Celia Cruz will be honored by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with the Early Influence Award
The Class of 2026 also includes Oasis, Phil Collins, Iron Maiden and a record eight posthumous inductions
A Star-Studded Class
In addition, the Lifetime Achievement Award will go to soul singer-songwriter Linda Creed, and producers Arif Mardin, Jimmy Miller, and Rick Rubin.
Finally, Ed Sullivan, whose legendary variety show introduced America to performances by Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and The Jackson 5, will receive the Ahmet Ertegun Award.
Eight Posthumous Inductions
The ceremony, which will be held on November 14 in Los Angeles and will air on ABC and Disney+ in December, will have a distinctly commemorative tone. Eight of the honorees will be inducted posthumously:Luther Vandross (2005), Celia Cruz (2003), Fela Kuti (1997), Gram Parsons (1973), Linda Creed (1986), Arif Mardin (2006), Jimmy Miller (1994), and Ed Sullivan himself (1974).
Who was left out?
Among the 17 original nominees, artists such as The Black Crowes, Jeff Buckley, Mariah Carey, Melissa Etheridge, Lauryn Hill, INXS, New Edition, P!NK, and Shakira were left out.
However, for the first time in years, salsa, Afrobeat, country rock, and female hip-hop have a guaranteed place alongside pure rock.