Missy Elliott, DJ Kool Herc, The Spinners, Chaka Khan, George Michael, and Don Cornelius were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Elliott is the first female rapper to have the honor. Queen Latifah introduced Elliott before she performed a medley of her hits onstage at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn during the induction ceremony on Saturday, November 4th. Jazmine Sullivan introduced Khan, who performed “I Feel For You” with Common rapping Melle Mel’s part. H.E.R. and Sia joined her while she sang “Ain’t Nobody,” “Sweet Thing,” and  “I’m Every Woman.” Khan brought Tony Maiden from Rufus after she accepted her award. New Edition put on a well-choreographed show in tribute to The Spinners, while a Soul Train scenario played out in the background in honor of Don Cornelius. LL Cool J inducted Kool Herc, who accepted his award with his sister Cindy. Andrew Ridgeley, who was one-half of Wham with Michael, inducted his later former bandmate. Miguel, Adam Levine, and Carrie Underwood performed some of Michael’s classics, including “Careless Whisper” and “Faith.” 

Missy Elliott, Chaka Khan, DJ Kool Herc, George Michael, The Spinners and Don Cornelius are 2023 inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The new class was announced today on the Rock Hall’s website. Herc will receive the Musical Influence Award and Khan gets the Musical Excellence Award. Soul Train founder Don Cornelius will receive the Ahmet Ertegan Award posthumously. The induction ceremony will take place on November 3rd at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The full list of inductees can be found here. 

Kelly Price spent the early part of the ’90s singing in support of other artists like Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin and SWV among others. Before the decade was over she secured a solo contract with Island Records and her debut album, Soul Of A Woman was released in 1998. Price was instantly adored by R&B fans and respected by her peers. “Friend Of Mine” was a relatable story of a friend’s betrayal and a dishonest husband. The song was a number one R&B hit and held the spot for five weeks giving Price her first of nine Grammy nominations. Ron Isley and R.Kelly are featured on the remix which has its drama acted out in a Hype Williams-directed video. This version of “Friend Of Mine” became a pop hit. The video was just as popular as the actual song with Isley reprising his role as Mr. Biggs who played the role of Price’s godfather. Price has six solo albums with Sing, Pray, Love Vol. 1: being her most recently released in 2014. In 2018 Price joined the cast of BET’s American Soul, a drama series about the TV show Soul Train founded by Don Cornelius. Price is getting ready for the release of her Grace EP on April 2, 2021. The new music is inspired by the passing of her grandfather in 2020 of COViD-19 and the 2015 death of her sister who is named Grace.  

Television viewers are receiving a history lesson right now with BET’s American Soul series about Don Cornelius’ Soul Train music and dance program that ran from 1971 to 2008. One day after the series premiered on BET, the lineup for the 2020 Soul Train Cruise is announced.  A list of soul stars who have appeared on Soul Train through the decades will entertain the attendees. The Jacksons, The Isley Brothers, Johnny Gill, War, Peabo Bryson, Cameo, Regina Belle, host Tony Cornelius and the original Soul Train dancers will take part in the moves, fashion and music that has influenced pop culture for decades. 

The Soul Train Cruise will have over 50 live performances and more than 25 celebrity interactive events. There will also be live interviews, dance classes with the original Soul Train dancers, cocktail receptions, a Gospel hour, costume parties, Q&A sessions, wine-tasting and more. 

The cruise will take place on luxurious Holland America Line Nieuw Amsterdam ship and the cabin prices start at $1,900 per person. Tickets and more details about the cruise can be found at SoulTrainCruise.com.