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The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation has announced its Class of 2023. To be eligible, artists are required to have released their first record 25 years prior to Induction. Those elected for induction in the following categories are:
Performer Category: artists who have created music whose originality, impact, and influence has changed the course of rock & roll.
- Kate Bush - fourth nomination
- Sheryl Crow - first nomination
- Missy Elliott - first nomination & first female rapper inducted
- George Michael - first nomination & winner of Fan Vote
- Willie Nelson - first nomination
- Rage Against the Machine - fifth nomination
- The Spinners - fourth nomination
Musical Influence Award: artists whose music and performance style have directly influenced, inspired, and evolved rock & roll and music impacting youth culture.
- DJ Kool Herc - founding father of Hip-Hop
- Link Wray - late influential guitarist
Musical Excellence Award: given to artists, musicians, songwriters and producers whose originality and influence creating music have had a dramatic impact on music.
- Chaka Khan
- Al Kooper
- Bernie Taupin
Ahmet Ertegun Award: given to non-performing industry professionals who have had a major influence on the creative development and growth of rock & roll and music that has impacted youth culture.
- Don Cornelius - late creator, producer and host of Soul Train
The 38th annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on Friday, November 3rd at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Ticket on sale information will be announced at a later date.
When Eric Church sang "Drink In My Hand," he wasn't kidding - he enjoys a good drink now and then. To that end, the country star announced yesterday that he was entering into a new business partnership that plays directly into that. "You all know that I love whiskey. I write about it in my songs. I share it with you all on stage and now I’ve had the opportunity to create a whiskey from start to finish that celebrates taking chances and doing things the unconventional way. Through this creative spirit, I’m proud to announce to you – Whiskey Jypsi. As my most loyal fans, we’ve set aside a presale allotment specifically for you… Lives are made for chances, EC." Apparently the whiskey is not your bottom-shelf variety - with the website placing the price point at a stout $199.99 per bottle. According to the company, "Whiskey JYPSI Legacy Batch 001 is the first in a series of exclusive, limited releases featuring rare and complex blends of aged whiskeys. Blending three distinct whiskeys, each at different stages of development from 4 to 20 years old, creating unexpectedly rich layers of aroma and flavor – not generally found in spirits." Premium Choir Choir members can register for presale to order Legacy Batch 001 via a link in the announcement email to receive a separate preorder link on May 16th. Non-Premium Choir Choir members can sign up for the Whiskey JYPSI email list to receive a preorder link the following day on May 17th. You can find more information about other batches and details on the company on their website.