Learn More About The Class of 2023 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Artists
Check out these contributions to music and culture from the artists in the Class of 2023 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
By bonneville on May 3, 2023
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has announced their inductees for the year. The list includes diverse artists skewing toward famous artists from the ’90s, including Missy Elliott, Rage Against the Machine, George Michael, and Kate Bush.
The Whole List of Inductees
Here is the entire list of the artists who were inducted this year. Fans voted in some of them, while a voting committee placed others.
Performer Category
Kate Bush
Kate Bush is an alternative rocker whose popularity rose after her single “Running Up That Hill” was featured in Stranger Things. She was nominated for the award several times before this year.
Sheryl Crow
Sheryl Crow is well known for her country-style hits that crossed over into rock and pop categories. This was the first time she made it to the ballot for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Missy Elliott
Missy Elliott, a popular hip-hop artist who has written countless hits for other artists, made it in her first year of eligibility. Her first commercial recording, Supa Dupa Fly, was released in 1997.
George Michael
George Michael is a British singer, songwriter, and producer known for his soulful voice and swanky melodies. He rose to fame with hits like “Faith” and “Careless Whisper” dominating the charts.
Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson recently made headlines celebrating his 90th birthday on Saturday, April 29. The singer-songwriter has had a career spanning over six decades and is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in country music.
Rage Against the Machine
These alternative rockers are well-known for pushing against the status quo in their lyrics. They combined heavy metal elements with rap in their songs and recently embarked on a tour until Zack de la Rocha’s leg injury caused them to cancel.
The Spinners
This soul group from Detroit is recognized for their contributions to the R&B genre, inspiring artists such as Eric Clapton, Hall & Oates, Jay-Z, and countless others. This year counts as their fourth nomination for the award.
Musical Influence Award
Though these artists have shied away from the mainstream, they have tremendously influenced the music industry. They are revered as icons among music enthusiasts, rightly deserving their rank among the stars.
DJ Kool Herc
Born Clive Campbell, DJ Kool Herc is widely regarded as the founder of hip-hop. Among his innovations, he pioneered breakbeats in the ’70s to create continuous beats that defined the genre.
Link Wray
Legendary guitarist Link Wray was known for creating the power-chord sound that became a classic rock and roll staple. He is cited as an early influence on punk and heavy metal music, using distortions and tremolo effects in his contributions.
Musical Excellence Award
This award is given to artists whose influence on music has had a dramatic impact over the years.
Chaka Khan
Chaka Khan is well-known for her leading vocals in the group Rufus and her solo career. Her hit “I’m Every Woman” has been covered by numerous artists, and she pioneered the styles of funk, R&B, and jazz into popular music.
Al Kooper
Best known as a keyboardist and guitarist, Kooper has collaborated with many artists across different genres, including Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. He is one of the founding members of Blood, Sweat, & Tears.
Bernie Taupin
A long-time collaborator with Elton John, Taupin is a songwriter, singer, and visual artist. He has written most of the lyrics for John’s songs.
Ahmet Ertegun Award
This award honors non-performing industry professionals who have significantly influenced the growth of music and culture. Ertegun was a record label executive and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame chairman.
Don Cornelius
Born in Chicago, Cornelius was the legendary host of the TV show “Soul Train” from 1970-1993. The show promoted Black artists and brought them to center stage, highlighting them as the centerpiece rather than being featured occasionally as guests on other white-centered programs.
The Ceremony
These 13 honorees will celebrate in a ceremony and concert on November 3 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
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