LL Cool J reaches Long Island Hall of Fame

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GARDEN CITY, N.Y., Nov. 1 (UPI) -- LL Cool J, Pat Benatar and Marvin Hamlisch were among those inducted this week into the Long Island, N.Y., Music Hall of Fame

The artists, along with Blue Oyster Cult, Jean Ritchie, Public Enemy, The Tokens and The Ramones, were inducted during a gala Thursday night.

"When I was a little kid in North Babylon, on Lakeway Drive, just dreaming of being a part of hip hop -- I never dreamed that I would be in a position to actually be looking at a wonderful room full of people who are actually honoring and celebrating the art that I created," LL Cool J said at the event.

"That this music can sit side-by-side with other great offerings of music is a true pleasure," Public Enemy's Chuck D said.

Doo-wop pioneer and inductee Kenny Vance said: "There's nothing like being recognized in your hometown. History is so important."

Benatar couldn't attend the gala but sent an acceptance letter.

"My upbringing, and the values and ideals I learned back in my hometown kept me grounded," Benatar said. "I never forget that a small-town girl from Lindenhurst, L.I., actually got the chance to live her dreams. Long Island girls rock."