Roberts helped induct Dave Matthews Band - she's a self-avowed superfan and she appeared in the band's video for the 2005 single, "Dreamgirl." Roberts, wearing a band T-shirt, said the appeal of the group is "spontaneous abandon," adding the first time she danced with her husband was to one ofn their songs.
The jam band, with their mix of funk, folk-rock, jazz, blues and pop, then played "Ants Marching" - asking the crowd to sing the chorus - "Crash" and "So Much to Say." The arena was still full when they hit the stage after midnight, with the crowd singing along and swaying.
Matthews hugged Roberts, handed out the trophies to his bandmates, and called the class of 2024 impressive. "We’re swimming in very deep water here," he said. He thanked the current and former band members and the bar owner who gave them a home in Charlottesville, Virginia. When he thanked the fans, they roared back.
Dr Dre inducted Blige, who is credited with creating a completely new category of music - hip-hop soul. The nine-time Grammy-winner's best-known song is "Family Affair″ from her triple-platinum 2001 album "No More Drama." "When you listen to Mary, you understand you're not alone in heartbreak," Dre said.
Blige, wearing shiny black hat, a sparkly dress and long black gloves and boots, sang a mix of her hits, including "Love No Limit," "Be Happy" and "Family Affair." At the end of her set, a dancer brought up a cloak to wrap around her, in an echo of James Brown. "Move with grace. Trust the journey," she advised. "You are worthy."