Britain's Donovan inducted to Rock Hall of Fame

[April 16, 2012]  CLEVELAND (AP) -- Donovan, a folksy British singer-songwriter once labeled "the new Dylan," has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Overlooked by voters in previous years, Donovan has finally been saluted for his accomplishments as a gifted lyricist and musician. Born Donovan Leitch, he blended poetry into folk songs and scored a string of hits in the 1960s with "Sunshine Superman," "Mellow Yellow" and "Hurdy Gurdy Man."

The 65-year-old Donovan was inducted Saturday night in Cleveland by fellow Hall of Famer John Mellencamp, who said he was in seventh grade when he bought his first Donovan record in 1965.

Mellencamp said his work was inspired by Donovan's melodies, lyrics and arrangements. Mellencamp says listening to Donovan taught him "how to play those songs."

[Associated Press; By TOM WITHERS]

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