Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inducts Its 2025 Class of Music Giants
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has inducted its 2025 class of music legends. The ceremony, held Saturday at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater, blended heartfelt tributes, inspiring speeches, and dynamic performances. The event featured acts such as Soundgarden, Salt-N-Pepa, and Big Boi of Outkast, alongside an array of A-list musical guests.
Artists become eligible for the Hall 25 years after their first music release, and this year’s class includes a diverse group of influential musicians and industry icons. Here’s a closer look at the inductees, some of their defining songs, and who honored them during the ceremony.
Outkast
The American rap duo that emerged in the 1990s, Outkast is known for hits like “Hey Ya,” “Ms. Jackson,” and “Roses.” They were inducted by Donald Glover. The ceremony featured a memorable medley performance including Big Boi alongside Janelle Monáe, JID, Doja Cat, Killer Mike, and Sleepy Brown.
Bad Company
Formed in the 1970s, this English rock band is famous for songs such as “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” “Can’t Get Enough,” and “Bad Company.” Rock legend Mick Fleetwood inducted them. Bad Company’s drummer Simon Kirke performed with Nancy Wilson of Heart and Joe Perry of Aerosmith on guitars, and Chris Robinson from The Black Crowes on vocals.
Cyndi Lauper
Launching her solo career in the early 1980s, Cyndi Lauper is celebrated for iconic tracks like “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” “Time After Time,” and “True Colors.” She was inducted by Chappell Roan and performed a vibrant medley of her hits, featuring duets with Avril Lavigne, Raye, and Salt-N-Pepa.
Soundgarden
This American rock band, formed in 1984, is known for classics like “Black Hole Sun,” “Fell on Black Days,” and “Outshined.” Comedian Jim Carrey inducted them. Surviving members performed alongside Taylor Momsen and Brandi Carlile, who stepped in for the late vocalist Chris Cornell. Cornell’s daughter Toni also joined Nancy Wilson for a moving tribute performance.
Salt-N-Pepa
The pioneering American rap group formed in the 1980s, renowned for hits such as “Push It,” “Let’s Talk About Sex,” and “Shoop,” was inducted by Missy Elliott. They delivered an energetic medley of their greatest hits, highlighted by a special appearance from En Vogue.
Chubby Checker
Known for kickstarting dance crazes in the 1950s, Chubby Checker’s key songs include “The Twist,” “Limbo Rock,” and “Let’s Twist Again.”
Joe Cocker
The English singer who rose to fame in the 1960s and passed away in 2014, Joe Cocker is remembered for tracks like “You Are So Beautiful,” “Up Where We Belong,” and “With a Little Help From My Friends.” Bryan Adams inducted him. A star-studded medley featured Teddy Swims, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Bryan Adams, Cyndi Lauper, Chris Robinson, and Nathaniel Rateliff performing “With a Little Help From My Friends.”
The White Stripes
This American rock duo, prominent in the 1990s, is best known for “Seven Nation Army,” “We’re Going to Be Friends,” and “Doorbell.” They were inducted by rock icon Iggy Pop.
Warren Zevon
The singer-songwriter who began his solo career in the early 1970s and passed away in 2003, Warren Zevon’s signature songs include “Lawyers, Guns and Money,” “Werewolves of London,” and “Keep Me in Your Heart.” He was inducted by David Letterman, with a tribute performance by The Killers.
Carole Kaye
A legendary session musician primarily known for her bass playing starting in the 1950s. She contributed to numerous hits such as The Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations,” Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’,” and Barbra Streisand’s “The Way We Were.”
Thom Bell
American music producer and songwriter starting in the 1960s who passed away in 2022. He is known for his work on the Delfonics’ “La-La (Means I Love You),” the Spinners’ “The Rubberband Man,” and the Stylistics’ “You Make Me Feel Brand New.”
Nicky Hopkins
English session keyboardist who played on many classic recordings starting in the 1960s and died in 1994. His notable contributions include the Beatles’ “Revolution,” the Rolling Stones’ “Sympathy for the Devil,” and Joe Cocker’s “You Are So Beautiful.”
Lenny Waronker
American music producer and executive whose career began in the 1970s. He is credited with producing or signing artists behind hits like Rickie Lee Jones’ “Chuck E’s in Love,” Prince’s “Purple Rain,” and R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion.”
The 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony was a powerful celebration of enduring musical legacies, honoring artists who have shaped the soundtrack of generations.