The esteemed Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has unveiled its illustrious lineup of 2024 nominees, showcasing a broad spectrum of musical prowess that transcends genres and eras. Topping the list are luminaries such as Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, and Cher, alongside the late Sinéad O’Connor, guitar virtuoso Lenny Kravitz, and heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne. These artists have been recognized for their unique contributions to the music industry and their enduring legacy in the rock ‘n’ roll pantheon.
Ozzy Osbourne, notorious for his usurpation of conservative sensibilities during the 1980s with his overt devilish imagery and thick, heavy sounds, has been nominated for his solo work. This follows his prior induction with the legendary metal band Black Sabbath. British band Oasis and Sade, the latter renowned for their smooth pop-soul anthems such as “Smooth Operator” and “The Sweetest Taboo,” have both made the list. Sade’s nomination comes hot on the heels of their recent Songwriters Hall of Fame accolade last year.
Interspersed among these titans are hip-hop trailblazers Eric B. & Rakim, the mellow harmonies of Foreigner, the versatile singer-guitarist Peter Frampton, alternative rock outfits Jane’s Addiction and Dave Matthews Band, and the unforgettable dance grooves of Kool & the Gang. The divergent styles and influences of these nominees serve to underscore the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s dedication to honoring music’s universal and boundary-crossing appeal.
“Continuing in the true spirit of rock ‘n’ roll, these artists have created their own sounds that have impacted generations and influenced countless others that have followed in their footsteps,” John Sykes, Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, articulated in a statement that reflects the organization’s commitment to innovation and cultural impact.
Among the nominees are ten first-time ballot candidates: Carey, Cher, Foreigner, Frampton, Kool & the Gang, Kravitz, Oasis, O’Connor, Osbourne and Sade — each bringing their unique flair and history of distinguished contributions to the musical landscape. The inclusion of Carey, with 19 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100; Blige, with nine Grammy Awards and eight multi-platinum albums; and Cher, who remarkably boasts a No. 1 song across six consecutive decades, will significantly bolster the representation of women in the annals of the Hall of Fame.
To qualify for nomination, artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior to being considered for induction. The criteria aim to recognize the endurance and influence of their musical contributions over time. The grand induction ceremony is slated to occur in Cleveland later this fall, promising a celebration of remarkable talent and timeless music.
More than 1,000 artists, historians, and music industry professionals will cast their votes to select the inductees. Additionally, fans relish the opportunity to participate in the selection process by casting their votes online or in person at the museum. The top five artists chosen by the public amalgamate into a “fans’ ballot,” which will be counted alongside the professional ballots, ensuring that the voices of dedicated music enthusiasts are heard.
This star-studded roster of nominees follows last year’s induction, which honored talents such as Missy Elliott, Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow, Chaka Khan, and “Soul Train” creator Don Cornelius, alongside posthumous inductees George Michael and Kate Bush. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame continues to stand as a testament to the enduring and dynamic nature of musical artistry, cementing the legacy of those who have left an indelible mark on the world of music.
