The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has just announced its 2024 class of inductees, spanning a wide range of genres and eras. The list of selected performers features “Goddess of Pop” Cher, the brilliantly inventive rap group A Tribe Called Quest, and Mary J. Blige, the “Queen of R&B.” The list doesn’t stop there — it also features 70’s rock legend Peter Frampton, jam band favorite the Dave Matthews Band, the iconic arena-rock group Foreigner, Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne, and the feel-good disco-funk band Kool & the Gang (from Jersey City!).
Apart from the aforementioned performers, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame also features a Musical Excellence category. This year’s inductees include the soul icon and New Jersey native Dionne Warwick, proto-punk band MC5, innovative Motown songwriter Norman Whitfield, and beloved pop-rock legend Jimmy Buffett, who passed away last September. There’s a fascinating third category, the Musical Influence Award, which will honor three overlooked but extremely influential musicians. This year, the award will go to Big Mama Thornton, the pioneering rock singer who heavily inspired Elvis Presley with her original rendition of “Hound Dog”, as well as Alexis Korner and John Mayall, two foundational British blues-rockers. Lastly, the Ahmet Ertegun Award will be given to Suzanne de Passe, a Motown executive who played a key role in helping the Jackson 5 achieve worldwide fame.
John Sykes, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation chairman shared that “Rock ’n’ roll is an ever-evolving amalgam of sounds that impacts culture and moves generations.” He added that “this diverse group of inductees each broke down musical barriers and influenced countless artists that followed in their footsteps.” On October 19th, the stars will be inducted at Cleveland’s Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. Stay tuned for more information about the ceremony, which always includes featured performers paying tribute to the honorees.