After the 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class was announced, featuring a star-studded lineup and several notable honors, the two artists expressed their emotions.
- Apr 22, 2024
AceShowbiz - The incoming Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class of 2024 includes legendary acts such as Cher, Ozzy Osbourne, Mary J. Blige, A Tribe Called Quest, Dave Matthews Band], Foreigner, Peter Frampton and Kool & the Gang. Fellow Rock Hall of Famer Lionel Richie and Ryan Seacrest announced the inductees on Sunday, April 21 during "American Idol"
Robert "Kool" Bell of Kool & the Gang emphasized the band's rock credentials, citing their collaborations with artists such as Van Halen, Elton John and Foreigner. Meanwhile, De Passe, a longtime Motown executive, expressed her gratitude, stating that she "burst into tears when they told me." She credits her mentor, Berry Gordy Jr., with giving her the opportunity of a lifetime and notes the special significance of receiving the award after Gordy himself won it in 1987.
Gordy issued a statement celebrating the honors for de Passe and Whitfield, calling them "two members of the Motown Family." He praised de Passe's vision and passion, as well as Whitfield's musical genius and bold work.
Osbourne said he felt "big" and "more than honored" by his second induction. He noted that his solo career has been a larger part of his overall music career than his time with Black Sabbath.
Frampton admitted to being "a little bit in shock and speechless" after learning of his induction. He expressed surprise that it had taken so long and thanked fans for their support in the public voting process.
The MC5's Musical Excellence Award was bittersweet following the death of co-founder Wayne Kramer earlier this year. His widow, Margaret Saadi Kramer, said it was "bittersweet" but that Kramer would have been grateful for the recognition.
The icons will be officially inducted on October 19 at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio. The event will stream live on Disney+. Cher, Osbourne, Foreigner, Frampton and Kool & the Gang will enter the Hall of Fame for the first time. Osbourne will receive his second induction, having been previously inducted with Black Sabbath in 2006.
In addition to the performers, Jimmy Buffett, Dionne Warwick, Norman Whitfield and MC5 will receive the Musical Excellence Award. Big Mama Thornton, Alexis Korner and John Mayall will be honored with the Musical Influence Award. Suzanne de Passe will be awarded the Ahmet Ertegun Award.
