The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has announced its 2025 inductees — and Jamaica’s influence is once again being recognized on the world stage. Legendary producer Thom Bell and Sandra “Pepa” Denton of the pioneering rap group Salt-N-Pepa — both of Jamaican heritage — will be enshrined alongside music icons like Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Chubby Checker, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes.
The full list of 13 honorees was revealed during a special Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-themed broadcast of American Idol.
Thom Bell, born in Kingston, Jamaica, and raised in Philadelphia, revolutionized popular music with his lush, orchestral sound, shaping the careers of The Stylistics, The Spinners, and The Delfonics. He is being inducted with the Musical Excellence Award, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to the development of soul music. Bell died at age 79 in 2022.
Despite not appearing on this year’s ballot, Sandra “Pepa” Denton, born in Kingston before migrating to Queens, New York, helped break barriers for women in hip-hop as one half of Salt-N-Pepa. The group, best known for hits like “Push It,” “Shoop,” and “Let’s Talk About Sex,” brought rap music to mainstream audiences worldwide. Salt-N-Pepa are also being honored with the Musical Influence Award.
They now join other Jamaicans Bob Marley who was inducted 1994, Jimmy Cliff (2010) and Island Records founder Chris Blackwell who was inducted in 2001.
This year’s Performer Category inductees are:
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Bad Company
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Chubby Checker
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Joe Cocker
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Cyndi Lauper
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Outkast
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Soundgarden
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The White Stripes
Joining Bell and Salt-N-Pepa in the special categories are Warren Zevon (Musical Influence Award), Nicky Hopkins(Musical Excellence Award), and Carol Kaye (Musical Excellence Award). Legendary Warner Bros. executive Lenny Waronker will receive the Ahmet Ertegun Award.
The 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on November 8 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. It will stream live on Disney+, with a special broadcast to follow on ABC.
