It’s that time of year again, the foundation for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has announced the shortlist for this year’s induction nominees. For artists to be eligible their debut album needs to be at least 25 years old. While we can all agree that the list of inductees hasn’t been very “rock” lately, this list does include a few long-overdue rock bands and artists. As always there is a fan vote that counts for 1/3 of the total vote. So make sure to vote for your favorites at vote.rockhall.com.
The 15 artists, in alphabetical order, are:
- Mary J. Blige – second nomination
- Mariah Carey – first nomination
- Cher – first nomination
- Dave Matthews Band – second nomination
- Eric B. & Rakim – first nomination
- Foreigner – first nomination
- Peter Frampton – first nomination
- Jane’s Addiction – second nomination
- Kool & the Gang – first nomination
- Lenny Kravitz – first nomination
- Oasis – first nomination
- Sinéad O’Connor – first nomination
- Ozzy Osbourne – first nomination
- Sade – first nomination
- A Tribe Called Quest – third nomination
Ozzy who is already in with his band Black Sabbath took to his social media to say this about his first nomination as a solo artist. “I’m deeply honored to receive this news from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. To be one of the few musicians who’s being considered for a second entry, now as a solo artist, is something I could never have imagined. After 44 years as a solo artist, the fact that I can continue to record music and receive this recognition is something I am incredibly proud of.”
As for Foreigner founding member and only original member still in the band said, “I deeply appreciate the recognition from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame committee. It is wonderful that Foreigner has maintained its presence all these years and brought the music to our fans. Getting this news today is an incredible endorsement of what we have achieved over time. I know I speak for my fellow Foreigner nominees, Lou Gramm, Rick Wills, Al Greenwood, Dennis Elliott, and the families of [the late] Ed Gagliardi and Ian McDonald.”
Meanwhile, John Sykes, Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, says, “This remarkable list of nominees reflects the diverse artists and music that the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame honors and celebrates. Continuing in the true spirit of rock and roll, these artists have created their own sounds that have impacted generations and influenced countless others that have followed in their footsteps.”
The inductees will be announced in April and the ceremony will take place in Cleveland at some point this fall.
