Rock Royalty Once Again Rules the Halls of Fame
Music’s most colorful characters, from pop princesses to heavy metal hellraisers, lead the glamorous pack of potential inductees for the 2024 class of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Nominees announced this week run the gamut from misty-eyed balladeers to hip hop heroes, representing the diversity of sound that has kept rock relevant for decades.
Leading the nominations is none other than the self-proclaimed “Songbird Supreme” herself, Mariah Carey. With her legendary five-octave range and record-setting tally of 19 chart-topping hits, Mimi and her frosted lips are pop royalty. Whether longing for a sweetheart on Christmas or demanding emancipation, Mariah’s voice has provided the soundtrack for multiple generations. “She’s one of those rare artists that can appeal to various age groups seamlessly,” says Steven Wright, Professor of Music History at NYU. “Her influence is felt across every corner of popular music today.”
Fellow diva Cher earned her first solo nomination after being previously inducted with former husband Sonny Bono in 1998. The “Goddess of Pop” has made history as the only artist with a number one single in six straight decades – from 1965’s “I Got You Babe” to the dance floor thumper “Believe,” released when she was in her 50s. “This nomination is overdue,” notes style columnist Luis Fernandez. “Her fashion sense has boldly shaped aesthetics for over half a century and her music still makes audiences shriek.”
Rounding out music’s most glitzy trifecta is the incomparable Lenny Kravitz. As the son of late television producer Sy Kravitz, he grew up rubbing elbows with celebrities. But with his androgynous sex appeal, Hendrix-style fretwork, and funk-rock fusion, Lenny carved out an iconic career of his own. “He gave flower power a much needed repotting in the 90s,” shares culture writer Claire Burns. “Kravitz brought back guitars and grit after the 80s had gone totally glossy.” Lenny also famously had a four-year relationship with top model Adriana Vasini that kept gossip columns buzzing.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, heavy metal hellion Ozzy Osbourne returns to the ballot for his unholy exploits as a solo artist. His horror-inspired theatrics and sludgy guitar riffs made him a controversial figure in the 80s, with parents seeing him as a threat to wholesome values. But his impact on hard rock is undoubtable. “Ozzy took metal out of the garage and turned it into an art form,” believes music scholar Dalton Wexler. “His dark imaginations opened minds and swinging from that bat on stage created a cultural legend.” The Prince of Darkness joins fellow gloom merchant Peter Murphy, late frontman of goth pioneers Bauhaus, in representing rock’s dark side.
Rounding out the slate of nominees are hip hop pioneers Eric B & Rakim, space rock icons Jane’s Addiction, eternal arena rockers Foreigner, and pop-soul queen Sade, who is finally getting her due among critical circles. Whether more outrageous fame seekers or moody poets take the stage this Fall, the Rock Hall looks to continue showcasing rock music in all its rebellious glory. As Sykes says, “In true rock ‘n’ roll fashion, these artists have created their own sounds that have impacted generations.” We can’t wait to see who’s crowned next.
