This celebration featured a live solo performance by Candice, performing three songs — including "Unsung Hero" and "Promise Me" (featuring her daughter) — from her new album followed by the official induction of Ritchie Blackmore and Candice of BLACKMORE'S NIGHT into LIMEHOF at its museum, located at 97 Main Street in Stony Brook, New York.
Candice accepted the induction by LIMEHOF executive board member Robert deBrauwere on behalf of BLACKMORE'S NIGHT as Ritchie was not able to attend. (Blabbermouth report)
The Rob Teller Photography YouTube channel has uploaded video of Candice's acceptance speech and performance. Check it out below.
"I am so honored to be inducted into the Long Island Music Hall Of Fame," Night said. "Being surrounded by some of the greatest musicians, knowing we all have the same roots here is an incredible feeling. I've lived on Long Island my whole life and am constantly inspired by the energy here and the beauty of our nature. The imagery is a constant focus in my songs."
The two inductees met on Long Island and have strong Long Island community ties. Legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore (DEEP PURPLE and RAINBOW) grew up in the U.K. and moved to the USA in 1974, moving to Huntington, Long Island in the 1980s.
Candice Night grew up in Hauppauge and is a lifetime Long Island resident and a graduate of NYIT in Old Westbury. While interning at WBAB in West Babylon in 1989, she met Ritchie Blackmore at a charity soccer game where DEEP PURPLE played against the station's DJs and staff. After the game, Candice asked Ritchie for his autograph and the two became friends, later developing into more. They started living together in 1993 and co-founded BLACKMORE'S NIGHT in 1997. They continue to live on the North Shore while raising their family.
