Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, and Bad Company Join Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
In a landmark year for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, first-time nominees Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, and Bad Company will be inducted alongside pop icon Cyndi Lauper, hip-hop duo Outkast, rock legends The White Stripes, and grunge pioneers Soundgarden.
Soundgarden, featuring the late Chris Cornell, marks their third nomination, joining fellow grunge acts Nirvana and Pearl Jam. Cocker, immortalized for his Woodstock performance and his iconic cover of “With a Little Help From My Friends,” had strong endorsements from notable musicians including Billy Joel and Billy Gibbons. Bad Company, known for arena rock staples like “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” solidified their mark on music history with this induction.
Salt-N-Pepa, recognized as the first female rap group to achieve gold and platinum records, along with the late Warren Zevon, will receive the Musical Influence Award. The Musical Excellence Award will be presented to producer Thom Bell, pianist Nicky Hopkins, and bassist Carol Kaye.
Additionally, Lenny Waronker, former head of Warner Bros. Records, will receive the Ahmet Ertegun Award, honoring his extensive impact on the music industry, including signing artists like Prince and R.E.M.
Several prominent nominees, such as Mariah Carey, Billy Idol, and Oasis, will not join this year’s roll call. Chubby Checker, famous for “The Twist,” had previously expressed frustration over the delay of his induction, suggesting urgency for recognition.
The induction ceremony is set for this fall in Los Angeles, honoring artists who made a significant mark on the music landscape over their careers. Voting was conducted by over 1,200 industry professionals, reflecting the diverse and lasting influence of these honorees.
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