The Inductees for the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Are ...

From classic rock to metal, to hip hop to alternative and every genre in between, music has continued to evolve decade after decade. 

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame reminds us just how influential music is and the music artists who created the music we listen to are. 

The name of the ceremony can be a bit controversial as there have been a plethora of music artists that have been inducted that do not fall into the Rock & Roll category. It could be renamed, but it's been around for so long, I think renaming it would just be pointless. Music Hall of Fame maybe? Maybe that's too boring and generic. Otherwise, I believe Rock & Roll should be looked at as a loose blanket term covering all music artists. 

Bad Company

Bad Company is a rock and roll band from the 1970's that were very influential during their time. 

I was introduced to Bad Company and their music at a young age as I remember being outside in the summer and hearing a song from them playing from the garage stereo.

While "Feel Like Making Love" and "Shooting Star are probably their most well known, the songs that stand out to me the most and have become my favorites are "Rock and Roll Fantasy" and "Bad Company"

Both of these are probably not as well known as some of their other songs and a maybe a little underrated but they are definitely deserve a listen.

Chubby Checker

Chubby Checker has played a heavy influential role shaping 1960's rock in its early era. His music has introduced us to dance crazes such as "The Twist" easily the song he is most known for.

I remember being first introduced to songs such as "The Twist" and "Limbo Rock" as a kid. I was introduced to the music my parents and the other adults listened to at an early age. For that, I am forever grateful. 

Songs like "The Twist" are incredibly fun to listen to and I challenge you not to dance even just a little to this tune.

Joe Cocker

Joe Cocker's soulful vocals combined with rock deeply influenced how Rock & Roll evolved.

Many of his songs are more slow paced and smooth yet full of soulful rhythm such as "With a Little Help From My Friends".

If someone asked me to name a song that Joe Cocker sings, I honestly would not know. 

What?!

However, I do know this one! And I dare say, who doesn't?

Cyndi Lauper

With her unique voice and an even more unique style fashion wise, Cyndi Lauper has had an influence in helping define 80's new wave and dance electronica. 

While she is most known for the song "Girls Just Want to Have Fun", "She Bop" is my personal favorite. It has insanely fast and upbeat dance and electronica elements with a little bit of an edge.

Outkast

OutKast was one such music artist that influenced the hip hop era of the 90's to early 2000's. Their songs include a combination of hip hop, funk, and soul all blended together creating a truly unique music experience.

I was first introduced to OutKast through their earlier songs such as "I Like the Way" and "Roses" both of which possess a fun funky vibe to them. However the one song that has stood out to me the most and is considered their most well known is "Hey Ya!"

Soundgarden

 If you're familiar with the band Nirvana, you might like and have most likely listened to some Soundgarden as well.

Soundgarden's tone has a heavy grit to it combining alternative rock with metal and helping to define the grunge era of the 90's. Their involvement in alternative and punk rock of the 90's greatly influenced what part of the 90's era of music would become. 

The one song that stands out to me the most is probably one of their more mellow ones.

The White Stripes

The White Stripes are an especially unique band not only because of their tone but because of their line up. 

The band consists of just two people- Jack White (guitarist) and Meg White (drummer) but don't let that simplicity fool you into thinking something influential and genre changing can't come out of it.

Listening to their music and discovering that it was all created by only two people just blew me away. That's commitment, dedication, and a great deal of innovation right there!

They are a band that has deeply influenced alternative and punk rock of the 2000's.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction ceremony will commence in the Fall in Los Angeles. There will also be a few first time nominees including Chubby Checker (quite surprising!), Bad Company, and Joe Cocker.