Long Island starts music Hall of Fame

PATCHOGUE, N.Y., Oct. 16 (UPI) -- Rockers, folkies, jazz players and even classical musicians came together to accept awards and induct each other into the new Long Island Music Hall of Fame.

Filling a local theater Sunday night, inductees included Billy Joel, the late Harry Chapin, Dee Snider of Twisted Sister, Little Anthony and the Imperials, and other performers who call or have called the island east of New York City home.

Joel called Long Island "a clash of cultures" and an "island of extremes," Newsday reported.

"American Idol" finalist Kevin Covais inducted the late Perry Como, whom he referred to as "Mr. C."

"This is an event I know he would have liked to be at," said Como's grandson Peter, accepting the award. "He raised my father, my aunt and my uncle on Sands Point, Long Island."

The ceremony ran at least two hours over schedule, pushing back plans for an all-star jam.

As inductee Gary U.S. Bonds noted, "Man, it's been a long night."