The 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony was a star-studded celebration, featuring a vibrant mix of pop, funk, rock, and gospel. The night kicked off with Dua Lipa and Cher performing “Believe,” setting the tone for a diverse lineup that included Kool & the Gang, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, and gospel legend Dionne Warwick, who delivered a standout performance at 83.
A Star-Studded Class of Inductees
This year’s Hall of Fame inductees represented a wide range of genres. Honorees included Mary J. Blige, A Tribe Called Quest, Ozzy Osbourne, Dave Matthews Band, and the late Jimmy Buffett. Posthumous honors were also given to MC5, Alexis Korner, John Mayall, Norman Whitfield, and Big Mama Thornton.
Zendaya Pays Tribute to Cher’s Legacy
When introducing Cher, Zendaya emphasized the icon’s legendary status, noting that she is the only woman to have a No. 1 hit in each of the past seven decades. “Cher is not just a person, she’s a legacy,” Zendaya said. Cher, 78, then took the stage to perform “If I Could Turn Back Time,” showcasing her enduring influence on the music world.
In her speech, Cher reflected on her mother’s advice, sharing, “The one thing I got from my mom is to never give up. I’m talking to the women—down and out, we keep going.”
Kool & the Gang Celebrated for Their Funk Legacy
Hip-hop pioneer Chuck D inducted Kool & the Gang, describing the moment as “a long-overdue celebration.” The band, known for hits like “Celebration,” “Jungle Boogie,” and “Ladies Night,” had the audience grooving with a medley of their greatest songs, backed by The Roots. Confetti rained down as Robert “Kool” Bell, the band’s co-founder, honored the 10 members who contributed to their success.
Dr. Dre Honors Mary J. Blige for Pioneering Hip-Hop Soul
Dr. Dre inducted nine-time Grammy winner Mary J. Blige, praising her for creating the genre of hip-hop soul. Blige, wearing a glamorous outfit, performed a medley of her hits, including “Family Affair” and “Love No Limit.” She thanked her fans, her mother, and collaborators like Method Man and Dr. Dre, encouraging others to “move with grace” and “trust the journey.”
Dionne Warwick Steals the Show
Gospel icon Dionne Warwick was inducted after being nominated for the third time. Jennifer Hudson joined her for a heartfelt rendition of “I’ll Never Love This Way Again,” and Warwick herself performed “Walk On By,” earning a standing ovation. Despite a difficult week following the memorial of her longtime friend Cissy Houston, Warwick expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am so pleased to be here.”
A Tribe Called Quest Celebrated for Influencing Hip-Hop
Dave Chappelle inducted A Tribe Called Quest, highlighting the group’s innovative blend of jazz, soul, and hip-hop. Chappelle commended the group—Q-Tip, Jarobi, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, and the late Phife Dawg—for proving that hip-hop could be both cool and non-gangster. The induction featured performances by Queen Latifah, Busta Rhymes, and De La Soul, who performed hits like “Bonita Applebum” and “Can I Kick It?”
Foreigner Finally Earns a Place in the Hall
After years of fan support and eligibility, Foreigner was finally inducted into the Hall of Fame. Introduced by Sammy Hagar, the band’s current lineup performed hits like “Feels Like the First Time” with guest artists like Slash and Demi Lovato. The audience erupted when original vocalist Lou Gramm joined Kelly Clarkson for a stirring performance of “I Want to Know What Love Is.”
Peter Frampton’s Emotional Induction
The Who’s Roger Daltrey inducted Peter Frampton, calling his induction “long overdue.” Frampton, best known for his iconic live album Frampton Comes Alive!, performed “Do You Feel Like I Do” with Keith Urban, showcasing his legendary talk box guitar effect. Frampton expressed gratitude for his long career and credited David Bowie for helping him rebound after a difficult period.
Honoring Jimmy Buffett’s Legacy
The late Jimmy Buffett was honored with a tribute led by Dave Matthews, who performed “A Pirate Looks at Forty.” James Taylor and Kenny Chesney also joined to perform Buffett’s timeless hit “Come Monday.” Taylor described Buffett as both “larger-than-life” and “authentic,” paying tribute to his enduring influence on beach-inspired soft rock.
Returning to Rock’s Roots
John Sykes, chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, emphasized the Hall’s commitment to honoring rock’s foundational artists. He expressed a desire to return the focus to rock’s roots, citing early influences like Brenda Lee and Hank Williams alongside icons such as Elvis Presley and The Beatles.
The night’s ceremony, held at Cleveland’s Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, will air as a TV special on January 1, offering viewers a chance to relive the unforgettable performances and tributes that marked this year’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductions.
