The 2018 class of announced today include a jazz icon and a gospel legend.
Included with the rock bands , , , and is . will receive the Award for Early Influence.
Jason Hanley, vice president of education and visitor engagement at the Rock Hall, cites Simone鈥檚 influential jazz and soul music and as reasons she is an important part of this year鈥檚 class.
鈥淭he same issues she was talking about in the 1960s are still ever present for us. So I think when a voter sees that, that鈥檚 going to have an impact. They鈥檙e going to see that that artists work still is needed in many ways and is still a voice that is important for us to hear,鈥� said Hanley.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6B6c4XgvRc
Sister Rosetta Tharpe often referred to as the 鈥溾�� has long been discussed as a possible inductee. Hanley feels that this award recognizes her foundational without downplaying the important legacy of her music.
The voting body of more than 900 of 19 nominees to create this year鈥檚 class. The induction ceremony will take place on April 14th at .
