Neil Young Inducts Tom Waits - "Make It Rain" & "Rain Dogs"

Neil Young inducts Tom Waits into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame plus performances of "Make It Rain" and "Rain Dogs"
March 14, 2011
Official Site: www.tomwaits.com/
Official Store: tomwaitsstore.com/
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Twitter: / tomwaits
#tomwaits #neilyoung #rockandrollhalloffame

[@jaschul]

The thing about Tom Waits' voice -- sure, it's odd. But he's never off-key. He hits every note he aims for. So, technically, he's a very good singer. I wish more ppl understood this.

[@stevebrown3559]

Thank you so much! I keep explaining that, but people don't get it. Just because his voice (or voices) are different, it doesn't mean he "can't sing". Every note is where it should be, and where Tom wants it.

[@MrJadePinwheel]

His voice was actually pleasant as a youngster. You could play them something like “San Diego Serenade”

[@whitedeion598]

@@MrJadePinwheel he changed his voice for nighthawks or small change. That's when the Louis Armstrong influence showed up. Nothing wrong with that.

[@lachlanneville7138]

His voice did offput me but as I listened more and more I really came to appreciate the subtle nuances in each song that he delivers as a performance more than a melody

[@Ratzfourtyfour]

Thank you. I've read really a lot of BS about his singing. I remember back in the eighties journalists called him one the greatest white blues singers, but these folks probably have retired.

[@sclogse1]

I gave Tom an old photo album. But there were no photos in it. Just newspaper clippings from the 1880's. I left my phone number in it. He called twice. The second time he asked to use the clippings, which were all odd facts collected, on his Orphans packaging. The rest is history.

[@robotubetwob]

For all his apparent weirdness, I actually think Waits will have the greatest chance of being remembered as a flat out great songwriter as anyone alive today. Right up there with Dylan.

[@damuses1452]

I actually believe Bob Dylan and Tom Waits will remembered... recorded in history... as two of the greatest human beings to walk Earth. I consider that fact. Godsent both of them.

[@phiswe]

​@@damuses1452 Everybody knows that Leonard Cohen is the real lyrical master to both of them.

[@phiswe]

Cohen didn’t need and never sought out all the wannabe hipster irony, and that my friend is the mark of a genuine poet.

[@damuses1452]

@@phiswe I disagree... but only by a smudge. Yet, isn't that a wonderful aspect of life? We can disagree about some of the greatest musicians and lyricists to have walked Earth! You have good taste nonetheless. Leonard Cohen is top notch too!

[@robotubetwob]

@@phiswe I sort of agree that the hipster thing actually gets in Waits way some of the time. Also agree that some of what is best in Cohen in when he is dealing with the hippy age and hipsterism generally, see Sisters of Mercy, Chelsea Hotel #2.

[@lindaanderson1957]

First time I heard Tom Waits I was driving and had to pull off the road just to absorb what I was hearing. Nobody, absolutely nobody is as unique as this genius. He moves my soul and makes me cry quicker than just about any artist. Only got to see him live once in San Diego. What a gift that was.

[@RaymondPeckIII]

So many of his songs break my heart, but I can barely even get through I Don't Wanna Grow Up. My God, is there any song more heartbreaking?

[@fifthbusiness1678]

Beautifully said. I envy you, having seen him live. I don’t have a bucket list as such, but being able to attend a concert of his is something I hope to do one day.

[@mmegraham]

Hold On has kept me alive a couple of times. There's no one whose music does what Tom & Kathleen's does to me.

[@rickguerrero2282]

Much deserved recognition. You help make the world easier to deal with by being just weird enough to give us all room to fit in!

[@tomtraubert5243]

That’s really well said.

[@stuntbaby63]

Rick Guerrero wrote, "...just weird enough to give us all room to fit in!" Yeah, man! That right there is a fine piece of writing! If I could give you the other key to the city of El Paso, I would. Unfortunately, Mr. Tom Waits informed us that the city of El Paso has only one key. The one I have must be a forgery then. Bummer.

[@1bossdj]

Deserves better than a Neil Young introduction.

[@OttoMack1]

@@1bossdj Bare in mind Cheap Trick was inducted by Kid Rock so count yer blessings. Still, I concur, I cannot abide Niel Young.

[@amysturgeon7965]

i believe in my heart 💜 Young’s intro was the most original encapsulation of Wait’s planetary supremacy acknowledging all the enigmatical meteors within his orbit…fewest words largest impact

[@Dracu13]

"They say that I have no hits, and that I'm difficult to work with...and they say that like it's a bad thing..." . This sentences has kept me alive doing my own work since I can remember hearing it first when I saw this a couple years back. Thanks Tom

[@Dario_Salvi]

Tom Waits, the coolest man that ever walked on Earth

[@bowerydoll]

There aren't enough days in the year to celebrate his gifts❤

[@andygrenn680]

Tom Waits is a concept entertainer. Found him back in 70’s. Been with me ever since.

[@kevinbwillson4161]

Two of my favorites Tom and Neil Thankful for their gifts to us!

[@patrickmcguinness4648]

Tom Waits; rogue explorer. Made his own compass and just followed where it pointed. Thanks for the trip pilgrim.

[@ChechoDrummer]

“Songs are very interesting things to be doing with the air”. What a line.

[@burtbackattack]

If I could only see one musician perform live before I die it would be Tom Waits.

[@suzannemilligan8648]

me too

[@EnemyMagnetic]

Saw him 10th row center and it was incredible.

[@hecanseeme8210]

I’ve been lucky enough to see some greats, but Tom Waits has been my white whale.

[@davereichert]

You'd better go see him before HE dies!

[@jccook5353]

Saw him in the Tomorrow Club in Youngstown OH late '70s. Very interesting evening. Good memory.

[@ggghhjd]

saw him in London in 87, he said he'd been raking leaves in the park all day.

[@foreversunrise8749]

and the piano had been drinking

[@ChrisQuigley414]

He might have been serious

[@definitiveenergy1]

Anybody else get three or four phases of goosebumps while watching this video? Well deserved maestro, Waits.

[@babyfacebluesy1995]

I remember being in an after school Blues and Jazz Band that my music teacher David Parker used to bring us out on a trip every year. In 2011, we went to Cleveland. My teacher set it up so we would spend the day at the Hall of Fame and actually play it. What great times... I still have the visitors tags i'll never forget that, watching this induction video in the basement. Setting up in the middle of the day, maybe 5 people heard us play, didn't matter, loved it.

[@4characterusername]

The biggest regret of my adult life is not driving the 110 miles to see Tom in 2008 when he came to Columbus, OH. I was a young man with no money and couldn't swing the ticket price plus gas money. Every time i see a video like this, I wish I'd pinched a few more pennies back then, and hope I'll get another chance someday.

[@skiphealy982]

I've been into Waits since 1976 when I was a musician at Walt Disney World and one of the guys I played with put on one of his songs. Instantly hooked for life. I went to a concert of his in 1978/9 in a small club in West Hartford Ct called The Hard Rock Cafe, half a dive with a stage really. It was a split bill with Waits and Leon Redbone. The BEST concert I have ever attended. It was half raining and cold outside before the show and I got there early with my friends so we were at the front of the line. The place had a double wide glass door and about 45 minutes before the doors opened, he walks past the doors and looks at everybody outside. A couple of minutes later he comes from the other direction. A few minutes after that he goes by with a closed unbrella, then a few minutes later with the umbrella open. We are all loving this and its really making it less miserable to be in the rain but then this noise starts from the back of the line. It's T.W. no umbrella, no jacket, just his tee shirt and vest talking with everyone in the line. Best memory ever...

[@stpatstablet0652]

Tom Waits sings and writes for those of us who have been broken! You feel like he knows what it's is, to have slowly backed away from hell!! Your music has saved me many times!! Thank you brother!!

[@markpx]

Is that Marc Ribot on guitar? His unique, biting Telecaster sound helped propel Waits' music for me into the realm of dark magic.

[@rossbarnett3759]

yea i really liked the way he played too

[@thejawshop-AdventureRecording]

Marc definetely opened the door for Tom the-door-to-door vacuum salesman to enter

[@darwinsaye]

Yes that’s Marc. That guy’s my favourite guitarist. There’s a second guitarist playing too, David Hidalgo, of Los Lobos, who is a killer guitarist himself. 👍

[@seanmcglynn3638]

Mark Palmer total bad ass guitarist.?Tom always surrounded himself with the best like Bob...

[@RaymondPeckIII]

Marc Ribot and Ralph Carney really made those records produced by Mitchell Froom even more magical. I miss Ralph a lot...

[@dianeklick]

Saw „the Black Rider“ (Magic Bullets) musical fable… Wm Burroughs, Tom Waits, Robert Wilson production live in Zurich with Peter Klick and Albert Seipp… It was life changing, and I’m hooked on his genius ever since; he shows us how ridiculous our society really is…

[@jasonbohannon2260]

Power, soul, passion. Street smarts. Tom, I love you, and thank you.

[@neilio666666]

His genius, quirkiness, humour and individuality just blow me away.

[@christopher-tipstrumleslie6307]

Neil the younger inducts Tom the older? What a great opportunity. Tell us all about it Neil. I met Neil at a talent show in Lauderdale. We smoked a number and he picked a song on the banjo uke. Unforgettable, and never ending. Tom is the best, but Neil is pretty good too.

[@wonreebaemssap]

Absolute legend.

[@kellienunya]

This man is pure talent n lovely pain

[@davidwalker5054]

They got the right man to make a speech Neil Young like Tom Waits never sells out

[@janvanaartrijk9673]

Tom Waits created a magical world where I always seek and find refuge. He is the best friend I've never met.... My life would be considerably bleaket without Tom Waits. My son once described his music as "music for funny old men wearing old hats" and I find that to be a pretty good description. I never try to explain his music to others and I never tell them that I think his voice is beautiful. If people don't get it; it's their loss !!

[@MF-yo5pl]

I'm honoured to be honoured. Nice one

[@bewbs249]

when I try to explain him to people I just say he's your favorite artist's favorite artist

[@marvinmaricic9006]

I remember where and when I first heard about the Beatles. I also remember distinctly the first time I heard about the great Tom Waits...

[@diddywahdaddy]

«Songs are really just very interesting things to be doing with the air.» ❤

[@DETROIT1948]

Tom Waits Priceless! ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

[@zetetick395]

Great version of Rain Dogs! 😍

[@AngieOwlglass]

💖💖💖💖💖

[@mattklein5498]

His rain dogs saved my sanity surviving in Phoenix in 92 when I was going out with the gun street girl. Moved May that year to Sac and then to SF and she called me, was going out with a guy with the same first name as me, said she thought about me and had always figured we would have Blond babies. She called me again a while later and I asked how her boyfriend Matt was, she said "Oh, someone shot him in the head" just like that. Last I heard, about 28 years ago, she was living with the Harley dealer in Cave Creek. Hope he's still alive Julie ann

[@retrorunner79]

Now Price has left the house, Tom may be the last entertainer left of our age.

[@rozenaxsax5133]

Pure Genius,!!!

[@Scott-t9t9b]

He’s got that Tom Waits thing down

[@tomdevaney2]

yeah he's tha real thang

[@christopherhutton1097]

totaly excelent artist

[@rambo3801]

My guy Tom from Pomona 👌👌👌

[@kentborges5114]

HUMAN HALL OF FAME...Tom is OOAK.

[@37Dionysos]

"They're sharpenin' their knives/on my mistakes...."

[@enyjuan]

ONE OF A KIND TALENT UNIQUE

[@ITFDAVE]

"They say I have no hits and I'm difficult to work with. And they think its a bad thing" . That's all u need to know about the grait Tom Wait.....

[@wildflower4363]

...The. 🌐 loves U..🌸 💑🙋👸💂💃👱👴..C .........👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@musicloverkathy]

Few people understand his genius. He's van Gogh in song and some people should stfu if they don't know that.

[@rickmcknight3520]

I basically hate the RRHF. They have people in there who have no business being there, but they knocked it out of the park with this pick. I couldn’t think of anybody more deserving.

[@TellurianMan]

What song is he doing at 2:29- ?

[@TellurianMan]

Sweet Little Bullet from a Pretty Blue Gun, haha figured it out.

[@timothyedsall9424]

He did something never did. Acted in movies

[@unhingedenlightenment2504]

Tom Waits is the son of an ammo can and pile of Hemlock flowers. By age 5 he was tattooing sailors along the wharf, for coin that he would use to buy records and axe handles.....anyway here's to you Tom **eats a hat**

[@andreabradley5837]

Has to be quiet to catch the big ones

[@CarlMarksmoney]

He came stumbling in. More disheveled than the last time. I said, did you practice your scales today? He said: "what?". Your scales, did you PRACTICE them ? He said, "Why would I do that?" So it's something Pavarotti does, but not you? Are you a better singer than Pavarotti?, straightening him up. "I'll think about that"... Well, you should.

[@boycompass7769]

Hey Neil, That was the most pathetic induction speech in history. Thanks for being so prepared, you dust bunny.

[@stuartkent383]

could have been an evangelist preacher.

[@BufoZilla]

This guy is walking Art. He sings, he plays, he acts, he writes, he performs, he's magical. A great creator and interpreter of all things.

[@harveyhootowl9328]

I couldn't agree more. He is a TRUE ARTIST.

[@jtinsley01]

I discovered Mr. Waits in 1975 when I just beginning my career as a radio disc jockey. Our music director came in one day and handed me an album saying "here the record company sent this, this guy is really weird I thought you would like it." It was "Nighthawks at the Diner," and like I did. From the first listen I was absolutely hooked. I have been fortunate enough to see Tom live three times and in a play [Demon Wine] when I was living in Los Angeles. I truly believe Mr. Waits is likely the most prolific and brilliant songwriter and producer our United States has ever produced, so far.

[@blackmore4]

If anyone's truly honest, they're likely to come to the same conclusion. I remember when I first heard and read Tom Waits as a kid in the 80s and I wondered how anyone (all the usual holy cows, Dylan etc) continued to have the wherewithal to write _anything_ after hearing him. The only comparable lyricist for my money was Jacques Brel; everyone else falls short.

[@Snafuski]

I agree entirely. He is also the most versatile, he one who keeps evolving his style. A nice story. I also discovered Waits as a radio guy.... classical music, though. A colleague told me to listen to "this guy.." Me: eyeroll, I'm really a classical guy... The song was In the Cold Cold Ground... I listened once, and the whole song stuck in my head.... I borrowed the cd ... Rain DOgs, Telephone call from Istanbul.... At the time I was also doing lots of travel reporting, and would spend days and nights driving.... That's how I discovered Waits... between Prokofiev, Beethoven, Alkan, Vissotzky, and others...

[@jtinsley01]

@@Snafuski Thanks for sharing. At this time I think I have every disc released in the U.S. and if you listen to a broad spectrum of his work over the years it is clear that Mr. Waits incorporates many classical influences into his work. And though he doesn't read music and just creates off what comes to his mind there is no doubt he has listened to and been affected by those influences. While it was hard for me to listen to because it is so different from anything I've heard from him before and since I suggest you might get a copy of a disc that he put out in the early1990s called "Black Ryder." It is quite operatic. You might find it interesting based on your background. Thanks.

[@ashleyidle3158]

My husband got me into Tom Waits about 15 years ago. He suggested the Rain Dogs album, and I just devoured it. I don't think I blinked during 9th and Hennepin. He can spin maginc from thin air, and it's a shame that more people don't know his art.

[@ciaranosullivan9352]

His best album along with Swordfishtrombones.

[@bobmohr4952]

I’m ashamed to say after being a disc jockey and lover of music all my life, at 70 years old I have heard of and heard the music of Tom Waits. But I have never really listened to him in all his glory until this point in my life, thank God I didn’t miss this man’s humor, stories, sounds, and lyrics before it was too late. Thank you Tom for letting me in your head and providing me with your magic.

[@moodsk]

Magic and logic

[@jamesdrynan]

Tom Waits wears many hats.He is a performer, a singer, a songwriter and a raconteur. He's the silvery spider in the hoary musical web. He's fearless, peerless and exquisitely mad. No pigeonhole can contain his creations. A true original.

[@bradhagemyer7722]

Truly one of gods prototypes

[@hecanseeme8210]

When I was a teenager I went to a friends house, on the stereo was this groaning gravel singing about being dirt in the ground. I thought it was a joke. I had of course heard other “singers” with rough voices before but nothing so extreme. I was convinced I was being put on. Then I heard “In the Coliseum” on my college radio station and was hooked. It wasn’t a joke and I began showing him to everyone who would listen. Over the years I’ve heard many great and terrible things about Tom Waits, like he lives across the street from his family, or he lets his Cadillac choose what songs to keep for an album by what the tape deck eats or not. See it is a joke, a running gag in the guise of art. Now I wonder if he could fix my air conditioning? Tom Waits is a gem hiding in the gravel bed, pretending to be a rock like the rest of us.

[@zaneridings3789]

I'm jealous that was your first exposure. Mine was "day after tomorrow" on a daily show rerun when I was 16.

[@mikedeveer1047]

There is an never will be another human being like Tom Waits

[@casiosean2]

Sarcasm is actually a very accurate gauge on intelligence. This guy is a genius. The finesse at which he picks his words should be the core study of linguistics. hahaha.

[@suburbanindie]

Nighthawks At The Diner is one of the greatest live records of all-time.

[@PoorEdward]

exaggeratory

[@SmackWaterJack001]

David Letterman, who I hold in very high regard, is a huge Tom Waits fan, and though as a young man, I didnt understand or like Tom Waits, as Ive gotten older, knowing how much Letterman really adores the guy, I chose to make myself listen to him. When I actually listened, his music began to speak to me. For the last year, Ive listened to Tom Waits, for several hours, and sometimes all day long, every single day. I now own every single CD that he's made, and I listen to him everyday. The older I get, the more his music speaks to me.

[@georgeb.wolffsohn30]

I find his music strangely nostalgic but not in a hallmark cards kind of way. His poetry is unique and sharp . I'm improvising here. The world's he creates are poignant. The soundscapes evocative. I've listened to covers of his works, but they never have the depth of the original.

[@SmackWaterJack001]

@@georgeb.wolffsohn30 Everything he does, is unique... and special, in its own kind of way.. kinda like you, me, and everyone else... thats what makes him so special... ✌

[@georgeb.wolffsohn30]

@@SmackWaterJack001 Amen.

[@cactaceous]

That's how I first saw Tom. On the Letterman show when I was a kid. He played and I was very amused but not a fan of the music. I was too young. His interview was different. He was odd, compelling and very funny. If you were a Letterman fan you could very obviously tell when Dave liked someone. He really liked Tom. I saw him a few more times but never listened ro his music. He was just a great Letterman guest until I discovered a girlfriend in college had a few of his CD's. You listen to the Letterman guy? She could not believe I knew of him but not his music. So we listened to Frank's. Then Swordfish. Then Rain Dogs. Then Bone Machine... I could not believe I had wasted so much time. Huge fan since.

[@sup393]

I saw him once. When I was 19. I'm 61 now. He left a lasting impression 🖤

[@saltspringdesign]

I was 15 years old, maybe even 14 when i managed to sneak into a burlesque joint on main street using a fake ID. I might have looked about 13 but they let me in. The place smelled funny, it did not smell good. Smelled like spilled beer, vomit, dried sperm, some ghastly perfume that was. The joint was set up as a theatre with a stage, heavy red velvet curtain, about 5 rows of theatre seats, Le Strip it was called. There was a dancer up on stage, topless but with pasties, as strippers wore in those days, by law i think. The stripper was not all that good looking but she was half naked. They played the whole first side of Tom Waits Small Change and she ground it out up there. I remember her blue eye makeup for some reason and those breasts did hold some fascination for me at the time. That was my first experience with the music of Tom Waits and it was perfect in it's way.

[@muddyworries4981]

T Commotion fp Mois p Pーfpーっpーー

[@RaymondPeckIII]

What a perfect introduction, and description thereof. Thank you.

[@barbhartwig368]

And he introduced her as “dancing Debra from the dangle room” when I saw him in Madison late 70s.

[@lisamcmullan6484]

Kentucky Avenue,one goes there listening to it

[@protoclone138]

Songs are just really interesting things to do with the air. Perfect.

[@stevengraham5454]

Who the hell is playing that magnificent lead guitar on make it rain? I'm obsessed with this version of the song.

[@terrybartholomew7311]

The mighty Marc Ribot - some seriously out there note choices - as angular as ever.

[@Z1zero5]

Mr. Waits' work has been improving the quality of my life since discovering his music at age 15... and for 21 years now, continues to help light a path that once felt impossible to navigate. I don't think I'm alone when I express how greatly I appreciate all of the unseen or forgotten content made available on here recently... in addition to the whole official creative lot, of course!

[@jimrebr]

Tom Waits has always been a favorite of mine, he’s different and I like that, he’s not copying anyone, he’s a complete original. I love his iconic voice and style, no one else comes close to being like Tom. He lives in Sonoma County, my bff just waited on Tom and his wife, in Cloverdale,she said they were really nice and they are a sweet couple.

[@Missjunebugfreak]

Tom is in my top 5 favourite songwriters of all time. A true eccentric that maintained artistic integrity throughout his career and managed to re-invent himself along the way. Thank you for all the magnificent music.

[@randomstandard]

What’s the other top 4 songwriters?

[@theeaselrider4032]

At home we are very wide mix of musical tastes, genres & artists. And while we all have favourites that we think are better than most - or anyone, Tom Waits is the only artist that is simply know as "himself". Anyone else has a name. I have never seen him perform live in person. If we finally get the planet back to where we can all live our lives again, maybe I'll get that chance.

[@lhart99]

This man, Tom Waits, is the epitome of genuine talent and class, and this shit right here is long overdue. The world is full of over hyped talent, phony rock gods, and wannabes. Yet, Tom Waits continues to persevere. Fools will say, "Tom Waits doesn't have that Bruce Springsteen or Madonna type of fame and recognition," but for those of us who have loved Mr. Waits' music for years, or even decades, know that Tom belongs in that upper echelon of Rock & Roll Royalty. Cheers everyone!

[@seanmcglynn3638]

Elijah Scott couldnt agree more...been listening to him since the mid eighties. In my top ten...love Mr Waits...such a special artist...none like him period..gonna be none like him after either...thank you Tom...immensely impactful on my life...finally got some well deserved praise

[@attiylanen]

Thank God, Tom never got as recognized as Springsteen or Madonna. Tom's music is art. Uncompromized art. I think of him as the VanGogh of music. Maybe he'll get that recognition after he's gone, but that would kind of spoil it for me. I like being a fan of Tom Waits who's barely known. I feel like I have done the hard work of going through his entire song catalogue and it's me who has found an uncut diamond. All this when most of the people around me couldn't see what I saw in his music. I like it that way. Tom once said "I'm not a household word - I'm just a legend in my own mind." He is a legend also in my mind.

[@anthonyfanno5432]

Only true artists can truly appreciate what Tom Waits stands for! He has more artistic talent in his pinky than most of us could ever imagine! How many people can have their very own style? Many of us believe we do but believe me someone has most likely done it before us. Truly Legendary!

[@Iranianjunkie]

i awoke from a nap on a road trip listening to Bone Machine at 12 years old. My dad was playing it and I thought, the is horrible. Is this a joke? Now I’m 40. I’ve hitchhiked all aver the country. lived on rice and beans. drank from giardiasis infested water, freebased drugs, handmade my own clothes, made my own music instruments from scratch. been in the wrong place at the wrong time. I love tom waits now. hes amazing.

[@intothewildblue4315]

I’d like to know your story. Please write something

[@seanmcglynn3638]

Iranianjunkie thank your dad...

[@olaclaesson8074]

@Iranianjunkie Sounds like you kind of became a character from one of Tom's songs.

[@zetetick395]

@@olaclaesson8074 This can happen, if you fall asleep with his music on....

[@mgeesmith]

@@zetetick395 or, wake up...

[@littleghostfilms3012]

Tom Waits is his own Hall of Fame!

[@kconetwothree6547]

Proud deacon in the First Church of Waits.

[@therealzilch]

I'm glad we have the real Tom Waits. Otherwise, we'd have to invent him, and that would be well nigh impossible.

[@somni6756]

It's strange how of all the aspects of Waits to admire Neil didn't mention his lyrics songwriting, which to me is his most enveloping talent.

[@seanmcglynn3638]

Charly Somni'sAsh Clark amazing lyricist without doubt or very few equals...Even Bob gave him that long ago

[@supercompooper]

He's been my #1 fave artist since I was 14 and I'm 49 now. All his work is strongly etched in my brain until I die!

[@christopherstauffer8487]

In a time of one hit wonders its nice to hear music thats unique and timeless. Congratulations Tom

[@chocolatejesus3806]

I love this man and his music so much it hurts. Couldn't be any more deserving of this award. Congratulations Mr Waits 👏👏👏👏👏

[@lareinedemado]

Tom Waits effortlessly making powerful statements with only few words... To his wife : her incandescent light kept me alive and breathing 🥺 To his kids : they've taught me everything I know 👌 To his peers : Thank you. This has been very...encouraging 😂

[@ottergreen8190]

Tom Waits was born 57 years old and toes the line of genius and pure insanity

[@EdmundKempersDartboard]

Just the epitome of cool. And the only man I would never laugh at for wearing a fedora.

[@brandonmartin4758]

Only him and leonard cohen for me lol.

[@zetetick395]

Having Tom as your dad must be kinda psychedelic He's a cheeky chappie :3

[@geekay1349]

He was the best thing to come along in music since Bob Dylan and the Beatles

[@trondhaavik9282]

He still is. My favourite song is Dirt in the ground from the early 90s

[@kriskozolanka2665]

Currently I'm thinking about my early experience with a woman who totally admired the story's Tom Waits sang ...I'm exploring Brenda all over again.

[@shars.555]

My beloved and departed son became pure energy with Spirit in November 2019. Tom Waits was his idol as a musician, an actor, and a philosopher. I assure you he was energetically present at this ceremony! CHEERS, Tom Waits!

[@kirby711]

Tom Waits puts into perspective how ridiculous our society really is 💘 Love his voice

[@vitgot1]

Коппола снимал его в половине своих фильмов и не всегда указывал в титрах, говорил, что "таких людей надо знать в лицо"!

[@colinwilliams553]

This has got to be the greatest acceptance speeches EVER.I put it up there with Bill Withers acceptance speech and Steve Wakeman from YES when they were inducted. God bless NEIL YOUNG and especially TOM WAITS.

[@billmitchell2942]

He is a wonderful artist with a gift for the beauty of the abstract

[@leighfoulkes7297]

Wow, his voice is just as sweat and beautiful as it was in his youth!

[@Duke_Togo_G13]

Tom takes all types of music styles and blends them together, and it's a beautiful thing!

[@vrsq0863]

my earliest memory of tom was in the car with my dad, he had heartattack and vine on cd. i must’ve been about 4, and that was the album i always wanted to listen to for some reason. safe to say it stood me in good stead for when i’d eventually become immersed in his music later in my life. pre genius

[@SrFelouniusMonk]

Thanks Tom, Ill see you on the 6:19 to Omaha in the morning.

[@declanmills]

One of the glorious things about being around while Tom's around is that we get to see and hear what unfolds from him as it unfolds into eternity so we can all also feel a little immortal. Thank you, Tom, I'm not sure even you could find the words to describe what your work means to me, thank you.

[@patrickhurley7029]

I only have two known cross connections between Waits that I know of...seeing Dr. John at a certain meeting(he was inducted the same night) and performing in front of a man who knew Tom when he lived in NY - Tom has been my biggest inspiration since I found out about him after a man told me I reminded him of Waits in 2008. One of my first songs was written in 2006 and it was inspired by a nightmare I had as a child, featuring the music I heard in that dream as well- and that of course was the song that reminded him of Waits...- I guess my third connection to Waits - then the 4th would be I met Mark Ribot, because of my friend who now runs a boutique guitar shop on Long Island. The last connection would be some of our mutual musical influences- for example, Leadbelly whom taught me about singing with soul, Hank Williams in his hopeless love sick song writing, Sinatra as I found that old cassette while picking neighborhood trash and played it night after night until I learned every song note for note while delivering Thai in an old beat up Honda- I'd been singing for years but never knew how until Sinatra, and of course Wait's looms over all of them in my mind and embodies all of them. I consider Louie Armstrong a secondary influence, many early American folk singers as well and many more- but these are my main influences. Tom Waits is also a life influence for me. That he glorifies and lifts up those who are broken- and reminds us that you can't always fit those broken pieces back together, so why not create a new world all together for the broken? Just a quick and random comment, directed at the man who has influenced me greatly over the last decade and a half....praying to God I get to see this man perform live before our time expires here

[@JonahJojoTheMan]

I started following Tom in 1989 when he was already an established artist. And he never let me down. It's like a friend who lives far away, but always remembers me. And he continues to rock as usual. Tom Waits interviews and testimonials will never be frivolous, boring or commonplace. It doesn't say what the system wants to hear. On the contrary . Maybe I'll never meet him, but he's still a great friend.

[@YogsenForfoth]

It was good to see Tom reunited with his old guitarist Marc Ribot. He was on many of Tom’s albums since Rain Dogs in 1985.