Through all categories, twelve artists and one music executive are being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year, making 2025 one of its biggest classes. Many long-waiting, deserving artists are finally getting in in some capacity this year.
Performers
After long waits, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, and Bad Company are all heading into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Joining them are hip-hop legends Outkast, grunge co-originators Soundgarden, and garage rock duo The White Stripes .
Artists are eligible for the Rock Hall as performers 25 years from their first commercial release. Previously, they were only eligible “after” 25 years (or in their 26th year) because music can be released at any time throughout a given year. This ensured a full 25 years from the first release for all eligible artists for a given year. However, as of 2023 the Hall is now going by the 25th year, as reported by Billboard.
The only other criterion for induction “include the influence and significance of the artists’ contributions to the development and perpetuation of rock and roll.” Voters (music journalists and historians, industry professionals) look at popularity, longevity, influence, style, technicality, innovation and progression, and more when making their decisions to cast a vote. The artists receiving the most votes are inducted, as long as they were marked off on at least 50% of the returned ballots, which range from 500 to 800 each year.
Award for Musical Excellence
Philadelphia Sound co-creator Thom Bell, legendary pianist Nicky Hopkins, and renowned session bassist Carol Kaye will be inducted in the Award for Musical Excellence Category. The Award for Musical Excellence enshrines artists in the Rock Hall for having “dedicated their lives” to progressing music and who have “achieved a level of timeless distinction.” These artists have not been inducted in the performers category. It is unclear if they could still be inducted in that category. It is also unclear if this award is more prestigious than being inducted as a performer.
Ahmet Ertegun Award
Former Warner Bros. Music producer and president Lenny Waronker will be inducted in the Ahmet Ertegun Award category. The Ahmet Ertegun Award is given to people who have had a “major influence” on rock music, and is usually given to industry leaders (executives, producers, songwriters, etc.), journalists, and other non-performers.
Early Influencers
This year, female hip-hop trailblazers Salt-N-Pepa and the eclectic Warren Zevon were inducted as early influences. Zevon had been nominated quite a few times to the traditional performers ballot, but had failed to garner enough votes. Salt-N-Pepa, on the other hand, never got the chance at the regular ballot, instead going straight through in this side category. While it’s nice for them to be in the Hall, it would have been better to see them get a chance as performers.
To learn more about the people and artists to be inducted on November 8, 2028, read their synopses on the Rock Hall website (scroll down).
The artists on the ballot this year who were not inducted are (in alphabetical order) The Black Crowes, Mariah Carey, Billy Idol, Joy Division/New Order, Maná, Oasis, and Phish.
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