This year’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony took place on Friday, Nov. 3, and honored iconic artists who have made significant contributions to not only rock and roll but also to music history as a whole.
This year’s inductees included Kate Bush, Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliott, George Michael, Willie Nelson, Rage Against the Machine, The Spinners, DJ Kool Herc, Link Wray, Chaka Khan, Al Kooper, Bernie Taupin and Don Cornelius.
The night specifically honored DJ Kool Herc and Link Wray for the Musical Influence Award, Chaka Khan, Al Kooper and Bernie Taupin for the Musical Excellence Award and Don Cornelius for the Ahmet Ertegun Award.
“This year’s incredible group of inductees reflects the diverse artists and sounds that define rock & roll. We are honored that this November’s induction ceremony in New York will coincide with two milestones in music culture; the 90th birthday of Willie Nelson and the 50th anniversary of the birth of hip-hop,” Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation John Sykes said on behalf of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
The night’s performances started with a duet of Crow’s song “If It Makes You Happy” with singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo. Crow later brought out Fleetwood Mac legend Stevie Nicks to perform Crow’s song “Strong Enough” — making Crow’s set a heartwarming tribute to musical influences of the past, present and future.
Chaka Khan took the stage with artists H.E.R., Sia and Common to perform some of her hit songs, including my rom-com favorite “I’m Every Woman.” Khan was also honored with a video that included interviews with Queen Latifah, Joni Mitchell and H.E.R.
Dave Matthews, of the rock band Dave Matthews Band, introduced Willie Nelson to the stage — paying tribute to his many accomplishments in the country music genre — and Nelson subsequently performed with fellow country music artist and collaborator Chris Stapleton.
Missy Elliott also made history as the first female rapper inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and was honored by Queen Latifah — who noted Elliott’s talent and influence on iconic music stars in terms of production, writing and performing.
Latifah also honored Elliott’s legacy beyond simply the production of music and highlighted her role as a leader in combating misogynistic stereotypes and obstacles faced by women in the world of hip-hop.
My favorite moment of the night was when rapper and record producer Big Boi inducted witchy singer-songwriter Kate Bush — a truly unexpected genre crossover. Big Boi went on to explain his forever love of Bush — even before her resurgence of popularity from her song “Running Up That Hill” being featured in “Stranger Things.”
He even anticipated questions the audience might have, like “What does Kate Bush have to do with hip-hop?” and “What does Kate Bush have to do with rock and roll?”
Big Boi explained how Bush’s musical integrity, innovation and unconventionality — paired with her ability to give her music a new life when performed live — makes her an unparalleled musical icon that surpasses all boundaries of genre.
“It’s no surprise that she had a surge of popularity decades after she emerged on the scene. After all, if you were hearing Kate’s music for the first time, why wouldn’t you believe she was a current artist? The only mistake you might make is that the artists she influenced had influenced her,” Big Boi said in his speech.
