The late Laura Nyro inducted into Rock and Roll Hall

[April 16, 2012]  CLEVELAND (AP) -- Piano-playing songstress Laura Nyro has been inducted posthumously into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Nyro, who died 15 years ago at 49, smoothly incorporated gospel, jazz and other styles into her music, which has inspired artists for years and is being embraced by a new generation.

Although she never made it big commercially, other artists like Blood, Sweat & Tears and Three Dog Night had hits with her songs.

Bette Midler inducted Nyro and called her an artist for whom "love was the main thing." Midler said Nyro captured the passionate and romantic essence of New York City.

Nyro's son, hip-hop artist Gil Bianchini, accepted on his mother's behalf Saturday night in Cleveland.

[Associated Press; By TOM WITHERS]

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.