The 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony brought out legends from all genres of music to New York on Friday, Nov. 3, at the Barclays Center in Los Angeles.
The Class of 2023 inductees include Missy Elliot, who made history as the first female rapper to receive the honor, Chaka Khan, The Spinners, DJ Kool Herc, Don Cornelius, Kate Bush, Sheryl Crow, George Michael, Willie Nelson, Rage Against the Machine, Link Wray, Al Kooper and Bernie Taupin.
DJ Kool Herc, often referred to as the father of hip-hop, was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and moved to the Bronx Burrough of New York where he began deejaying parties for his sister. Considered one of the founders of hip-hop, Herc created the then-new deejay discipline of spinning two turntables at once while on a microphone. DJ Kool Herc had to be held up by fellow Hall of Famer LL Cool J as he was overcome with emotion when he accepted his award with his sister by his side.
Grammy Award winner Jazmine Sullivan introduced Chaka Khan at the prestigious ceremony. Sullivan spoke about how Khan was her mother’s favorite artist and that during her mother’s battle with breast cancer, she called Chaka on the phone so that her mom could hear the voice of the singer she so admired. Sia, H.E.R, and Common joined Chaka Khan on stage for her performance. The newly minted Hall of Famer said that without the group, Rufus, she would not have become a household name. Her I’m Every Woman musical is in the works and her new fragrance is on HSN.
The Spinners will forever be considered as the sound of Philapephia, according to Quest Love. The Spinners got their first hit from Stevie Wonder, “It’s A Shame.” Their song “I’ll Be Around” went to number on the billboard charts. Wanya Morris said there would be no Boyz II Men without The Spinners. New Edition paid tribute to The Spinners as they celebrate 40-plus years in the music industry.
Don Cornelius, the founder of Soul Train, brought black artists to national television. If it weren’t for him, many artists would not have been recognized musically. He played a massive role in the Black culture and entertainment industry.
Legendary hip-hop artist Queen Latifah graced the stage to bring Missy Elliot into the Hall of Fame. Elliot has influenced hip-hop culture with her music and hits she has written and produced for other artists. The sound of music changed when Missy hit the scene with her musical partner, Timbaland. Cardi B said, “Missy Elliot is more than hip-hop, she is music.”
The 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony streamed live on Disney Plus, and ABC will air featured performance highlights and memorable moments on Jan. 1 at 8:00 p.m. EST.
