Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker & Bad Company Nominated for First Time for 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame just announced its 14 nominees for 2025, eight of whom were nominated for the first time — about half of them will end up being inducted. Several of the first-time nominees are nostalgic favorites, including ’60s star Chubby Checker, blues rock singer Joe Cocker and English rock supergroup Bad Company. Other first-time nominees include Southern rock band the Black Crowes, punk icon Billy Idol, Latin superstar group Maná, jam band Phish and hip-hop duo OutKast.
Other nominees include pop queen Mariah Carey, post-punk group Joy Division/New Order, ’80s pop star Cyndi Lauper, ’90s Britpop band Oasis, Seattle grunge icons Soundgarden and ’00s Detroit rockers the White Stripes.
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The most exciting nominee may be Checker, who is best known for his ’60s dance hit “The Twist.” It remains one of the biggest hit songs in the history of the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, and was recognized by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2018. In 2001, Checker asked for recognition for the tune in a full-page ad in Billboard magazine, writing, “I want my flowers while I’m alive. I can’t smell them when I’m dead.”
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So, who decides which artists receive this highly coveted honor? An international panel of over 1,200 artists, music industry professionals and historians will vote. Fans can also cast their votes, which will impact the final decisions. If you’re interested in sharing your opinion and voting for your favorite artists, visit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame website.
While the induction ceremony will take place this fall, the winners will be announced in late April. The announcement will not only share who will be inducted this year, but also who will be performing at the ceremony. Plus, fans will find out who won this year’s Ahmet Ertegun Award.
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The Ahmet Ertegun Award honors those who work behind the scenes in the music industry, including record label executives, record producers, songwriters and more. The award was renamed for Hall of Fame cofounder Ahmet Ertegun after his death in 2006.
Who are you hoping gets inducted this year?
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Pop Music Legends
August 2017
Dedicated to the sights, sounds and stories of the golden age of pop.
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