The annual announcement of the new inductees for 2025 was announced on Monday April 28th. The voting is done by a select group that includes those already in the hall of fame. While there is a fan vote, it is pretty much for show and has little or no influence on the final tally.

This year’s class has several performers who certainly fall into the category of “it’s about time”. Bad Company, Joe Cocker, Chubby Checker and Cyndi Lauper should not create any objections. One might question the selection of Soundgarden and maybe even The White Stripes. Let the arguments begin.

The selections were as close to getting it right this year than in the last few years. Still, one must question how artists like Jethro Tull, Ten Years After, The Guess Who and Blood Sweat & Tears are never even given consideration. They all meet the stated qualifications. What is missing?

The other thing that could be questioned is Warren Zevon be inducted into the hall of fame as a musical influence. Yes, he was. However, he was much more that. His body of work merits a full-fledged membership. The downside to being selected for this honor is that now will most probably never be considered for full induction

The choices of Philadelphia’s Thom Bell, Nicky Hopkins and Carol Kaye certainly can’t be questioned. Thom Bell’s song writing and playing ability went a long way to making “the sound of Philadelphia” an international phenomenon. Nicky Hopkins piano playing was so much in demand that you will find his name on many liner notes as a contributor to some of the biggest songs in history. Carol Kaye was such a great studio bass player that she was able to break the sex barrier and become one of the most in demand studio musicians. The list of hit songs she played in as part of the so called “Wrecking Crew” of studio backup players is almost endless.