This week marks the fifth presidential election since I launched Meet Me in Montauk, a number that frankly surprised me.
I looked back to see how I handled the other four and was shocked to see that I largely ignored them. Only once did I program blog content related to Election Day.
That was in 2016.
Now, I try not to be a superstitious man, but given that I have supported the Democrat in every one of those four elections and my preferred candidate lost only in the one I wrote about on the blog… I’m not going to make that mistake again.
Instead, over the next three weeks I will be highlighting the most recent inductees into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The class of 2024 consists of eight artists inducted in the “Performers” category and four under “Musical Excellence.” I still don’t understand the difference, but I’ll give each of them their due.
Our first Performer inductee, alphabetically, is Mary J. Blige. Blige has been eligible since 2018 and was nominated once before, in 2021.
Dubbed the Queen of Hip Hop Soul, Blige was the first mainstream artist to blend R&B and hip-hop. She brought a street smart attitude to her ballads and helped highlight the experience of Black women in the traditionally male rap genre.
Right out of the gate we wade into the discussion of whether the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame should find room for modern-day R&B and rap artists, but I think that debate has been pretty much put to bed. The Rock Hall celebrates popular music, period, and if its name is a bit anachronistic, so be it.
While I am largely unfamiliar with Blige’s work, and don’t really like what I’ve heard, I have no problem whatsoever with her induction. She is an iconic figure whose influence spreads well beyond her own discography.
We are lovers through and through
And though we made it through the storm
I really want you to realize, I really want to put you on
I’ve been searching for someone to satisfy my every need
Won’t you be my inspiration?
Be the real love that I need
[Chorus]
Real love, I’m searching for a real love
Someone to set my heart free
Real love, I’m searching for a real love
[Verse 2]
Ooh, when I met you
I just knew that you would take my heart and run
Until you told me how you loved for me, you said I’m not the one
So I slowly came to see all of the things that you were made of
And now I hope my dreams and inspiration lead me towards a real love
[Chorus]
Real love, I’m searching for a real love
Someone to set my heart free
Real love, I’m searching for a real love
I got to have a real love
[Bridge]
Love so true, and oh baby, I thought that love was true
I thought that you were the answer to the question in my mind
But it seems that I was wrong, if I stay strong, maybe I’ll find
A real love
[Verse 3]
So I’ve tried my best and prayed to God he’ll send me someone real
To caress me and to guide me towards a love my heart can feel
Now I know I can be faithful, I can be your all and all
I’ll give you good lovin’ through the summertime, winter, spring and fall
[Chorus]
Real love, I’m searching for a real love (Real love, real love)
Someone to set my heart free
Real love, I’m searching for a real love
Real love, I’m searching for a real love
Someone to set my heart free
Real love, I’m searching for a real love
[Bridge]
See, I’m searching for a real love and I don’t know where to go
(Real love, I’m searching for a real love)
Been around the world and high and low and still I never know
(Someone to set my heart free
Real love, I’m searching for a real love)
How it feels to have a real love cause it seems it’s not around
Gotta end it in this way ’cause it seems he can’t be found
[Chorus]
Real love, I’m searching for a real love
Someone to set my heart free
Real love, I’m searching for a real love
Real love, I’m searching for a real love
Someone to set my heart free
Real love, I’m searching for a real love
Real love
Meet Me In Montauk 
Always enjoy the Rock Hall inductees rundown on your blog. Looking forward to the next few weeks, especially if I can enjoy them without the distraction of having to leave the country.🤪
What Dana said 🤞🤞 especially excited for Cher 👏