List of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, established in 1983 and located in Cleveland, Ohio, United States, is dedicated to recording the history of some of the best-known and most influential musicians, bands, producers, and others that have in some major way influenced the music industry, particularly in the area of rock and roll. Originally, there were four categories of induction: [|performers], [|non-performers], [|early influences], and [|lifetime achievement]. In 2000, "sidemen" was introduced as a category.
The only category that has seen new inductees every single year is the performers category. Artists become eligible for induction in that category 25 years after the release of their first record. In order to be inducted, an artist must be nominated by a committee that selects a number of candidates, the highest being 16 for the 2020 class. Ballots are then sent to more than 1,000 "rock experts" who evaluate the candidates and vote on who should be inducted. The performers that receive the highest number of votes are inducted. This number varies; for example, seven were inducted in 2019. Starting in 2012, fans could vote on a fan ballot with an equal weight to the other ballots. New inductees are honored at an annual ceremony held at the Hall of Fame in Cleveland every even-numbered year and either New York City or Los Angeles every odd-numbered year.
The three other categories are selected by committees instead of the annual ballot. In 2025, Rock Hall chairman John Sykes said, "No matter what category you're in, Performer or those other three, it's the same size plaque on the wall right next to Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, and the Beatles. It's not a secondary award. It's equal to getting in as a performer."
Inductees
Performers
The performers category is meant for recording artists and bands that have "influence and significance to the development and perpetuation of rock and roll".Note 1. These backing bands were inducted by a separate committee, and not by the ballot voting used for all other performer inductees.
Note 2. This artist was later inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame after inducting someone else.
Note 3. This artist was already a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame when they inducted someone else.
Note 4. In 2012, six additional bands and groups were inducted as performers by a special committee, due to the controversial nature of their band being excluded when their lead singer was inducted. "There was a lot of discussion about this," said Terry Stewart, a member of the nominating committee. "There had always been conversations about why the groups weren't included when the lead singers were inducted. Very honestly, nobody could really answer that question – it was so long ago... We decided we'd sit down as an organization and look at that. This is the result."
Note 5. Dire Straits were the first artist in the hall's history to not have an official induction speaker. Band member John Illsley did the induction speech himself.
Note 6. John Gustafson was originally included among the list of inducted members for Roxy Music; however, his name was dropped in the final list.
Note 7. Although Pat Benatar is a solo artist, her husband, guitarist and primary musical partner Neil Giraldo was also included as part of her induction.
Note 8. There was no induction speaker for the Spinners. Instead, New Edition performed a medley of three of their songs.
Note 9. There was no induction speaker for Chubby Checker. Instead, Checker accepted his induction on June 27, 2025 at his concert in Des Plaines, Illinois. A video of his acceptance speech from the concert was shown at the 2025 induction ceremony.
Early/musical influences
Artists inducted into the early influences category were originally for those "whose music predated rock and roll but had an impact on the evolution of rock and roll and inspired rock's leading artists". Unlike the performers category, these inductees are selected by a committee. In 2023, the award was renamed from "Early influence" to "Musical influence".A. Previously nominated as a performer: Wanda Jackson in 2005 and 2009; Freddie King in 2012; The "5" Royales in 2002 and 2004; Sister Rosetta Tharpe in 2018; Kraftwerk in 2003, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020; Link Wray in 2014 and 2018; and Warren Zevon in 2023.
Non-performers (Ahmet Ertegun Award)
The non-performer category honors "songwriters, producers, disc jockeys, record executives, journalists and other industry professionals who have had a major influence on the development of rock and roll". Several of the inductees in this category were in fact prominent performers as well. The inductees in this category are selected by the same committee that chooses the early influences. In 2008, this category was renamed the "Ahmet Ertegun Award".Award for Musical Excellence
Established in 2000 as "Sidemen", the category "honors those musicians, producers and others who have spent their careers out of the spotlight working with major artists on various parts of their recording and live careers". A separate committee, composed mainly of producers, chooses the inductees. In 2010, the category was renamed to the "Award for Musical Excellence". According to Joel Peresman, the president of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, "This award gives us flexibility to dive into some things and recognize some people who might not ordinarily get recognized."A. Previously nominated in the performers category: King Curtis in 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, and 1996; LL Cool J in 2010, 2011, 2014, 2018, 2019, and 2021; Judas Priest in 2018, 2020, and 2022; Chaka Khan in 2016, 2017, and 2021; MC5 in 2003, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2022; and Dionne Warwick in 2021 and 2022.
Singles
At the 2018 ceremony, a new induction category for singles was announced by Steven Van Zandt. According to Van Zandt, the category is "a recognition of the excellence of the singles that shaped rock 'n' roll, kind of a rock 'n' roll jukebox, records by artists not in the Rock Hall – which is not to say these artists will never be in the Rock Hall. They just are not in the Rock Hall at the moment." However, The Isley Brothers, whose song "Twist and Shout" was inducted in 2019, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as performers in 1992. Link Wray and Chubby Checker, whose songs were honored in this category, were later inducted into the Hall: Wray in 2023 through the Musical Influence category, and Checker in 2025 in the main Performers category.| Year | Artist | Song | Record label |
| 2018 | Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats | "Rocket 88" | Chess Records |
| 2018 | "Rumble" | Cadence Records | |
| 2018 | "The Twist" | Parkway Records | |
| 2018 | "Louie Louie" | Jerden Records | |
| 2018 | Procol Harum | "A Whiter Shade of Pale" | Deram Records |
| 2018 | Steppenwolf | "Born to Be Wild" | Dunhill Records |
| 2019 | "Maybe" | End Records | |
| 2019 | "Tequila" | Challenge Records | |
| 2019 | "Money (That's What I Want)" | Tamla Records | |
| 2019 | "Twist and Shout" | Wand Records | |
| 2019 | "Leader of the Pack" | Red Bird Records | |
| 2019 | "Gloria" | Dunwich Records | |
| 2020 | "Time Is on My Side" | Imperial Records | |
| 2020 | Junior Walker & the All-Stars | "Shotgun" | Motown Records |
| 2020 | Sam the Sham & the Pharaohs | "Wooly Bully" | MGM Records |
| 2020 | "Wild Thing" | Fontana Records | |
| 2020 | "The Letter" | Mala Records |
Individuals inducted twice or more
As of 2025, twenty-eight performers have been inducted twice or more; sixteen have been recognized as a solo artist and with a duo or group, and eleven have been inducted with two separate groups. Eric Clapton is the only person to be inducted three times: as a solo artist, with Cream, and with the Yardbirds. Clyde McPhatter was the first to ever be inducted twice and is one of three artists to be inducted first as a solo artist and then as a member of a group, the other artists being Neil Young and Rod Stewart. Stephen Stills is the only artist to be inducted twice in the same year.Crosby, Stills & Nash and the Beatles are the only two bands whose members were also each inducted separately, with other acts or as solo artists. In addition to their 1997 induction with CSN, David Crosby was inducted with the Byrds in 1991, Stephen Stills with Buffalo Springfield in 1997, and Graham Nash with the Hollies in 2010. Beatles members John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison were inducted as solo artists in the main performer category, while Ringo Starr was inducted in the Award for Musical Excellence category.
There are several performers who were inducted with one of the bands they played for, but were not inducted as members of one other bands. For example, Neil Young was inducted with Buffalo Springfield and as a solo artist, but was left out when Crosby, Stills & Nash were inducted.
In 2019, Stevie Nicks became the first woman to be inducted twice, after having been inducted with Fleetwood Mac in 1998. She was later joined by Carole King and Tina Turner. In 2021, Carole King was the first person to be inducted as both a performer and a non-performer.
John Lennon and Dave Grohl are the only two multiple inductees who were inducted in their first year of eligibility on both inductions.
| Name | First | Year | Second | Year | Third | Year | |
| 1992 | 2009 | — | — | ||||
| Pearl Jam | 2017 | Soundgarden | 2025 | — | — | ||
| 2001 | 2004 | — | — | ||||
| 1992 | Cream | 1993 | 2000 | ||||
| 1991 | Crosby, Stills & Nash | 1997 | — | — | |||
| Genesis | 2010 | 2014 | — | — | |||
| Nirvana | 2014 | Foo Fighters | 2021 | — | — | ||
| 1988 | 2004 | — | — | ||||
| 1997 | 2001 | — | — | ||||
| 1990 | 2021 | — | — | ||||
| 1988 | 1994 | — | — | ||||
| 1991 | 1999 | — | — | ||||
| 1988 | 1999 | — | — | ||||
| 1987 | 1988 | — | — | ||||
| Crosby, Stills & Nash | 1997 | 2010 | — | — | |||
| Fleetwood Mac | 1998 | 2019 | — | — | |||
| Black Sabbath | 2006 | 2024 | — | — | |||
| 1992 | Led Zeppelin | 1995 | — | — | |||
| 1996 | 2015 | — | — | ||||
| Santana | 1998 | Journey | 2017 | — | — | ||
| Simon & Garfunkel | 1990 | 2001 | — | — | |||
| 1988 | 2015 | — | — | ||||
| 1994 | Faces | 2012 | — | — | |||
| Buffalo Springfield | 1997 | Crosby, Stills & Nash | 1997 | — | — | ||
| 2005 | Little Anthony & The Imperials | 2009 | — | — | |||
| Ike & Tina Turner | 1991 | 2021 | — | — | |||
| 1989 | Faces | 2012 | — | — | |||
| 1995 | Buffalo Springfield | 1997 | — | — |
Previously nominated artists
The following is a complete list of artists that have been nominated at least once for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but have yet to be selected as an inductee.| Name | Image | Year nominated | Reference | |
| 1986, 1987 | 2 | |||
| Bad Brains | 2017 | 1 | ||
| 2008 | 1 | |||
| Beck | 2022 | 1 | ||
| 2025 | 1 | |||
| 2024, 2025 | 2 | |||
| 2002, 2010 | 2 | |||
| Chic | 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 | 11 | ||
| Devo | 2019, 2021, 2022 | 3 | ||
| 1997 | 1 | |||
| Eric B. & Rakim | 2012, 2024 | 2 | ||
| 2025 | 1 | |||
| Iron Maiden | 2021, 2023 | 2 | ||
| 2016 | 1 | |||
| 2005, 2006, 2011, 2017, 2018 | 5 | |||
| Jane's Addiction | 2017, 2024 | 2 | ||
| Joy Division / New Order | 2023, 2025 | 2 | ||
| 1986, 1987, 1988 | 3 | |||
| 2024 | 1 | |||
| 2021, 2022 | 2 | |||
| Los Lobos | 2016 | 1 | ||
| Maná | 2025 | 1 | ||
| 2013, 2015 | 2 | |||
| 1997, 2013, 2014, 2018 | 4 | |||
| Motörhead | 2020 | 1 | ||
| New York Dolls | 2001, 2021, 2022 | 3 | ||
| Oasis | 2024, 2025 | 2 | ||
| 2024 | 1 | |||
| 2002, 2004, 2005 | 3 | |||
| 1986, 1987 | 2 | |||
| Phish | 2025 | 1 | ||
| 2019 | 1 | |||
| Procol Harum | 2013 | 1 | ||
| 2014 | 1 | |||
| Rufus | 2012, 2018, 2019, 2020 | 4 | ||
| Sade | 2024 | 1 | ||
| Sir Douglas Quintet | 2006 | 1 | ||
| 2015, 2016 | 2 | |||
| Steppenwolf | 2017 | 1 | ||
| Sting | 2015 | 1 | ||
| 1998, 2006, 2007, 2017 | 4 | |||
| Thin Lizzy | 2020 | 1 | ||
| 2005 | 1 | |||
| War | 2009, 2012, 2015 | 3 | ||
| 1987 | 1 | |||
| 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 2011 | 6 | |||
| 2003 | 1 |
D. Band member Nile Rodgers was inducted in the Award for Musical Excellence category in 2017.
E. Band members Clyde McPhatter and Jackie Wilson were both inducted as solo artists in 1987, and McPhatter was inducted a second time as a member of the Drifters in 1988.
F. Billy Idol said his guitarist Steve Stevens would be inducted alongside him if he were selected in 2025.
G. Band member Bootsy Collins was inducted as a member of Parliament-Funkadelic in 1997.
H. In addition to this nomination for his solo career, Ben E. King was inducted as a member of The Drifters in 1988.
I. Band member Chaka Khan was inducted in the Award for Musical Excellence category for her solo career in 2023.
J. In addition to this nomination for his solo career, Sting was inducted as a member of The Police in 2003.
K. Band member Eric Burdon was inducted as a member of The Animals in 1994.
L. In addition to this nomination for his solo career, Steve Winwood was inducted as a member of Traffic in 2004.
Inductees in other halls of fame
''DownBeat'' Jazz Hall of Fame
As of 2024, there are 15 members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame who also have been inducted into the DownBeat Jazz Hall of Fame.| Inductee | Year inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame | Year inducted into DownBeat Jazz Hall of Fame | Notes |
| Ray Charles | 1986 | 2018 | Only individual in the Jazz, Rock and Roll, and Country halls of fame. |
| Robert Johnson | 1986 | 2013 | Early influences category. |
| Bessie Smith | 1986 | 1967 | First woman inducted into both halls. Early influences category. |
| B.B. King | 1987 | 2014 | |
| Muddy Waters | 1987 | 2015 | |
| Louis Armstrong | 1990 | 1952 | Along with Charlie Christian, first jazz artist inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Early influences category. |
| Charlie Christian | 1990 | 1966 | Along with Louis Armstrong, first jazz artist inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Early influences category. |
| Jimi Hendrix | 1992 | 1970 | First rock artist inducted into the DownBeat Jazz Hall of Fame. |
| Dinah Washington | 1993 | 2014 | Early influences category. |
| Frank Zappa | 1995 | 1994 | |
| Jelly Roll Morton | 1998 | 1963 | Early influences category. |
| Nat King Cole | 2000 | 1997 | Early influences category. |
| Billie Holiday | 2000 | 1961 | Early influences category. |
| Miles Davis | 2006 | 1962 | |
| Nina Simone | 2018 | 2019 |
Country Music Hall of Fame
As of 2024, there are 18 members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame also inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.| Inductee | Year inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame | Year inducted into Country Music Hall of Fame | Notes |
| Ray Charles | 1986 | 2021 | Only African-American inducted into both Halls of Fame. |
| The Everly Brothers | 1986 | 2001 | Only vocal duo or group in both Halls of Fame |
| Jerry Lee Lewis | 1986 | 2022 | |
| Elvis Presley | 1986 | 1998 | |
| Sam Phillips | 1986 – non-performer | 2001 – contributor | Only non-performer in both Halls of Fame |
| Jimmie Rodgers | 1986 – early influence | 1961 | Only person inducted into both Halls of Fame inaugural classes |
| Hank Williams | 1987 – early influence | 1961 | |
| Johnny Cash | 1992 | 1980 | First person inducted as performer for both Halls of Fame |
| Bill Monroe | 1997 – early influence | 1970 | |
| Johnny Gimble | 1999 – early influence | 2018 | Inducted into the Rock Hall as a member of Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys. |
| Bob Wills | 1999 – early influence | 1968 | |
| James Burton | 2001 – sideman | 2024 | |
| Brenda Lee | 2002 | 1997 | First woman inducted into both Halls of Fame |
| Chet Atkins | 2002 – sideman | 1973 | |
| Floyd Cramer | 2003 – sideman | 2003 – musician | Only person inducted into both Halls of Fame in the same year. |
| Dolly Parton | 2022 | 1999 | |
| Willie Nelson | 2023 | 1993 |