It’s official! Willie Nelson will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The 90-year-old was announced as a nominee earlier this year, with the final class just announced, which includes Nelson, Sheryl Crow, Kate Bush, Rage Against the Machine, Missy Elliott, the late George Michael and the Spinners.
Nelson’s upcoming induction comes one year after fellow Country Music Hall of Fame member Dolly Parton was also inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
“It’s long overdue,” John Sykes, chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, tells Variety, “And I think Dolly Parton getting inducted last year opened up the eyes of a lot of our voters to understand that country is a part of rock ‘n’ roll right next to gospel and rhythm and blues. I think that also shined a light on the incredible contributions that Willie’s made in, what, 98 records that he’s made over the years.
“So it was great to see him get so many votes from the body of 1200 voters,” he continues. “Now, remember, Hank Williams, Brenda Lee, Johnny Cash, they’re all in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but there was I think a long dearth of country artists that contributed to rock ‘n’ roll that had gone unnoticed before we’ve seen two iconic country artists get recognized in the last two years.”
Honored to be announced as a 2023 @rockhall inductee! Among great company… #RockHall2023 pic.twitter.com/2uopzg60YN
— Willie Nelson (@WillieNelson) May 3, 2023
Nelson, who celebrated his birthday on April 29, says the secret to his longevity is monitoring his eating and his drinking.
“I don’t eat a lot,” Nelson tells E! News, adding that enjoys eggs, waffles, toast and plenty of protein shakes.
“I’m doing pretty good,” he adds. “I’ve managed to keep my weight down pretty good, and I really don’t do anything that’s bad for me. I don’t drink as much as I used to. I still take a drink of tequila occasionally, but not like I used to.”
In addition to Nelson’s numerous country hits throughout his 60-plus year career, he has also written songs that were recorded by artists like Aretha Franklin, Roy Orbison, Al Green, Cake and more.
A Tribe Called Quest, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Cyndi Lauper, Soundgarden, the White Stripes and Warren Zevon were also nominated, but did not make the final list this year. They will be eligible again in 2024.
In other categories, DJ Kool and Link Wray will receive the Musical Influence Award. Chaka Khan, Al Kooper, and Bernie Taupin will receive the Musical Excellence Award for their “dramatic impact on music, while Don Cornelius will receive the Ahmet Ertegun Award for industry professionals.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on November 3 in Brooklyn, New York. In addition to the induction, Nelson’s 90th birthday will be recognized, along with the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.