CLEVELAND — The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame dropped its 2025 inductee list on April 27, and it’s a wild mix of trailblazers who’ve shaped music across decades. From gritty rock riffs to hip-hop beats and pop anthems, this year’s class spans genres and eras, proving rock’s roots stretch far beyond the electric guitar.
Bad Company, the ‘70s rockers behind “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” finally get their due. Chubby Checker, whose 1960 hit “The Twist” sparked a dance craze, joins the ranks after years of lobbying for recognition. Joe Cocker, the raspy-voiced Brit who tore through “With a Little Help from My Friends” at Woodstock, lands a posthumous nod. Cyndi Lauper, the ‘80s pop rebel with “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” brings her colorful legacy to the Hall.
OutKast, the Atlanta duo of André 3000 and Big Boi, redefined hip-hop with albums like Speakerboxxx/The Love Below. Soundgarden, Seattle’s grunge pioneers, earn a spot after frontman Chris Cornell’s tragic death in 2017. The White Stripes, Jack and Meg White’s raw garage-rock outfit, round out the performer category.
Beyond performers, the Hall’s special categories honor key figures. Salt-N-Pepa, the groundbreaking hip-hop trio, and Warren Zevon, the sharp-witted songwriter behind “Werewolves of London,” receive Musical Influence Awards. Carol Kaye, a session bassist who laid down iconic lines for hits like “Good Vibrations,” gets the Musical Excellence Award. Producer Thom Bell, known for crafting Philly soul classics, and Lenny Waronker, a music exec who shaped careers at Warner Bros., are also recognized. Pianist Nicky Hopkins, who played with the Rolling Stones and The Who, earns a posthumous nod.
The announcement came during a live broadcast on American Idol, with the ceremony set for November 8 in Los Angeles, streaming on Disney+. Fans had their say, too, casting over 2.5 million votes in the public ballot, topped by Phish, though the jam band didn’t make the final cut. More than 1,200 industry voters, including artists and historians, sealed the deal.
This year’s class joins a Hall that’s been celebrating music’s rebels since 1983. The ceremony will mark the 40th induction, with tickets going on sale later this summer. Media credentials open in July, and the event promises live performances from surviving inductees, though details remain under wraps.