Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2020 nominees divide fans on definition of rock
Earlier today the nominees for the 2020 class of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees were announced, with some names on the ballot bringing forth mixed reactions from fans.
While acts like Soundgarden, Nine Inch Nails, Motorhead, Judas Priest and more are presented, artists such as Whitney Houston and Notorious B.I.G. are sparking controversy online.
Read more: Pete Wentz launches Ronin jewelry and apparel collection
Rock Hall unveiled the nominees online earlier today, announcing that fan voting was now open.
Other artists nominated include MC5, T. Rex, Thin Lizzy, Pat Benatar and Dave Matthews Band. Depeche Mode, the Doobie Brothers, Kraftwerk, Rufus featuring Chaka Khan and Todd Rundgren are also nominated.
Introducing your #RockHall2020 Nominees ?
Your voice, your vote: Let us know who you think deserves to be a #RockHall2020 Inductee. Join our @KlipschAudio Fan Vote and vote now on @Google: https://t.co/KyAG5Rn12K pic.twitter.com/muYcwl6vIS
— Rock Hall (@rockhall) October 15, 2019
The announcement brought forth mixed reactions from fans with some believing artists such as Houston and Notorious B.I.G. should not be eligible due to “not being rock.”
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame responded to one tweet explaining their intentions to “honor sonically diverse” artists.
Ok, and we’ll continue to honor sonically diverse, influential artists with nominations and inductions into the HOF. We believe that rock is bigger than one kind of sound. Check out every class from ’86 through today.
— Rock Hall (@rockhall) October 15, 2019
You can view some reactions below.
Crusty rock dudes today like “bUt NotORiOuS b.I.G iSnT rOCk mUsIC!” pic.twitter.com/BIZIDcWep6
— Slushy Gutter (@slushygutter) October 15, 2019
Notorious B.I.G and Whitney Houston aren’t Rock & Roll. https://t.co/hMxDZmZHiW
— Brandon Rustad (@pbrstreetgang78) October 15, 2019
People Gone Be B.I.G. madd if Notorious Get In The Rock Hall!!! https://t.co/QndnDvMx5G
— LAMP (@ColdLampin81) October 15, 2019
I’m very confused on how Notorious B.I.G. or Whitney Houston are being nominated for the rock and roll hall of fame
— ǝızuǝʞ (@KenzieeeClark) October 15, 2019
No disrespect to the three artists mentioned here, but Dave Matthews is the only one who performed rock music. Neither Whitney Houston or Notorious B.I.G. ever did rock music. If it’s the Music Hall of Fame, then yes, but it is the Rock and Roll HOF.
— View From The Desert (@VFTDLV) October 15, 2019
Read more: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees include Soundgarden, Nine Inch Nails
Notorious b.i.g. and Whitney Houston in the ROCK Hof ?????????????? What a joke.
— Rockman ? (@rockman_2) October 15, 2019
Sorry but Whitney Houston and notorious b.i.g. Don’t deserve rocknroll hall of fame what a fucking joke
— ls (@lls316) October 15, 2019
They’ve put in many non-rock stars such as Madonna, NWA, Bee Gees, and Tupac.
— Aaron Fennell-Chametzky (@LeastRacist) October 15, 2019
Impressive list
— CT*Girl ? (@Rhonda48224657) October 15, 2019
Awesome contenders @rockhall
— David G Jones (@bocachica38) October 15, 2019
Wow, so many great artists!!
— RagingDumpsterFire? (@ksussman1) October 15, 2019
As mentioned by Rock Hall, previous Hall of Fame inductees have included artists in genres such as R&B, pop and rap. You can view the full list of previous inductees here.
The Rock Hall also houses an exhibit called “Right Here, Right Now” which explores how rock has influenced today’s performers such as Sia, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga and more.
Last year, Radiohead, the Cure, Janet Jackson, Stevie Nicks, Roxy Music, Def Leppard and the Zombies were inducted.
To pick the winners, a group of more than 1,000 artists, journalists, music industry professionals and journalists will vote. Fans can also vote online here or at the museum.