The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, recently announced the induction of 7 great musical performers in 2017. “Since its opening in 1995, more than 300 performers recognized for their significant achievements and contributions to rock and roll and the music industry have been inducted,” said Victor Bierman, Ohio lawyer and business expert.

During its history spanning more than two decades, the museum has attracted over 10 million visitors making it one of the most-visited attractions in Cleveland. The museum injects approximately $107 million into the local economy every year.

Electric Light Orchestra (ELO)

When founding members Jeff Lynne and Roy Wood came together to form Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) in 1970, they had one mission; to start where the Beatles left off, an amazing feat to accomplish. Since then, ELO has sold over 50 million records around the world and the group still has a growing legacy and unending success today.

Joan Baez

Joan Baez, an American folk singer and musician, has performed publicly for more than half a century. During her golden career, Baez managed to release over 30 albums, mostly conveying the message of social justice and political consciousness. Her unwavering activism has not just provoked most performers but also has inspired them and after all these years she is still taking the audience by storm.

Journey

The 5-member legendary rock band Journey enjoyed much of its success in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. Neal Schon, an incredible rock guitarist, creatively combined his skills with the soaring vocals of front man, Steve Perry to create the band’s distinct sound. Journey had a number of popular hits including “Don’t Stop Believing”, which has been featured on popular televisions shows including “Glee”, as well as in the season finale of “The Sopranos”.

Nile Rodgers

Nile Rodgers is a legendary music producer, sonic innovator and performer who developed a unique dance-rock sound, which became so popular that nearly every artist in the ‘80s and ‘90s wanted to be associated with his signature sound. Currently, many soul-groove, funk-inspired, and electro-musicians still try to imitate Rodgers’ signature sound.

Pearl Jam

When Pearl Jam released its first album “Ten” in August 1991, they were relatively unknown. However, when “Alive” and “Jeremy” became double hits the band was launched into stardom. More than a quarter century later, Pearl Jam is still one of the world’s popular modern rock bands.

Tupac Shakur

Known for his complex, personal, and fearless personality, Tupac Shakur sold over 75 million records worldwide. His lyrics sparked conversation about race relations, young black men in America, and rap. By the time of his death in 1996 at the age of 25, Tupac had left behind a legacy that went on to inspire many artists like Eminem, 50 Cent, and Kendrick Lamar, to name a few.

YES

The Grammy-award winning rock band “YES” is best known for expanding the rock genre both in concert performances and in recorded music sales  and is arguably best known for its hit single, “Owner of a Lonely Heart”. With their progressive and symphonic rock sound, YES is still one of the most popular classic rock artists and are still touring around the country today.

Image Credit: Chris Capell