In his own hometown over the weekend, pop superstar Justin Timberlake was inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame. Being introduced by close friend, Jimmy Fallon and being inducted alongside the likes of Sam & Dave, Booker T. & the MG‘s drummer Al Jackson Jr., singer Alberta Hunter, pianist Memphis Slim, country singer Charlie Rich and Elvis Presley‘s guitarist Scotty Moore (who had none other than Keith Richards accept the award on his behalf).
Having already received more than a few Grammys and Emmys, as well as staring in several films and being an internationally renowned superstar, Timberlake – who was almost pinching himself during his acceptance speech – said of the award, “This is the fucking coolest thing that has ever happened to me,” before acknowledging his home city as the city he loves. “My favourite part about this city is we don’t apologise for who we are, and that’s who this city has taught me to be,” he said. The singer/producer/actor went onto cite the greats that had gone before him by saying, “I’m truly honored to stand on the shoulders of all the legends that I grew up listening to and admiring. I stand beside them now,” before speaking to his wife and family, calling wife Jessica Biel his “rock” whilst holding back tears.
Fallon provided some hilarious insight into actually “being friends” with Timberlake, saying, “”When they first asked me to help induct Justin into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, three things came to mind: How much? Where am I staying? And most importantly, how do I get out of this? This is Justin Timberlake we’re talking about, and who better to induct him than me, Mrs. Justin Timberlake.”
Timberlake, who clearly just loves his home, added to his speech, “The Grammys are political. The Emmys are political. Memphis is not political. And don’t get me started on Hollywood.” You can watch both Fallon’s and Timberlake’s fantastic speeches below.