This year’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class spotlights a broad range of pop, R&B, and Country, and a moment to celebrate 50 years of Hip-Hop. This year’s inductees include Kate Bush, Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliott, George Michael, Willie Nelson, Rage Against the Machine, and The Spinners. The founding father of Hip-Hop, DJ Kool Herc, and iconic guitarist Link Wray enters the hall, receiving the Musical Influence Award. Chaka Khan, Al Kooper, and Bernie Taupin join the inductees, earning the Musical Excellence Award.
Rounding out the list is Soul Train creator Don Cornelius, who will receive the Ahmet Ertegun Award, an honor for non-performing industry professionals. In her first year of eligibility, Elliott makes history, becoming the first female rapper to enter the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
“This year’s incredible group of Inductees reflects the diverse artists and sounds that define rock & roll,” said John Sykes, Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation. “We are honored that this November’s Induction Ceremony in New York will coincide with two milestones in music culture; the 90th birthday of Willie Nelson and the 50th Anniversary of the birth of Hip Hop.”
To be eligible, an artist must have released their first commercial recording 25 years earlier than the year of the nomination.
The All-star class will be inducted at the 38th annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, on November 3rd at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Check out some of the best work of this year’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class below.
Missy Elliott is one of the most influential and important figures in the world of hip-hop and R&B, having shaped the sound of both genres with her unique style. She has been active in the music industry for over two decades, a series of critically acclaimed albums that have earned her numerous awards, including five Grammy Awards. Throughout her career, Missy Elliott has also worked as a songwriter and producer for other artists such as Aaliyah, Destiny’s Child, Ludacris and Ciara. Her work has inspired generations of fans around the world who continue to be amazed by her creative output. Missy Elliott’s influence continues to be felt today through her collaborations with contemporary artists like Pharrell Williams and Justin Timberlake.
2. Kate Bush
Kate Bush is an English singer-songwriter and record producer who first rose to fame in 1978 with the release of her debut album The Kick Inside. Her innovative style has made her one of the most influential artists of all time, and she has been credited as a major influence on many contemporary musicians. From her signature sound which combines elements from rock, pop, classical music and traditional folk music to her ethereal lyrics that explore themes such as love, loss and spirituality; Kate Bush’s artistry continues to captivate fans around the world. Throughout her career she has released 10 studio albums, four live albums and numerous singles that have become classics in their own right. In addition to being a talented musician, Kate Bush is also an accomplished dancer whose iconic performances are renowned for their creativity and intensity. Through her work over four decades, Kate Bush has established herself as one of the greatest musical artists ever known.
3. Sheryl Crow
Sheryl Crow is an American singer-songwriter, musician and actress. She has released ten studio albums and two compilations, won nine Grammy Awards, sold more than 50 million records worldwide and performed with many of the world’s biggest music stars. Her hits include “All I Wanna Do,” “Strong Enough,” “Everyday Is a Winding Road” and “Soak Up The Sun.” In addition to her successful solo career, she has collaborated with artists such as Sting, Eric Clapton, Kid Rock and John Mellencamp. Throughout her career she has also been involved in numerous philanthropic activities including working for environmental causes like global warming awareness campaigns. With her unique voice and memorable songwriting style, Sheryl Crow remains one of the most beloved singers in contemporary music today.
4. George Michael
George Michael was an English singer, songwriter, and record producer who rose to fame in the 1980s as a member of the pop duo Wham! His solo career spanned four decades and included multiple number one singles on both sides of the Atlantic. He sold over 115 million records worldwide making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Throughout his career, he won numerous awards including two Grammy Awards for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals and three Brit Awards for Outstanding Contribution to Music. In addition to his musical accomplishments, George Michael was also known for his philanthropy work. He regularly donated proceeds from concerts and merchandise sales towards charitable causes such as Children in Need, Lastminuteheroes.org, Macmillan Cancer Support, Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy Foundation UK and others.
5. Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson is an iconic country singer, songwriter and musician who has been entertaining audiences for decades. He has released more than 200 albums in his career and won numerous awards, including 11 Grammy Awards. His music has influenced generations of artists from all genres, and he is one of the most popular singers in country music history. Willie Nelson’s songs are known for their storytelling ability as well as their catchy melodies that have made them timeless classics. His signature sound combines elements of folk, jazz, blues and rock to create a unique style that keeps fans coming back time after time. From his early days on the Texas honky-tonk circuit to his recent success as a touring artist with sold-out shows across the United States and beyond, Willie Nelson continues to be one of the most beloved entertainers in American pop culture today.
6. Rage Against the Machine
Rage Against the Machine is a legendary rock band that has become an icon of protest and political activism. Formed in Los Angeles, California in 1991, they have been credited with helping to bring rap metal into mainstream culture. Throughout their career, Rage Against the Machine has used their music as a platform for voicing criticisms against oppressive systems of power. Their lyrics often focus on social issues such as racism, police brutality, and economic injustice. The band’s politically charged messages have resonated with fans all over the world who share similar beliefs and values when it comes to fighting for justice and equality. They are an example of how powerful art can be when used to challenge existing structures of oppression.
7. The Spinners
The Spinners are an iconic American R&B group from Detroit, Michigan. Formed in 1954 and originally known as the Domingoes, the group consists of Bobby Smith, Pervis Jackson, Henry Fambrough, Billy Henderson, and G.C. Cameron. During their career, they released over fifty singles on various labels including Atlantic Records, Motown Records and Philips Records. They have also achieved a number of accolades such as being inducted into both the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Their most well-known songs include “I’ll Be Around” (1972), “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love” (1973) and “Rubberband Man” (1976). The Spinners continue to perform today with a new lineup while maintaining the classic soulful sound that has won them millions of fans around the world.
8. DJ Kool Herc
The Founding Father of Hip-Hop, DJ Kool Herc is a legendary DJ, producer and innovator. He is credited with developing the technique of breakbeat DJing which would later become an integral part of hip hop culture.
9. Link Wray
Link Wray was a pioneering musician who shaped the sound of rock ‘n’ roll. He is best known for his 1958 instrumental hit, “Rumble,” which became an anthem for rebellious teens everywhere and helped to create the genre of rock guitar instrumentals.
10. Chaka Khan
Chaka Khan is a legendary R&B and soul singer whose career has spanned five decades. She first rose to fame in the 1970s as part of the funk band Rufus, with whom she released several hit singles including “Tell Me Something Good” and “Ain’t Nobody.” After leaving Rufus, Chaka began her solo career, releasing acclaimed albums such as I Feel For You and Destiny.
11. Al Kooper
Al Kooper is an American musician, songwriter and record producer who has been active since the 1960s. He is best known for his work with Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones and Blood Sweat & Tears
12. Bernie Taupin
Bernie Taupin is a renowned songwriter who has been writing and collaborating with music legend Elton John since 1967. The two have worked together to create some of the most iconic songs in history, including “Your Song”, “Rocket Man”, and “Tiny Dancer”. Over the years, Bernie’s lyrics have become known for their poetic style and emotional depth. He has written over 50 Top 40 hits with Elton John alone and his work continues to be celebrated by fans around the world. Bernie is widely considered one of the greatest lyricists of all time.
13. Don Cornelius
Don Cornelius was an American television show host, best known for hosting the nationally syndicated dance and music program Soul Train from 1971 until 1993. He is credited with creating a platform that showcased African-American culture through music and dance, while also introducing mainstream audiences to popular genres like funk, soul, R&B, and hip hop. As well as being one of the first Black entrepreneurs to own his own production company in Hollywood, Don Cornelius was instrumental in launching the careers of many iconic performers such as Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and James Brown. His influence on pop culture continues to this day; he has been posthumously inducted into numerous Halls of Fame including the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame and The Broadcasting & Cable Hall Of Fame
