It was 1978, and nearly a decade into their recording career, Kool & the Gang - the once-dominant jazz and funk group whose biggest hits propelled clubs all over the world - were at a low point. Their last two albums had been duds,

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class included Mary J. Blige, Foreigner, the late Jimmy Buffett and A Tribe Called Quest, among others.

Sammy Hagar was on hand to induct the band Foreigner. Kelly Clarkson joined in for a performance of the band’s 1984 hit “ I Want to Know What Love Is ,” and Demi Lovato, Slash and drummer Chad Smith from the Red Hot Chili Peppers played “ Feels Like the First Time ” (1977).