Topline
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced its “most diverse” class of inductees in its history on Wednesday, with those honored including Jay-Z, the Foo Fighters, The Go-Go’s, Carole King, Todd Rundgren and Tina Turner.
A general, overall view of the exterior of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019 in ... [+]
Key Facts
Three of 2021’s inductees are now two-time Hall of Famers: Dave Grohl was first inducted to the Hall of Fame with Nirvana in 2014, King was inducted in 1990 with songwriter and ex-husband Gerry Goffin, and Turner was honored in 1991 with Ike Turner.
The inductions also mark the Foo Fighters, Go-Go’s and Jay-Z’s respective first times on the Hall of Fame ballot.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame also announced LL Cool J, Bill Preston and Randy Rhoads would receive Musical Excellence Awards, and Clarence Avant would receive the Ahmet Ertegun Award, an award given to “non-performing industry professionals” who “have had a major influence on the creative development” of rock & roll music.
Kraftwerk, Charley Patton and Gil Scott-Heron were honored with the ‘Early Influence’ award.
The Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be on Oct. 30 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Key Background
To be eligible for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, artists are “required to have released their first record 25 years prior to induction.” The ballots are voted on by more than 1,200 artists, including former inductees, “historians and members of the music industry.” An artist is judged on the “length and depth” of their career, their whole body of work and their musical technique. 2021’s class marks the 36th Hall of Fame Induction ceremony. There have been 233 performers inducted into the Hall of Fame, 22 musical excellence inductees, 33 “early influence” honorees and 50 winners of the Ahmet Ertegun Award.
Crucial Quote
“[The 2021 class] really represents the Hall’s ongoing commitment to honor the artists that have created not only rock and roll, but the sound of youth culture,” John Sykes, chair of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame said.
Further Reading
Tina Turner, Jay-Z, Foo Fighters, Go-Go’s, Lead Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2021 Class (Rolling Stone)
