MILFORD, Iowa (KTIV) -
Making it onto this high school stage might not seem like a big deal, but for bands like the Embers, it means the hard work has finally paid off.
"It's a 28 year musical journey," said Ron McKewon, lead vocalist for the Embers. "Playing at all kinds of places: lounges, casinos, to the Orpheum Theater, through blizzards and everything else."
"It's amazing, it just shows that hard work and camaraderie will get you some place," said Bill Roepke, drummer for the Embers.
While it's an honor to be inducted, some still can't believe that they're in.
"Honestly, I haven't really had a lot of time for it to really set in yet. It was kind of like, my dad gave me a call and said, 'Hey, we're going to be in the rock and roll hall of fame,'" said Michael Luebke.
The hall of fame is normally reserved for entertainers that have been playing for 25 years or longer. But Sioux City's own Rockestra received the honor nine years after its inception, because of its incredible spirit
"What that means of course is that there's some very influential and high ranking people in this state who really recognize what you're doing," said John Luebke, founder of Rockestra.
Luebke and his son, Michael, were on hand to accept the award on behalf of the unique ensemble of strings, singers, and much more.
"Part rock band, part orchestra and we sort of come together to make an actual 40 piece rock band," said John Luebke.
"It's an amazing thing to share this award with my dad and with my mom and being able to do it as a family," said Michael Luebke.
One other bond these performers share: Retirement isn't happening any time soon.
"This is the kind of thing that keeps people young. So, I want to keep young as long as I can," said John Luebke.
"Gonna keep rocking until I'm out of here," said Michael Langley, a Sioux City inductee for solo and group work. "And I hope that's a long time from now."
Anyone can nominate someone for the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The vote goes before a panel of directors from across the state before that person gets confirmed for the hall.
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