Inductee Predictions: 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

  This ballot proved to be the hardest to predict in ages. And I’ve been doing this for ages too. There are 15 nominees this year and a lot of new nominees.  10/15 are new to the ballot.  The highest since 2014 (10/16).  Only one of the five nominees was on the ballot last year (A Tribe Called Quest). And the other four were only nominated once before. 

  Lots of talk about diversity since the Jann Wenner debacle in 2023.  But the inductee nominees for women is very mixed.  Four solo women plus Sade Adu and her band.

  One other change for 2024, the voters get to choose 7 names instead of 5.  And since they usually induct 7 a year (sometimes 5 or 6 too), I've decided to also predict 7 inductees this year.  However, I do feel that another artist from this ballot could go in a side category.

  Last year 6 names were inducted as Musical Excellence, Non-Performer and Early Influence. I've also listed some contenders for this year. 

Inductees 

Cher - This years Willie/Dolly icon winner will be Cher, who many believe should already be in.  Of all the nominees she appears to be the only 100% lock.  First nomination

Foreigner - These classic rock stalwarts had the most talked about Hall video promotion in ages.  Inducted into the Song Hall in 2013.  First nomination

Kool & the Gang - Now in their 60th year, but with only one original member still alive, Robert "Kool" Bell. Vocalist James "JT" Taylor joined in 1979, left in the 90's.  Kool are the only classic Old School R&B act nominated this year (like the Spinners were in 2023). Four members were inducted into the Song Hall in 2018. Is it possible that they get put in as a Musical Excellence inductee?  First nomination 

Lenny Kravitz - He's one of the most well-connected nominees this year. Similar to Sheryl Crow last year.  Not a critical favorite but he should do well with fellow inductees.  First nomination 

Mariah Carey -  A big name that just seems like a can’t miss inductee. Inducted into the Song Hall in 2022.   First nomination

Peter Frampton - His appearance at last year's induction ceremony brought back waves of classic rock nostalgia.  He's a baby boomer favorite and like Cher, is one of those "can't believe he's not already inducted" names. Yet another possible Musical Excellence pick. First nomination

Sinead O'Connor - It's possible that were she still alive a nomination wouldn't have happened. And that's sad. But the outpouring of love and respect and reevaluation of her influence after she died is what got her on the ballot. A Musical Excellence candidate. (see below).  First nomination

The Rest                

Dave Matthews Band - In 2020 DMB won the fan vote but were not inducted.  This year they won it again. No act that started in the 90's has received a Musical Excellence award.  2nd nomination

Eric B. & Rakim - Of all the return nominees this was the biggest surprise because they were last nominated in 2012.  Will they fare better in 2024?  Gonna be tough with Tribe on the same ballot.  2nd nomination                                                                                                                                                                

Jane's Addiction - Nominated before in 2017, these alt-rockers appear to face tough odds again.  Maybe Perry Farrell will get a Musical Excellence award one of these years.  2nd nomination

Mary J. Blige - Last nominated in 2021. Even with 7 picks, Blige is on a tough ballot with Mariah and Sade most likely splitting votes. 2nd nomination

Oasis - Even if they get inducted, they won't show up, right?  But if you're looking for a hugely popular 90's band (more overseas than in the U.S. though) to induct, here’s one. First nomination.

Ozzy Osbourne - Of all the nominees, this is the one that stumped me the most. Here we have a good test of the metal bias that many accuse voters of having.  Ozzy is a household name. Is that enough? First nomination

Sade - They crafted Quiet Storm standards that continue to receive ample airplay.  Oddly, it is Sade Adu herself, not the band, that was voted into the Song Hall in 2023 (she deferred her induction though to a later date).   But the band is nominated here. First nomination 

A Tribe Called Quest - This is their 3rd nomination in a row. The Hall will want a Rap oriented inductee this year.  Musical Excellence or Early Influence. Performer or non-performer.  Who will it be? 3rd nomination

Special Categories

Has anyone had any luck predicting special category inductees? These are not my personal choices.  

Big Mama Thornton - Early Influence

Carol Kaye - Musical Excellence

MC5 - Early Influence 

The Wailers (Bob Marley group) - Special Performer Category (h/t NomCom member Alan Light who first mentioned this on his pod couple months ago)

A Tribe Called Quest - Musical Excellence