Kate Bush, Missy Elliott, and Rage Against the Machine inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Kate Bush, Missy Elliott, Sheryl Crow, and Rage Against the Machine are being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as part of their class of 2023. Willie Nelson, George Michael, and the Spinners are among the other performer inductees.

Chaka Khan, Al Kooper, and Elton John’s songwriter Bernie Taupin are receiving the Musical Excellence Award. In addition, Don Cornelius, the late creator of Soul Train, will get the Ahmet Ertegun Award.

The organisers behind the ceremony have underlined how the new class reflected “the diverse artists and sounds that define rock & roll.” In a statement accompanying the induction announcement, John Sykes, the chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, said, “We are honoured that this November’s induction ceremony in New York will coincide with two milestones in music culture; the 90th birthday of Willie Nelson and the 50th anniversary of the birth of hip-hop.” This statement appears to reflect previous criticism over the lack of inclusivity in the ceremony's line-up.

Sheryl Crow, George Michael, Missy Elliott, and Willie Nelson are being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame after their first nominations, whilst Kate Bush and Rage Against the Machine are being inducted on their fourth and fifth nominations.

Some of the artists who were nominated for 2023 induction but did not make the final cut include Cyndi Lauper, A Tribe Called Quest, Soundgarden, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, and the White Stripes.

Dolly Parton famously rejected her nomination last year, before eventually accepting and being inducted.