The big takeaway from the four hour plus Rock Hall induction show tonight: Elton John announced he and Bernie Taupin had just completed a new album for release next year.He promised that it would be bigger and better than anything we could imagine.

By the time Elton played a sublime piano version of “Tiny Dancer” as a tribute to his collaborator and lyricist of 56 years, I was ready to write a rave review of the show broadcast live on Disney Plus. We’d hit the three hour mark. But it turns out there was more to come. Jimmy Page inducted Link Wray and played ‘The Rumble.” Okay. Then there was an In Memoriam segment that left out no one, followed by a beautiful rendition of “The Weight” for the late Robbie Robertson. Elton, Sheryl Crow, Brittany Howard, and Chris Stapleton should have closed the show.

But no– there was more. Heading into the fourth hour, Rage Against the Machine had to be inducted, although three of the band’s four members didn’t show up. Then Queen Latifah did a filibuster to induct Missy Elliott. Going into the 5th hour, Elliott is performing “Get Ur Freak On.” Are people in the Barclay Center still alive? Who knows. I am so glad I watched this from home on Disney Plus, where you can watch it tomorrow. God bless.

Before the third hour ended, kudos to the producers. Speeches were articulate and passionate. The stories of the inductees were all fascinating. I loved seeing Chaka Khan, and also The Spinners, with a salute to Don Cornelius, of “Soul Train.” The two surviving Spinners made it to Brooklyn, and New Edition was phenomenal singing their songs.

But more is more, not less.

Some other thoughts in the morning.

.@eltonofficial‘s music + #BernieTaupin‘s lyrics = simply a masterpiece. Watch Elton’s poignant performance of “Tiny Dancer” in honor of his musical partner, Bernie.
Stream #RockHall2023 NOW on @DisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/Wsh879gwut

— Rock Hall (@rockhall) November 4, 2023

Mariah Carey was back last night on Jimmy Kimmel cheerfully promoting her annual Christmas assault.

Mariah’s song — which was written by Walter Afanasieff — something she omits from the story — is her cash cow.

This year to date, Mariah has sold just 47,410 albums and singles in CDs and downloads. Her total is up around 650,000 — but that’s almost all streaming, which doesn’t keep a girl in tiaras!

So Christmas has become a big business for Carey. She brings back her hit record, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” and goes on a short tour where she can bounce around in a Santa suit and spread tinsel over the town.

Last night Kimmel asked her if she knew there was a new Beatles record out. She did not. He also alluded to the fact that Mariah had made the audience wait a long time before she arrived. There was a discussion about her famous lateness to all events. Kimmel said he’d gotten very friendly with the audience until Mariah finally showed up.

Mariah did the whole Diva thing, and her fans no doubt ate it up.

When she got Afanasieff to write “All I Want” that was the genius move. It will serve Mariah and her children well into the century, and then some!

PS Mariah did not sing on Kimmel, because that takes a village to put together. I was instead gripped by Allison Russell, who should have been a major star already. She was amazing. Watch below. This woman is incredibly talented!