Missourians in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Yes, there are a lot of Missourians in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. When the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame opened its doors in Cleveland in 1986, the first class consisted of the stars who music historians considered the “best of the best.” In that class was St. Louis native Chuck Berry. He rose to fame with “Maybelline”“ in 1955 and stayed in the public eye for decades. Also, in that first class were the likes of Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, and Jerry Lee Lewis.

Here are the stories of the notable Missourians who have been inducted:

1. Chuck Berry (Inducted in 1986)

• Missouri Connection: Berry was born and raised in St. Louis and spent most of his life living in Missouri.
• Significance: Chuck Berry is one of the pioneers of rock and roll and a major influence on the genre. His innovative guitar playing, distinctive rhythm, and showmanship made him a foundational figure in the development of rock music. Hits like “Johnny B. Goode” and “Maybellene” have become rock anthems.

2. Tina Turner (Inducted in 1991 as part of Ike & Tina Turner, and as a solo artist in 2021)

• Missouri Connection: Anna Mae Bullock “Tina Turner” spent many years in St. Louis and began performing on stages across the area.
• Significance: Tina Turner had an extraordinary career as a solo artist and as part of Ike & Tina Turner. Her powerful voice and energetic stage presence made her an iconic figure in rock, soul, and pop music. Her solo hits like “What’s Love Got to Do with It” earned her worldwide acclaim.

3. Michael McDonald (Inducted in 2020 as part of Doobie Brothers)

• Missouri Connection: McDonald was born and raised in Ferguson
• Significance: Michael McDonald is an American singer, songwriter, and keyboardist. He is best known for his work with the Doobie Brothers and his successful solo career. His soulful, distinctive voice and hits like “What a Fool Believes” and “Takin’ It to the Streets” made him a prominent figure in 1970s-80s pop and rock.

4. Gene Clark (Inducted in 1991 as a member of The Byrds)

• Missouri Connection: Clark was born in Tipton, but raised near Swope Park in Kansas City and attended Raytown schools.
• Significance: Gene Clark was an American singer-songwriter and founding member of The Byrds. Known for his distinctive voice and songwriting, Clark penned classics like “I’ll Feel a Whole Lot Better.” His solo career also garnered critical acclaim, blending folk, rock, and country.

5. Johnnie Johnson (Inducted in 2001)

• Missouri Connection: Johnson moved to St. Louis in his 20s and assembled a jazz and blues group
• Significance: Johnny Johnson was an American pianist and songwriter, best known for his work with Chuck Berry. He played a pivotal role in the development of rock and roll, contributing to many of Berry’s iconic songs, including “Johnny B. Goode.”

6. Sheryl Crow (Inducted in 2023)

• Missouri Connection: Crow grew up in Kennett, graduated from Mizzou, and taught school in the Rockwood School District.
• Significance: Sheryl Crow is an American singer-songwriter known for her blend of rock, pop, and country. With hits like “All I Wanna Do” and “If It Makes You Happy,” she has won nine Grammys. Crow’s career spans over three decades, marked by activism and versatile music.

7. Herbert Reed (Inducted in 1990 as a part of The Platters)

• Missouri Connection: Reed grew up in Kansas City until the age of 15.
• Significance: Herb Reed was a founding member of The Platters, a pioneering vocal group in the 1950s. Known for hits like “Only You” and “The Great Pretender,” Reed’s bass voice became iconic. He remained active with the group throughout his life and was the only member to appear on all recordings.

8. Big Joe Turner (Inducted in 1987)

• Missouri Connection: Joseph Vernon “Big Joe” Turner was born and raised in Kansas City.
• Significance: Turner was a pioneering blues musician and rock-and-roll forefather. Known for hits like “Shake, Rattle and Roll,” his booming voice bridged jump blues, rhythm and blues, and early rock. Turner influenced countless artists and helped shape modern popular music’s evolution.

The Next Class of Hall of Famers?

Nelly (Eligible in 2025)

• Missouri Connection: Cornell Haynes, Jr “Nelly” was born and raised in University City
• Significance: While Nelly is primarily known for his impact on hip hop and rap, his fusion of rap and rock elements has earned him recognition in the wider music world. His influence on pop culture and his genre-blending sound made him an important figure in modern music. He is eligible in 2025.

Ozark Mountain Daredevils (Eligible since 1999)

• Hometown: Springfield is where the band met and was based
• Significance: The Ozark Mountain Daredevils were a popular band known for their Southern rock and country-infused sound. They brought regional pride to Missouri with hits like “If You Wanna Get to Heaven.”

Pat Metheny (Eligible since 2002)

• Hometown: Metheny hails from Lee’s Summit
• Significance: Pat Metheny is a Grammy-winning jazz guitarist and composer known for blending jazz, rock, and world music. His innovative use of technology, lyrical improvisation, and diverse collaborations have defined his career. Leader of the Pat Metheny Group, he’s acclaimed for albums like “Bright Size Life” and “Still Life (Talking).”