The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, located in Cleveland, Ohio, has announced their 2023 induction nominees, and while we’d still love to see more gender equality on the lineup, some truly badass women did receive nominations this year. Last year’s ceremony made waves with Dolly Parton receiving, then declining, then still receiving a nomination for a coveted spot in the Rock Hall, and Alanis Morissette making a public commentary on the status of women in rock after people questioned her absence at the ceremony. This year’s list of nominees shows that women are continuing to make huge contributions to rock music, and a few of them are finally getting the recognition they deserve.
Kate Bush
Let’s be honest, Kate Bush could have written “Let it Be” but The Beatles couldn’t have written “Wuthering Heights.” This is actually Kate Bush’s fourth time being a nominee for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. If it was up to us, she would have been inducted on her first nomination, but Bush has a good chance this year after she finally received a place in the spotlight when her 1985 song “Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)” made a HUGE resurgence (and became a chart-topper) after its use in Stranger Things Season 4.
Sheryl Crow
Sheryl Crow’s easily recognizable voice and fun mix of country, rock, and pop in many ways defined popular music in the 90s. The “All I Wanna Do” singer expressed shock and gratitude over her nomination, tweeting, “I am BLOWN AWAY by the @rockhall nomination… it really means so much to me.” While Crow may be shocked by her nomination, her contributions to rock & roll make her spot on the list more than well deserved.
I am BLOWN AWAY by the @rockhall nomination… it really means so much to me. Thank for your support, and for being a part of the voting process! Love you all! ❤️(The Fan Vote is open now through April 28th at https://t.co/Sp8ELhqF4z) https://t.co/MTU0YLjNE2
— Sheryl Crow (@SherylCrow) February 2, 2023
Missy Elliott
There is almost always a rapper on the nomination list for Rock Hall inductees, which makes sense given how rap continues to be a major influence for rock & roll music. But Missy Elliott is not just any rapper, she’s THE rapper, as well as a pop culture icon and musical genius. Elliott’s nod is also historic, as she is the first female rapper to appear on the list of nominees. Stream Supa Dupa Fly to celebrate!
Cyndi Lauper
Grammy-award-winner Cyndi Lauper is also getting some very well-deserved recognition, as the “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” singer appeared on the list of nominees. Lauper has not only gifted us with amazing pop hits, but she’s also done truly incredible activist work for both women and LGBTQ+ communities. In 2008, Lauper created True Colors United, an organization aimed to help end homelessness for LGBTQ youth.
More women!
Bush, Crow, Elliot and Lauper were not the only women who appeared on the nomination list. New Order (the band which includes guitarist Gillian Gilbert) and The White Stripes (the rock duo which features drummer Meg White) were also nominated. The nominations of Gilbert and White, in addition to Bush, Crow, Elliot and Lauper are proof that women have a place in rock, and that they are defining the genre.
A full list of nominees can be found here, and you can vote for your favorite artists here! The inductees will be announced in May.
Top photos: @rockhall on Instagram
