The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation has unveiled its list of nominees for the upcoming induction ceremony, featuring an eclectic mix of legendary performers. Among those nominated are Bad Company, Mariah Carey, Billy Idol, and, after decades of effort, Chubby Checker. This year, a total of 14 artists have made the prestigious list.
The full list of nominees includes: Bad Company, The Black Crowes, Mariah Carey, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Billy Idol, Joy Division/New Order, Cyndi Lauper, Maná, Oasis, OutKast, Phish, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes. Notably, Bad Company, The Black Crowes, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Billy Idol, Maná, OutKast, and Phish are first-time nominees, marking a significant milestone in their careers.
John Sykes, Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, emphasized the significance of these nominees, stating, “These remarkable nominees have each created their own musical style and attitude impacting generations of music lovers and contributing to the ever-evolving sounds and continued growth of rock & roll.”
The inductees will be announced in late April, including those entering under special committee categories such as Musical Influence, Musical Excellence, and the Ahmet Ertegun Non-Performer Award. The much-anticipated induction ceremony is set to take place in Los Angeles this fall.
For 83-year-old Chubby Checker, this nomination is particularly poignant. His 1960 hit “The Twist” sparked a dance craze, introducing moves like the Watusi, the Mashed Potato, and The Jerk. Despite his profound impact, Checker and his fans have been lobbying for his induction for decades without success until now. In 2001, he famously took out a full-page ad in Billboard magazine, advocating not only for his induction but also humorously requesting a Nobel Prize. “I want my flowers while I’m alive,” he declared, underlining his desire for recognition.
This year’s nominees reflect a diverse array of genres. Hard rock is represented by Bad Company and Billy Idol, while alternative rock sees nominees like Joy Division/New Order and The White Stripes. The late Joe Cocker embodies the Woodstock generation, and hip-hop is honored with OutKast. Maná, a longstanding Grammy-winning Mexican pop-rock band, adds international flair to the list.
Despite ongoing criticism that the Rock Hall often overlooks female artists, only two women, Mariah Carey and Cyndi Lauper, have been nominated this year. Their inclusion highlights the need for continued advocacy for gender diversity in recognition.
