Now that Dolly Parton is in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, it may be Willie Nelson's turn to be inducted. He's among the fourteen 2023 nominees announced today.
Founded in 1983, the RRHOF is finally getting around to acknowledged the impact of country performers in popular American music. Johnny Cash was inducted in 1992 and Parton in 2022. At first Parton asked to be taken off the ballot, but then thought better of it and was rewarded with an induction. Parton felt that country performers didn't belong in the RRHOF.
The Hall responded: "From its inception, rock and roll has had deep roots in rhythm & blues and country music. It is not defined by any one genre, rather a sound that moves youth culture. Dolly Parton's music impacted a generation of young fans and influenced countless artists that followed. Her nomination to be considered for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame followed the same process as all other artists who have been considered."
Nelson, by far the oldest person on the 2023 ballot, is a shoo-in to be inducted. The singer's legendary status continues to grow as he approaches his 90th birthday on Apr. 29.
Here is Nelson's competiton:
• A Tribe Called Quest
• Kate Bush
• Sheryl Crow
• Missy Elliot
• Iron Maiden
• Joy Division/New Order
• Cyndi Lauper
• George Michael
• Rage Against the Machine
• Soundgarden
• The Spinners
• The White Stripes
• Warren Zevon
Nelson has received 56 Grammy nominations and won 10 times. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall; of Fame in 1993 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2001, and received the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize in 2015. Adding the RRHOF honor to his considerable resume would be a suitable birthday present for the country music legend.
