The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced their nominees for their 2024 class today. The list interestingly features no newly eligible artists, but rather 15 artists who have been eligible for at least a few years others, ten of whom are on the ballot for the first time (including Ozzy Osbourne as a solo artist, who was previously inducted with Black Sabbath). Only one artist has been nominated twice before, and the other four have been nominated just once. This year’s class is very strong, but of course there were some snubs.
According to the Hall, “an artist’s musical impact and influence on other artists, length and depth of career and body of work as well as innovation and superiority in style and technique are taken into consideration” for induction. Artists are eligible 25 years after their first commercial release.
The nominees for 2024 are (in alphabetical order) A Tribe Called Quest, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Cher, Dave Matthews Band, Eric B. & Rakim, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, Jane’s Addiction, Kool & the Gang, Lenny Kravitz, Oasis, Sinéad O’Connor, Ozzy Osbourne, and Sade.
Notably, most of the artists are alive and would be able to receive their induction in person. O’Connor passed away last year, as did Jimmy Buffet and Gordon Lightfoot, who were not nominated (Tina Turner also passed away, but she was inducted as a solo artist in 2021 and with Ike Turner in 1991). Many people also thought Tracy Chapman would be nominated this year after the re-popularization of her song “Fast Car,” but she will have to continue to wait.
Below, each artist is described and is given overall odds for induction (in alphabetical order).
A Tribe Called Quest Genre(s): Hip-Hop, Alternative Hip-Hop, Jazz Rap Odds of Induction: High
A Tribe Called Quest released their first single in 1989. Known for their thoughtful lyrics, the group is considered a pioneer of alternative hip-hop. All six of their studio albums have been certified gold or platinum. They have influenced many artists including Dr. Dre, Lauryn Hill, Busta Rhymes, D’Angelo, Andre 3000, Kanye West, and Erykah Badu. Their musicality, success, and influence should lead them to the Rock Hall.
Mary J. Blige Genre(s): R&B, Hip-Hop Odds of Induction: Should Be In Already
Mary J. Blige released her first music in 1992. Called the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, six of her first seven albums have been certified multi-platinum, and she has another two platinum albums and seven gold albums (including compilations). She has been credited with melding hip-hop and R&B and with starting the trend of having rappers as featured artists on songs. A host of other artists have cited her as an influence and she has also been recognized as one of the greatest singers in music history. Her musicality, success, longevity, influence, and legacy make her a lock for induction.
Mariah Carey Genre(s): Pop, R&B Odds of Induction: Should Be In Already
Mariah Carey released her first music in 1991. Eight of her first twelve albums have been certified multi-platinum in multiple countries, with the other four being certified platinum in multiple countries. She is one of the best-selling artists of all time, is considered an icon, and is recognized for her incredible voice and vocal range. A fun fact, she was the first artist to have a number-one single in the physical, digital, and streaming ages of music. Vocally and musically, she has influenced a great number of artists. Like Mary J. Blige above her, her musicality, success, longevity, influence, and legacy make her a lock for induction (she’s also already had most of the other highest honors achievable for American artists).
Cher Genre(s): Pop, Rock, Disco, Dance Odds of Induction: Should Be In Already
Cher released her first music in 1965 (both solo and with her then partner Sonny), having her greatest solo success from the late 1980s through the early 2000s. Known as the Goddess of Pop, her accolades are too numerous to mention. One example: she is the only solo artist to have a number-one hit in seven consecutive decades. her music is recognized around the world, and like the two women mentioned above her, her musicality, success, longevity, influence, and legacy make her a lock for induction. She has, however, recently rebuffed the Rock Hall, saying she wouldn’t accept induction at this point since she’s been snubbed from even being nominated so many times (adding “I wouldn’t be in now if they gave me a million dollars.”). We will see if that sentiment holds true, as she is likely to be inducted, despite a very strong class.
Dave Matthews Band Genre(s): Rock, Folk Rock, Alternative Rock Odds of Induction: High
Dave Matthews Band released their first live album in 1993, though the Rock Hall used their 1994 album and singles as their first releases. Nominated in their first year of eligibility a few of years ago, the group’s first eight albums are all certified gold, platinum, or multi-platinum (as are their first seven live albums – all the more interesting considering they are one of the most bootlegged artists of all time for their concerts) and they are the first band to ever have seven straight albums debut at number one on the Billboard chart. Known for their eclectic style that mixes jazz, country, folk, rock, and other genres together, the band’s musicality, success, and support for nomination should have them in the Rock Hall soon. (Interestingly, the band received the highest vote total from the fan vote in their one year on the ballot and was not inducted, which had never happened since the fan vote was instituted).
Eric B. & Rakim Genre(s): Hip-Hop Odds of Induction: Medium
Eric B. & Rakim released their first single in 1986. Known for Rakim’s methodic delivery, internal and multi-syllabic rhymes, and Eric B.’s sampling to create beats and song structure, the pair are regarded as one of the best duos in music history. They released one platinum and two gold albums and were a large influence on the evolution of hip-hop. Their musicality and influence should bring them to the Rock Hall.
Foreigner Genre(s): Hard Rock, Arena Rock Odds of Induction: Should Be In Already
Foreigner released their first music in 1977. One of the most popular artists of the late 1970s and 1980s, Foreigner released six straight albums certified platinum or higher, along with nine top-ten singles among sixteen top-40 hits. They are one of the highest-selling artists of all time and defined arena rock for fifteen years. Success, popularity, and expanding the popularity of rock music should have Foreigner in the Rock Hall.
Peter Frampton Genre(s): Rock Odds of Induction: Medium
Peter Frampton released his first solo music in 1972. Known for his hit song “I’m in You,” from his platinum album of the same name, Frampton is noted for his guitar work. He has consistently released music since his debut and consistently charted songs form the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s. Longevity, guitar prowess, and popularity help Frampton make a good case for Rock Hall induction.
Jane’s Addiction Genre(s): Alternative Metal Odds of Induction: High
Jane’s Addiction released their first live album in 1987. Credited with popularizing alternative metal, the group influenced the development of the genre, as well as nu-metal and alternative rock. Artists they influenced include Tool, Korn, The Smashing Pumpkins, Limp Bizkit, Candlebox, P.O.D., Incubus, System of a Down, and more. They have one gold, one platinum, and one multi-platinum album among their four studio albums. They also helped start the music festival Lollapalooza. Their musicality and influence should earn them a spot in the Hall.
Kool & the Gang Genre(s): Funk, Soul, Disco, Jazz, Pop, R&B Odds of Induction: Medium
Kool & the Gang released their first music in 1969. The band is known for their exploration of musical styles and consistently charted in the 1970s and 1980s, including number-one hit “Celebration.” An important group in the evolution and popularization of funk and disco, among other genres, Kool & the Gang are deserving of induction to the Rock Hall.
Lenny Kravitz Genre(s): Rock, many others Odds of Induction: High
Lenny Kravitz released his first music in 1989. All but one of his twelve albums has been certified gold, platinum, or multi-platinum in multiple countries. One of the most-respected artists in the music industry, and with longevity and success, Kravitz has left his mark on rock music and should be inducted to the Rock Hall.
Oasis Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Britpop Odds of Induction: High
Oasis released their first music (aside from a promotional single) in 1994. Known as the face of Britpop, all seven of the band’s studio albums are certified multi-platinum in multiple countries. Aside from massive success, they have influenced artists including Coldplay, Maroon 5, Ryan Adams, The Killers, Arctic Monkeys, Catfish and the Bottlemen, and Alvvays. Their success and popularity, musicality, and influence should make them a lock for the Hall.
Sinéad O’Connor Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Pop Rock, Folk Rock Odds of Induction: Medium
Sinéad O’Connor released her first music in 1987. Her discography includes one multi-platinum album and several gold albums in multiple countries and is best known for her version of “Nothing Compares 2 U.” She was known for being outspoken in politics, religion, society, and her struggles with mental health. Quite a few artists have cited her as an influence on their work and she received a major highlight at the Grammy’s this year. With success and influence, she has a decent chance for induction.
Ozzy Osbourne (real name John Michael Osbourne) Genre(s): Heavy Metal, Hard Rock Odds of Induction: Should Be In Already
Ozzy Osbourne released his first solo music in 1980. After being fired from Black Sabbath (with whom he was inducted to the Rock Hall), Osbourne has gone on to be one of the most successful heavy metal artists of all time as a solo artist. Having released an incredible number of gold, platinum, and multi-platinum albums, along with his work with Black Sabbath, he is said to be the “Godfather of Heavy Metal.” An iconic figure in rock music, Osbourne should already be in the Rock Hall as a solo artist.
Sade Genre(s): Soul, Jazz, Pop Odds of Induction: High
Sade released their first music in 1984. All six of their studio albums and a compilation album have been certified gold, platinum, and multi-platinum in multiple countries. They have influenced an array of artists including Eric B. & Rakim, Aaliyah, Brandy, Beyoncé, and Greg Puciato. Known for lead singer Sade Adu’s smooth vocals, their music has helped shape pop music since their debut. The group’s musicality, success, and influence give them a solid case for Rock Hall induction.
Here are the artists that were newly eligible this year but did not make the ballot:
Ariel Pink (real name Ariel Marcus Rosenberg) Genre(s): Psychedelic, Indie Pop, Indie Rock Odds of Induction: Slim
Ariel Pink released his first album in 1999. While critically successful and influential with his low-fi, hypnagogic sound, Pink’s controversial, homophobic, and unstable statements – whether trolling or serious – combined with allegations of physical, sexual, and mental abuse toward a former girlfriend and others will keep him out of the Hall.
Coldplay Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Pop Rock Odds of Induction: Lock
Coldplay released their first single in 1999. One of the highest-selling artists of all time, and one of the definitive artists of the last 20 years, Coldplay has achieved massive critical and commercial success. The band has also influenced a long list of artists, especially through their first two albums, regarded as two of the best of all time.
Chris Cornell Genre(s): Grunge, Alternative Metal, Hard Rock Odds of Induction: Lock
Chris Cornell released his first solo music in 1999. Regarded as one of the greatest rock singers of all time and a noted songwriter, Cornell will be in the Hall someday, possibly with multiple inductions: solo, with Soundgarden, and with Audioslave.
Halestorm Genre(s): Hard Rock Odds of Induction: Low
Halestorm released their first EP in 1999. Known for lead singer “Lzzy” Hale’s vocals, the band began to have much more success in the late 2000s, and is now a respected hard rock band. Success starts to build their case for the Hall, but they will need more.
The Hex Girls Genre(s): Gothic Rock Odds of Induction: Slim
The Hex Girls – yes, Thorn, Dusk, and Luna from the Scooby Doo universe – (technically) released their first music in 1999 with their appearance in Scooby Doo! and the Witch’s Ghost. Am I joking right now? Yes. But also no. These girls are absolute legends and have inspired young girls (and others) to get into rock music, fashion, Wicca, and environmentalism. Also, watch this “live” performance from Scooby Doo! Mystery Incorporated featuring Daphne Blake and tell me it couldn’t be a radio hit.
Lil Wayne (real name Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr.) Genre(s): Hip-Hop Odds of Induction: High
Lil Wayne released his first solo album in 1999. Regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time, his first eleven albums are all certified gold, platinum, or multi-platinum. One of the most influential hip-hop artists, he will likely see the Hall.
Ludacris (real name Christian Bridges) Genre(s): Hip-Hop Odds of Induction: Medium
Ludacris released his first album in 1999. One of the most successful rappers of the 2000s, his first seven studio albums are all certified gold, platinum, and multi-platinum. A list of rappers ahead of him will slow his path to the Hall. At least he has twenty more Fast & Furious movies to look forward to.
John Mayer Genre(s): Pop, Soft Rock, Folk Rock, Blues Rock Odds of Induction: Lock
John Mayer released his first EP in 1999. Known as one of the best modern guitarists and a pop magnate, Mayer has a strong case for the Hall already. Though some controversial interviews might hurt him a bit, Mayer’s massive success, technical ability, and staying power will see him through to the Hall.
Slipknot Genre(s): Heavy Metal, Nu-Metal, Alternative Metal Odds of Induction: Medium
Slipknot released their first music in 1999. One of the most popular metal bands of the 21st century, their first five albums are all certified gold, platinum, or multi-platinum in several countries. Success and musicality help their case, but lyrical themes begetting violence and controversy hurt their case.
Thrice Genre(s): Post-hardcore, Alternative Rock, Punk Pop, others Odds of Induction: Low
Thrice released their first EP in 1999. While they have not had major success, the band is known for their genre-shifting and bending musicality, playing with different genres and sounds on their albums. They have also been mildly influential, giving them a decent résumé for the Hall.
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