May 5, 2023
Emily P.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced their list of the 2023 inductees on Wednesday (May 3rd). The induction ceremony itself is set to take place Friday, November 3rd, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, but the artists who are set to be honored have officially been announced. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame “honors the artists whose music connects us all,” by “sharing stories of the people, events, and songs that shape our world through digital content, innovative exhibits, live music, engaging programs, and [their] annual Induction Ceremony.” In addition to being inducted into the performers category of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, artists can also be honored with the Musical Influence Award, the Musical Excellence Award, or the Ahmet Ertegun Award, at the Induction Ceremony. The “performers” category consists of artists that have created music and whose originality, impact, and influence has changed the course of rock & roll for the foreseeable future. Winners of the Musical Influence Award are artists whose music and performance style have directly influenced, inspired, and evolved rock & roll and music impacting “youth culture.” Winners of the Musical Excellence Award are artists, musicians, songwriters, and producers whose originality and influence creating music have had a “dramatic impact” on music as a whole. Finally, winners of the Ahmet Ertegun Award are non-performing industry professionals who have had a major influence on the creative development and growth of rock & roll and music that has impacted “youth culture.” However, in order to be eligible to be honored with any of these titles, nominated artists are required to have released their first record at least 25 years prior to their induction.
This year brings an incredible amount of talent to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Inductees into the “performer” category are Kate Bush, Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliott, George Michael, Willie Nelson, Rage Against the Machine, and The Spinners. Inductees being honored with the Musical Influence Award are DJ Kool Herc and Link Wray. Inductees being honored with the Musical Excellence Award are Chaka Khan, Al Kooper, and Bernie Taupin. Finally, the inductee being honored with the Ahmet Ertegun Award is Don Cornelius.
“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.”
Read more about the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2023 inductees here!