Rock icon Cyndi Lauper, among others, set for induction into the prestigious Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Rockin' the Hall, Round Two
It's time yet again to talk shop about the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, baby! This year, we got some fresh faces joining the elite crew, and a few legends that didn't quite make the cut. Let's dive right in!
First off, who's managed to wrangle their way into the hallowed halls this time around? Well, buckle up, 'cause we've got a mix of rock royalty and hip-hop heavyweights. First-time nominees like Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Bad Company, Cyndi Lauper, OutKast, White Stripes, and Soundgarden are sayin' hello to their new home.
If you're wondering who's gonna receive some special recognition this year, dig this: Salt-N-Pepa is gonna nab the Musical Influence Award, makin' history as the first female rap act to achieve gold and platinum status. And Warren Zevon will also be honored posthumously with the same award.
Thom Bell, pianist Nicky Hopkins, and bassist Carol Kaye are all pickin' up the Musical Excellence Award. These unsung heroes have shaped the sound of rock n' roll through their iconic performances and productions.
But who's the big cheese this year? That'd be Lenny Waronker, former head at Warner Bros. Records, who's signed the likes of Prince, R.E.M., and a slew of other legends. He'll be graced with the Ahmet Ertegun Award, given to nonperforming industry professionals who've had a major impact on music.
Now, who didn't quite make the cut this time around? Well, darlin', we're talkin' big names like Mariah Carey, Billy Idol, Phish, Joy Division/New Order, Maná, the Black Crowes, and Oasis. So, Chris Robinson and Rich Robinson of The Black Crowes, you'll need to keep polishin' those chops if you want a shot next year!
As for those who were inducted last year, well, you've got Mary J. Blige, Cher, Foreigner, A Tribe Called Quest, Kool & The Gang, Ozzy Osbourne, Dave Matthews Band, and singer-guitarist Peter Frampton, groovin' in this hallowed hall.
So, there you have it, folks! The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2025, ready to bring down the house with their legendary beats and anthems. Tune in later this fall when the induction ceremony goes down in Los Angeles!
Note:Artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years before they're eligible for induction.
Voting is conducted by more than 1,200 artists, historians, and music industry professionals, based on criteria such as an artist's impact on other musicians, the scope and longevity of their career and body of work, as well as their innovation and excellence in style and technique.
[1] https://www.rockhall.com/inductees/2025[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_inductees_of_the_Rock_and_Roll_Hall_of_Fame[3] https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-2025-nominees-announced-1234701691/[4] https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-inductees-american-idol-1235157110/
The Beatles' nonperforming industry colleague Lenny Waronker, formerly of Warner Bros. Records, received the Ahmet Ertegun Award this year, joining the ranks of other legends who have impacted music significantly. Joe Cocker, a first-time nominee, also found his way into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, alongside other artists such as Chubby Checker, Bad Company, Cyndi Lauper, OutKast, White Stripes, and Soundgarden.
In the realm of pop-culture, the late Chris Cornell's exceptional contributions to music were honored posthumously, showcasing the enduring impact he left on rock n' roll. Alongside Cornell, Thom Bell, Nicky Hopkins, and Carol Kaye were recognized with the Musical Excellence Award, for their iconic performances and productions that have shaped the sound of music throughout the decades.
In a historical moment for pop-culture, Salt-N-Pepa became the first female rap act to receive the Musical Influence Award, while Warren Zevon was also honored with the same accolade posthumously. This recognition highlights the group's significant impact on music and the broader influence they hold in the industry.
