2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame noms who should be enshrined

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has long been a bastion of musical excellence, celebrating the artists and bands that have shaped the soundscape of modern music. As we look forward to the 2025 inductions, a captivating mix of genres and eras is set to take center stage. From legendary rock titans to groundbreaking hip-hop duos, this year’s nominees reflect a diverse array of talent and influence, each deserving of recognition for their vast contributions to the world of music.

Bad Company

Bad Company, the iconic British rock supergroup, is finally receiving their long-overdue nomination[1][3]. Formed in 1973, the band’s bluesy hard rock sound and hits like “Can’t Get Enough” and “Feel Like Makin’ Love” have left an indelible mark on rock history. Their induction would recognize decades of musical influence and chart success.

Chubby Checker

Chubby Checker, the “King of the Twist,” is poised for Rock Hall induction in 2025. With his iconic hit “The Twist” and numerous dance crazes, Checker revolutionized popular music in the 1960s. His influence on rock and roll culture, coupled with record-breaking chart success, makes him a strong contender for enshrinement.

The Black Crowes

Per Billboard.com’s R&R Hall odds assessment: “A southern-rock act who can appeal to rock traditionalists without seeming too old-fashioned, the Black Crowes was one of the biggest ’90s bands who had absolutely nothing to do with grunge, with several of the biggest and best-loved rock radio hits of the early decade. The band faded from the mainstream pretty quickly after, and had been inactive for most of the last 15 years — but a well-received 2024 comeback album (“Happiness Bastards”) may give the Brothers Robinson a nice wave of momentum, and a recent spot on the FireAid lineup shows they still have some considerable industry pull.”

Phish

Phish’s first-time nomination marks a milestone for the jam band icons. With a devoted fanbase (see image above), innovative live performances, and 40 years of musical exploration, Phish’s induction seems inevitable. Their influence on improvisational rock and the festival scene solidifies their place among rock’s greatest acts.

Cyndi Lauper

The iconic ’80s pop star and LGBTQ+ advocate is set for induction. With hits like “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” and “Time After Time,” Lauper’s influence spans decades. Her recent farewell tour and Tony-winning musical “Kinky Boots” solidify her lasting impact on music and culture.

Oasis

The Britpop icons are poised for induction, with their massive influence on 90s rock undeniable. Despite a tumultuous history, Oasis’s anthemic hits like “Wonderwall” and “Don’t Look Back in Anger” remain cultural touchstones. Their nomination and reunion tour helped their case to be enshrined, although Liam Gallagher’s recent criticism of the Hall complicated matters.

Soundgarden

Grunge pioneers Soundgarden are poised for induction after their second nomination. With iconic hits like “Black Hole Sun” and “Spoonman,” the band’s influence on rock is undeniable. Their groundbreaking album “Superunknown” (1994) remains a cornerstone of 90s alternative rock, solidifying their place in music history.

The White Stripes

The Detroit duo of Jack and Meg White revolutionized rock in the early 2000s with their raw, stripped-down sound. Their impact on modern rock is undeniable, from the iconic riff of “Seven Nation Army” to their revival of garage rock. With 6 acclaimed albums and multiple Grammys, The White Stripes’ induction is long overdue.

OutKast

Atlanta’s iconic hip-hop duo, OutKast, is poised for induction in their first nomination. With six Grammys, over 25 million albums sold, and groundbreaking hits like “Hey Ya!” and “Ms. Jackson,” André 3000 and Big Boi revolutionized Southern hip-hop. Their innovative blend of funk, soul, and rap makes them strong contenders for the Hall.

Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey, the “Songbird Supreme,” is poised for Rock Hall induction. With 19 Billboard Hot 100 No.1 singles and over 200 million albums sold worldwide, she’s the best-selling female artist of all time. Her five-octave vocal range and influential blend of pop and hip-hop have shaped music for decades.

Conclusion

As we anticipate the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductions, it’s clear that the nominees have not only contributed groundbreaking work to their respective genres but have also left a lasting impact on music and culture. Their diverse sounds and innovative approaches continue to inspire countless artists and fans worldwide. The upcoming induction ceremony promises to be a celebration of musical legacy and the indelible mark these artists have left on the world.