The 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Nominations—Pardon Us—Very Much Rock
There are few—if any—accolades a musician can receive that compare to being nominated for a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Landing a spot on the list means an artist has made it in the industry, and that their work has impacted society for the better. Each year, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame releases its list of nominees, and that time has come to meet the class of 2023. This year's crew features 14 wildly talented acts. In May, the official selections will be announced, followed by an induction ceremony in the fall.
“This remarkable list of nominees reflects the diverse artist and music that the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame honors and celebrates," said John Sykes, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation chairman. "These artists have created their own sounds that have impacted generations and influenced countless others that have followed in their footsteps.”
Enough with the formalities,—let’s get to the nominees.
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Joy Division
Joy Division only released two albums in its history, but the group's impact on rock & roll has spanned generations. The English band is credited with paving the way for The Cure and Radiohead.
New Order
After Joy Division disbanded after the death of lead singer, Ian Curtis, its members regrouped as New Order. In 1983, New Order released an experimental track called “Blue Order,” which combined dance music with rock—and set a path for a new range of sound.
Cyndi Lauper
Girls just wanted to have fun in 1983, and yeah—they still do today. Cyndi Lauper’s legacy has lasted over 40 years, and her reign over the pop industry doesn’t seem like it’s going anywhere anytime soon.
George Michael
Known for his buttery voice and sultry music, the late George Michael is one of the best-selling artists of all time. Michael rose to fame in the '80s, with hits like “Faith” and “Careless Whisper.”
A Tribe Called Quest
A Tribe Called Quest is probably your dad's favorite rap group. (Or hey, maybe they’re yours, too—we don’t judge.) A Tribe Called Quest formed in 1985 and greatly influenced '90s hip-hop, thanks to its unique sound that paired fun beats with socially conscious lyrics. Formed by Q-Tip, the group produced hits like “Can You Kick It” and “Electric Relaxation.” This is A Tribe Called Quest's second nomination.
Kate Bush
Kate Bush, you will always be famous. She recently made her way back into the pop-culture zeitgeist when her '80s track “Running Up That Hill” was used in the soundtrack for Stranger Things. Bush was an iconic musician long before her music was used to defeat Vecna, but hopefully, her newfound popularity will increase her odds of joining the Hall of Fame's ranks. This is her fourth nomination.
Iron Maiden
Heavy metal lovers rise up: Iron Maiden is finally getting the recognition it deserves. The English band originated in 1975 and promptly took over the heavy metal world with heart-racing tracks like “The Trooper” and “Run to the Hills.”
Missy Elliott
She needs no introduction but, since we’re here, I’ll make one anyway. Missy Elliot, the queen of hip-hop (sorry, Nicki!), is why rap girls are still thriving today. Elliot was a genre-bending artist who dominated the '90s and early '00s. Remember “Get Your Freak On?" “Work it?" Her braggadocious lyrics and club-ready songs made her an industry legend.
Rage Against the Machine
It’s a big year for rock & roll, and thankfully, Rage Against The Machine was not left out of the conversation. Since 1991, the band has championed social justice and the general act of, well, raging against any force that tries to keep you down. Music with a side of social commentary? Rock on, indeed.
Sheryl Crow
Sheryl Crow’s music has a little bit of everything. She infused her songs with pop, country, and blues, and somehow it all worked perfectly. Crow began her career in the '90s, but her 2002 hit, “Soak Up The Sun,” made her a household name.
Soundgarden
Soundgarden is the rock powerhouse behind “Black Hole Sun.” Need I say more?
The Spinners
An oldie, sure, but no doubt a goodie. The Spinners is an American R&B group that dominated the '60s and '70s. With hits like “It’s a Shame” and “The Rubberband Man,” The Spinners crafted a legacy that has withstood the test of time.
Warren Zevon
The late Warren Zevon left an irreplaceable mark on rock & roll. His most famous song, “Werewolves of London,” dropped in 1978 and his bad-boy image carried him through a fruitful career.
The White Stripes
This duo played a part in the early-aughts rock revival. We can all thank Jack and Meg White for the masterpieces “Seven Nation Army,” “Fell in Love with a Girl,” and Blue Orchid,” too.
Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson's legacy is undeniable. His career took off in the '80s, and today, he’s widely known as one of the most popular country stars of the 20th century.
Bria McNeal
Associate Staff Writer
Bria McNeal is a Manhattan based journalist who is patiently awaiting B5's revival. When she's not writing about all things entertainment, she can be found watching TV or trying to DIY something (likely, at the same time). Her work has appeared in NYLON, Refinery29, InStyle, and her personal newsletter, StirCrazy.