The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame has announced their 2023 inductees, and this year’s class is as impressive as it is diverse with Black music well represented.
After 25 years of eligibility, the seventh nomination was the charm for Chaka Khan, who’ll be inducted into Rock Hall and receive the music excellence award. The Queen of Funk has been nominated four times with her group Rufus and three times as a solo act. In a year that has seen the “Through The Fire” singer celebrate her 70th birthday and 50th year in soul business, her long-overdue induction is somehow right on time.
Khan will be joined in the music excellence category by two other inductees: Elton John’s frequent collaborator, songwriter Bernie Taupin, and musician/producer Al Kooper.
Missy Elliott will make history as the first female rapper to receive this prestigious honor. The innovative artist will be inducted in the performer category after only her first year of eligibility and first time on the ballot. This is a win not only for Missy but for women in hip-hop.
The 8th Annual Black Music Honors honoree and 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture headliner echoed that sentiment on her socials. “I want to say this is HUGE not for just me but all my Sisters in HIPHOP this door is now OPEN to showcase the hard work that many of us WOMEN contribute to MUSIC,” she shared with a striking photograph boasting her Rock Hall inductee status.
Accompanying Missy in the performer category are genre-spanning artists among the inductees. On the list are rhythm & blues group The Spinners, rap-rockers Rage Against The Machine, country superstar Willie Nelson and songstresses Sheryl Crow and Kate Bush. Blue-eyed pop-soul singer and former WHAM! member George Michael, who passed away in 2016, will be inducted posthumously.
With 2023 being the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, it’s only right that its originator DJ Kool Herc will get inducted this year. The rap royalty is scheduled to receive the musical influence award as will rock guitarist Link Wray.
Also receiving posthumous induction will be Soul Train creator Don Cornelius who will receive the Ahmet Ertegun Award. According to Rock Hall, this category is for “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.”
- Advertisement -“This year’s incredible group of inductees reflects the diverse artists and sounds that define rock & roll,” Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Foundation John Sykes said about 2023’s esteemed class.
The 2023 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame ceremony will happen on Friday, November 3rd at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Ticket information is forthcoming and will be available on the Rock Hall website.
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