Justin Timberlake joined the ranks of musical greats like Johnny Cash and B.B. King when he was inducted into the 2015 Memphis Music Hall of Fame on Saturday, People reported. Timberlake gave a heartfelt speech and teared up as he thanked his wife, actress Jessica Biel, during the ceremony.
Timberlake praised his hometown for its fried chicken and its contributions to music while referencing Otis Redding and Al Green. The former *NSYNC member was inducted along with Sam & Dave, Scotty Moore (Elvis Presley's guitarist), blues pianist Memphis Slim, country singer Charlie Rich, singer Alberta Hunter, Booker T. and the MG's drummer Al Jackson, according to the Associated Press. Timberlake was introduced to the stage by his friend, "The Tonight Show" host Jimmy Fallon.
The singer repeated throughout his speech that the honor was the "coolest thing" to ever happen to him, according to fan-shot footage. But it was when he spoke of his wife, actress Jessica Biel that the pop star got emotional.
"First I wanna thank my beautiful loving and incredibly understanding of her husband's shortcomings wife, Jessica. Now listen she's not from here but she's built like she is. No, no seriously she is a rock," he said, wiping his nose and holding back tears. "And she is tough as nails so she's basically a Memphian."
"Baby I love you more than I could put into words or more than any song I could ever write," he continued, which garnered 'awwws' from the crowd. "We actually just celebrated our third year anniversary so - which in Hollywood years, that's like a 15-year anniversary - so good on you girl. I didn't drive you too crazy."
Watch Timberlake's full Memphis Music Hall of Fame induction speech below.
