The inductees for the 2024 Rock And Roll Hall of Fame class were announced live tonight on American Idol. As always, this year was a competitive group. Also, as is often the case with the Rock Hall, this year’s honorees are an eclectic class, ranging from heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne, in for the second time (the first time being as the frontman for the legendary Black Sabbath) to R&B diva Mary J. Blige.
The inductees cover all genres and many eras. Here is the full list of inductees.
Peter Frampton
The ‘70s icon, who came from the British band Humble Pie, helped define the decade with his seminal Frampton Comes Alive. The double album was the best-selling record of 1976. It has since sold over eight million albums. While that is Frampton’s best-known work, the guitar hero, who is still on tour this year, has worked with his close friend, David Bowie, as well as other luminaries like Dolly Parton and Ringo Starr.
Ozzy Osbourne
As mentioned, Osbourne is already a member of the Rock Hall. Now he has earned a second trip into the Hall for his solo work, including the early ‘80s albums, Blizzrad of Ozz and Diary of a Madman, featuring the late guitar legend, Randy Rhoads. One of metal’s most colorful and iconic characters, Osbourne gets his deserved return to the hall.
Cher
Like Dolly Parton last year, Cher is an iconic figure who transcends genre. From her days as the co-host of The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour, which received 15 Emmy nominations in the ‘70s, to her Oscar-winning career as an actress (she won for 1987’s Moonstruck), Cher is a true multi-media superstar. But it all began with her music, which includes such signature songs as “I Got You. Babe,” “Believe,” “Half-Breed” and more.
Mary J. Blige
One of music’s most celebrated voices, the incomparable “Queen of Hip-Hop/Soul” has been at the forefront of both soul and hip-hop since debuting on the scene in1989. Watch her incredible 2023 Grammy performance on YouTube and you can see why she is getting into the Hall. An Oscar nominee, a Grammy winner, and a Super Bowl halftime show performer, Blige has done it all. But the biggest testament to her brilliance is the artists she has worked with – including Ray Charles, Jay-Z, Smokey Robinson, Notorious B.I.G., Missy Elliott and more.
Foreigner
When Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, Slash, Jack Black, Chad Smith and more sing your praises for the Rock Hall, that speaks volumes. Then when you back that up with a slew of ‘70s and ‘80s hit songs, ranging from ballads like “Waiting For A Girl Like You” and “I Wanna Know What Love Is” to guitar-driven rockers such as “Hot Blooded, “Jukebox Hero” and “Urgent” and you have a successful campaign into the Rock Hall for the beloved arena rockers.
Kool & The Gang
It’s time for a “Celebration.” The sensational funk, disco and R&B band behind such joyous dance songs like “Get Down On It,” “Jungle Boogie,” “Ladies Night,” “Too Hot” and of course, “Celebration,” the ultimate good time anthem, gains their deserved entry into the Rock Hall.
Dave Matthews Band
Since forming in 1991, the Charlottesville, Virginia group has been one of the most popular live acts for three decades running. Their signature blend of rock and jazz musicianship with infectious pop anthems, such as “Crash (Into Me),” “What Would You Say,” “The Space Between,” “Don’t Drink The Water” and many more, has led them into the Rock Hall.
A Tribe Called Quest
The beloved hip-hop group, comprised of Q-Tip, Phife Dawg and Ali Shaheed Muhammad, changed the genre forever upon their forming in 1985. They were at the forefront of alternative hip-hop and bringing jazz into the music. Just as importantly, they delivered thoughtful and cerebral rhymes in songs like “Check The Rime, “”Aw