2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Nominees: Missy Elliott, Willie Nelson And Kate Bush

On February 1, 2023, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation released its newest class of nominees, acknowledging some of the most iconic names in the music industry. The full list of nominees also paid tribute to artists across various musical genres.

The nomination list comprised the names of 14 singers and bands, namely Kate Bush, Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliott, Iron Maiden, Cyndi Lauper, Joy Division/New Order, George Michael, Willie Nelson, Rage Against the Machine, Sound Garden, The Spinners, Warren Zevon, A Tribe Called Quest, and The White Stripes.

According to the foundation's press release, more than half of 2023's potential inductees were newcomers, with eight of the 14 nominees — Sheryl, Missy, Cyndi, George, Willie, Warren, The White Stripes, and Joy Division/New Order — receiving the honor for the first time.

The press release also confirmed that Missy was the first female hip-hop artist to be nominated. In addition to the milestone, 2023 was the first year of eligibility for the American rapper and The White Stripes.

According to the foundation's mode of operation, for an artist or band to be eligible, they must have released their first commercial recordings at least 25 years before the year of their nomination.

Following the release of the possible inductees, Missy opened up about her nomination. The rap icon revealed it was an incredible honor, adding that she was grateful and humbled to be counted amongst the incredible honorees.

Missy said she had spent her career making the kind of music she loved and it meant so much to know that she had also touched others. However, the icing on the cake was being the first female hip-hop artist to be nominated. Missy said it hit differently and hoped it opened doors for other female Emcees to be recognized.

Meanwhile, an international group of voters comprising more than 1,000 artists, historians, and music industry personnel will cast ballots over the next several months to determine which of the 14 nominees will be inducted.

Fans can also partake in the selection process by voting online or in person at the Rock Hall's Museum in Cleveland until April 28. The top five names will be compiled into a fans' ballot, and votes will be added to those artists' official tallies.