2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees Announced
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has revealed the inductees for its 2025 class, celebrating a diverse lineup of musical talent. This year’s honorees include first-time nominees such as Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, and Bad Company, alongside established stars like Cyndi Lauper, OutKast, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes.
2025 Induction Class
Performer Category
- Bad Company
- Chubby Checker
- Joe Cocker
- Cyndi Lauper
- OutKast
- Soundgarden
- The White Stripes
Awards for Influence and Excellence
The Musical Influence Award will recognize:
- Salt-N-Pepa
- Warren Zevon
The Musical Excellence Award will be presented to:
- Thom Bell
- Nicky Hopkins
- Carol Kaye
Ahmet Ertegun Award
The prestigious Ahmet Ertegun Award will go to Lenny Waronker, a notable industry figure recognized for his contributions as a producer and executive who helped shape numerous successful artists and records.
Remarks from the Chairman
John Sykes, Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, stated, “Each of these inductees created their own sound and attitude that had a profound impact on culture and helped to change the course of Rock & Roll forever. Their music gave a voice to generations and influenced countless artists that followed in their footsteps.”
Noteworthy Honorees
Joe Cocker, renowned for his soulful interpretation of “With a Little Help From My Friends,” performed at Woodstock and is credited for embodying the essence of rock and roll, as endorsed by industry peers including Billy Joel and Pete Thomas.
Soundgarden, featuring the late Chris Cornell, enters the Hall on their third nomination, joining fellow grunge bands Nirvana and Pearl Jam.
Chubby Checker, at 83, expressed prior frustrations over missing past induction opportunities, particularly noting his influential songs like “The Twist.”
Cyndi Lauper, celebrated for her 1980s hits such as “Time After Time,” has also made her mark on Broadway with a Tony Award-winning production.
Induction Ceremony Details
The induction ceremony is set to take place in Los Angeles on November 8, 2025, and will be available for streaming on Disney+. This prestigious event celebrates artists whose first commercial recordings were released at least 25 years prior, ensuring a lasting legacy in the music industry.
Voting and Selection Process
More than 1,200 artists, historians, and music professionals participated in the voting process. The criteria evaluated include an artist’s influence on other musicians, the longevity and scope of their careers, as well as excellence in style and innovation.
Missed Opportunities
Some notable nominees who did not secure induction this year include Mariah Carey, Phish, Billy Idol, and Oasis, highlighting the competitive nature of this prestigious recognition.
For more information on the inductees and the ceremony, visit the official Rock & Roll Hall of Fame website.