play and be a part of Traffic, and thank you for recognizing the spirit,” said the group’s Steve Winwood.

Jackson Browne was introduced by Bruce Springsteen, who talked about opening for Browne in his early days, saying, "Jackson was drawing more women than an Indigo Girls show." Browne played “Running on Empty” and “The Pretender,” after saying “I think music is a force, a powerful force for good. I think music is a very empowering thing and I'm glad I've had a lifetime to do it.”

Detroit was in the house, as Kid Rock introduced Seger, saying “The most underrated singer, songwriter and performer of our generation—until this day—is Bob Seger.”

Keith Richards presented ZZ Top who performed “La Grange” and “Tush.” Director Robert Townsend introduced The Dells; the group consulted on Townsend's doo-wop film The Five Heartbeats. “There's a God that cared a lot about us that made us care a lot about each other,” said the group’s Charles Barksdale. “We do love each other.”

Rolling Stone executive editor and publisher Wenner was introduced by the Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger.

The ending all-star jam brought all the inductees together along with Richards and Rock, performing “Sweet Little Rock 'n' Roller” and “Feelin' Alright.”

Highlights of the ceremony will air on VH1 this Sunday. Hope we didn't give too much away.