The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame revealed on Wednesday that hip-hop icon Missy Elliott is among its 2023 inductees. Elliott joins Kate Bush, Rage Against the Machine, Sheryl Crow, George Michael, the Spinners, and Willie Nelson in the Rock Hall’s ‘Class of 2023.’ Elliott becomes the first female rapper to receive the honor.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame CEO and President Joel Peresman said via Rolling Stone: “We’re very happy with this year’s class. People always try to pigeonhole what rock and roll is, but our story has always been that it’s a wide tent. It includes all different kinds of genres. We think this class really shows the breadth of rock and roll. When you have Missy Elliott, Sheryl Crow, and the Spinners along with Rage Against The Machine and Willie Nelson, you’re covering a lot of things.”
The “musical excellence award” will be given to three additional artists: Chaka Khan, Al Kooper (producer on recordings from Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Blood, Sweat & Tears), and Bernie Taupin (Elton John’s longtime lyricist). In addition, the Ahmet Ertegun Award will be presented to Don Cornelius – who hosted ‘Soul Train’ on television from 1970-1993.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation chairman John Sykes said in a statement: “This year’s incredible group of Inductees reflects the diverse artists and sounds that define rock & roll. We are honored 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.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Class Of 23 induction ceremony will take place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Nov. 3. Ticket information will be announced in the future. For further details, visit the official website for the Rock Hall’s Class Of 2023.
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