(October 31, 2024) Detroit, Michigan – Some of the most legendary names in Rhythm & Blues are set to be celebrated, as the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame Foundation has announced its nominees for the Class of 2025. Nominees include influential icons and groups such as Sade, Earth, Wind & Fire, John Legend, Berry Gordy, The Isley Brothers, and Patti LaBelle. Out of a robust field of 40 candidates, ten nominees who receive the highest number of votes will be inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame.
A press conference is scheduled for February 12, 2025, to formally announce the inductees, along with details on event schedules and the hosting venues. Tickets for the Hall of Fame Music Weekend will also be available for purchase starting that day, allowing fans to be part of a weekend dedicated to the history and future of R&B. The three cities that the broad of directors of the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame Foundation, are looking to host the 2025 induction ceremony are Cleveland, Ohio, Detroit, Michigan, and Shreveport, Louisiana.
The National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame Foundation is also exploring options with major cable networks to broadcast the 2025 induction ceremony to a national audience, showcasing the monumental contributions of these artists to music and culture.
The 2024 National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame induction ceremony, held in October to a sold-out audience, celebrated legendary inductees such as Jeffrey Osborne, Kenny Lattimore, Regina Belle, Candi Staton, Ginuwine, and William Bell. Since its founding in 2013, the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame has enshrined over 300 pioneers, from James Brown and Stevie Wonder to Whitney Houston and Prince.
2025 Nominees for the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame:
Sade – Singer
Beyoncé – Singer
Earth, Wind & Fire – Group
John Legend – Singer/Songwriter
Berry Gordy – Music Executive/Songwriter
Louisiana Hayride & KWKH – TV/Radio Station
Adina Howard – Singer/Songwriter
50 Cents-Rapper/Songwriter/Music Executive
Burt Bacharach – Composer/Songwriter/Producer
Clive Davis – Music Executive
Larry Buford- Songwriter
Anthony Hamilton-Singer/Songwriter
Mary J. Blige – Singer
The Apollo Theater – Historic Venue
Clifton Chenier – Musician/Songwriter
Karen Slade – Radio Executive
Jackson 5 – Group
Anita Baker – Singer
Janet Jackson – Singer
Robert Brown – Music & Event Promoter
George Clinton – Performer/Songwriter
Jr. Walker & The All-Stars – Group
Rufus Thomas – Singer
The Isley Brothers – Group
Mavis Staples – Singer
Chaka Khan – Singer
SWV – Group
Xscape – Group
Willie Clayton – Singer
Lead Belly – Singer
Pokey Bear – Singer/Songwriter
Men at Large – Group
Peabo Bryson – Singer
Deniece Williams – Singer
Luther “Skywalker” Campbell – Rapper/Music Executive/Songwriter
Freddie Jackson – Singer
Gamble & Huff – Songwriters
Average White Band – Group
Blue Magic – Group
Jodeci – Group
For more information on the 2025 National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame induction, including event updates and voting opportunities, please visit our website at www.rbhalloffame.com or follow us on social media.