This combination of photos shows Cubby Checker at the Songwriters Hall of Fame Awards in New York on June 12, 2014, left, British singer Joe Cocker performing in Monaco on Aug. 5, 2011, center, and Cyndi Lauper at the MTV Video Music Awards in New York on Sept. 12, 2021. (AP Photo)
The 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees have been announced, and it's a star-studded lineup. First-time nominees, including Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, and Bad Company, will join the ranks of music legends. They are joined by pop sensation Cyndi Lauper, groundbreaking hip-hop duo OutKast, the rock powerhouse White Stripes, and the influential grunge band Soundgarden.
Honoring Those Who Shaped Music
In addition to the new inductees, the Hall is also recognizing musicians who have had a profound impact on music but were not performers. The Musical Influence Award will be given to Salt-N-Pepa, the first female rap act to achieve gold and platinum status, and the late Warren Zevon, whose unique songwriting left an indelible mark on rock.
For their musical excellence, the Hall is honoring the late producer Thom Bell, session pianist Nicky Hopkins, and bassist Carol Kaye with the Musical Excellence Award. Their behind-the-scenes contributions shaped countless classic tracks.
Joe Cocker: Rock’s Soulful Voice
Joe Cocker, the British singer whose rendition of The Beatles' "With a Little Help From My Friends" became iconic, will be inducted posthumously. Known for his soulful voice and powerful stage presence, Cocker’s legacy continues to influence generations. His induction had the support of Billy Joel, ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons, and Pete Thomas from Elvis Costello & The Attractions, who all argued that Cocker embodied everything rock and roll represents.
Soundgarden: A Grunge Legacy Solidified
Soundgarden, the trailblazing grunge band led by Chris Cornell, will be inducted after their third nomination. They join Nirvana and Pearl Jam as the latest Seattle-based band to earn this prestigious honor. Their raw energy and innovative sound made them an integral part of the '90s grunge movement.
Bad Company: The Arena Rock Icons
Bad Company, known for their arena-rock anthems like “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and “Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy,” will also be inducted. Their unforgettable songs became staples on classic rock radio, cementing their place in rock history.
Cyndi Lauper: The Pop Queen Who Conquered Broadway
Cyndi Lauper, with her chart-topping '80s hits like “Time After Time” and “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” will finally receive her due recognition. A true pioneer in pop music, Lauper didn’t stop there; she later won a Tony Award for her Broadway hit Kinky Boots, proving her versatility and enduring influence.
OutKast: Revolutionizing Hip-Hop
OutKast, the genre-defying duo of André 3000 and Big Boi, is being inducted for their groundbreaking contributions to hip-hop. With six Grammy Awards and a reputation for pushing boundaries, OutKast reshaped the sound of hip-hop in the 2000s and beyond, ensuring their place in the Hall of Fame.
Lenny Waronker: A Giant Behind the Scenes
The Ahmet Ertegun Award, given to industry professionals who have shaped music without performing, will go to Lenny Waronker. As the former head of Warner Bros. Records, Waronker played a pivotal role in signing and nurturing artists like Prince, R.E.M., and Madonna.
The Contenders Who Didn’t Make It
While this year’s list of inductees is impressive, several big names missed out. Mariah Carey, Billy Idol, and Oasis were among the high-profile nominees who will have to wait for another chance. Their absence from this year’s list has already sparked debates about future inductions.
What Makes an Inductee?
To be eligible for induction, artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior. The Hall of Fame’s voting panel, consisting of over 1,200 music industry professionals, evaluates nominees based on their impact on music, the longevity of their careers, and their contributions to the evolution of their respective genres.
Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Los Angeles
The induction ceremony, which will celebrate this year’s honorees, is set to take place in Los Angeles this fall. Fans and industry insiders alike are eagerly anticipating the event, where these musical legends will be formally enshrined.
This year’s group of inductees marks another milestone in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s ongoing mission to honor those who have shaped the sound of modern music. With new names added to the roster, the legacy of rock and roll continues to grow.
