Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Announces New Inductees
The prestigious Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will induct OutKast, Cyndi Lauper, The White Stripes, and more at an iconic ceremony later this year. The inductees were announced on ABC during an episode of American Idol, which also included special committee picks.
This year’s selection features an eclectic mix of genres, from hip-hop to pop and grunge. Along with the aforementioned trio of acts, the English rock band Bad Company, founded in 1973, will be inducted into the Performer Category. Joining them is the legendary grunge group Soundgarden, fronted by the late Chris Cornell.
First-time nominee OutKast isn’t the only hip-hop act to be inducted in this year’s ceremony. Salt-N-Pepa will be honored with the Musical Influence Award. The two groups will join A Tribe Called Quest, Eminem, and Missy EllioTt as inductees.
Detroit-based band The White Stripes will also be inducted. Jack White, who has gone on to feature on Beyoncé’s Lemonade album on the angry, rock-tinged track “Don’t Hurt Yourself,” founded the band with partner Meg White. The duo broke up in 2011, but since the announcement of their induction, fans have speculated that they would possibly reunite for a performance that night.
Thirteen acts will be inducted in the ceremony. In February, the Hall Foundation announced nominees, including Mariah Carey, Billy Idol, and rock bands Phish and Joy Division. 1960s and 1970s music icons Chubby Checker, Thom Bell, and Joe Cocker will also be honored.
Songwriters and producers Lenny Waronker and Warren Zevon join them. Music icons Carol Kaye and the late Nicky Hopkins round out the inductees.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame was founded in 1983. Initially, its purpose was to document the history of rock music’s development. Over time, that has shifted to recognizing artists, producers, songwriters, and contributors who impact the music industry.
Artists become eligible for induction after 25 years have passed since their first commercial recording. Past inductees have included rock bands Aerosmith and Guns N’ Roses, Swedish pop group ABBA, Dolly Parton, and many others.
“Each of these inductees created their own sound and attitude that had a profound impact on culture and helped to change the course of Rock & Roll forever,” chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame John Sykes commented.
He continued, “Their music gave a voice to generations and influenced countless artists that followed in their footsteps.”
While performers and special guests have yet to be announced for the event, the ceremony will kick off at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The event will be live-streamed on Disney+ and followed by an ABC special on November 8.
Last night’s special American Idol episode, which announced the inductees, is available to stream on Hulu.
