The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will induct first-time nominees including Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, and Bad Company, along with pop icon Cyndi Lauper, hip-hop duo Outkast, rock band The White Stripes, and grunge group Soundgarden. The Musical Influence Award goes to Salt-N-Pepa, recognized as the first female rap act to achieve gold and platinum status, and the late singer-songwriter Warren Zevon. Notable figures receiving the Musical Excellence Award posthumously include record producer Thom Bell, pianist Nicky Hopkins, and bassist Carol Kaye.
Cocker, famed for his Woodstock performance and his cover of The Beatles’ “With a Little Help From My Friends,” gained support from artists like Billy Joel and ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, endorsing his rock credentials. Soundgarden, marking their third nomination, joins grunge predecessors Nirvana and Pearl Jam in the Hall. Bad Company, celebrated for their arena-rock anthems, solidifies their legacy in the industry.
The Ahmet Ertegun Award will honor Lenny Waronker, a former Warner Bros. Records executive known for signing influential artists including Prince and R.E.M. Other notable nominees who did not make the cut this year include Mariah Carey, Billy Idol, and Oasis.
Chubby Checker, famous for “The Twist,” expressed frustration over his previous exclusion, emphasizing the desire to be inducted while still active. Lauper gained fame in the 1980s with hits like “Time After Time” and won a Tony Award for “Kinky Boots.” OutKast, known for their Grammy-winning contributions, and The White Stripes, with indie hits like “Seven Nation Army,” also represent significant influences in music. The induction ceremony is set for this fall in Los Angeles.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
