Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson Named First ‘R&B Hall Of Fame’ Inductees

Published: Thursday 18th Oct 2012 by Rashad

Much to R&B lovers delight, a recent press release confirms that Cleveland, Ohio will be home to the first induction ceremony of the R&B Music Hall Of Fame  – a newly designed museum to include “state-of-the-art, highly interactive, virtual reality experience” to honor popular music’s legendary R&B artists.

Like its ‘Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’ counterpart, its inductees will include artists who have made considerable impact on the genre as it relates to its evolution and incorporation into mainstream music.

First up?  None more fitting than the late, great icons Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston

Via press release:

“The class of  the 2013 induction includes Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, James Brown, The Temptations, Otis Redding, The O’Jays, Dick Clark, Gerald Levert, Aretha Franklin…”

******

The aforementioned are just a few of the 25 names unveiled as the facility’s inaugural class.  And, while many of them are already inductees into the ‘Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’, the measure still speaks to these ever-expansive impact over several genres of music.

After the May 5, 2013 induction ceremony in Cleveland, it is said the R&B Hall of Fame will unveil what city has been chosen to be its permanent home.  Until then, fans can click here to see which 25 acts made the cut of the Hall’s first inductees.
Another testament to the fact that greatness lives on forever…

Your thoughts?

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  1. MC October 18, 2012

    This is such a good news! Its about time that R&B legends are being honored for their massive contribution to, not only R&B, but to overall music. Long overdue honor and congratulations to the recipients.

  2. PYTFROMAL October 18, 2012

    EEEhh ! Look at my guy and Whitney. LOL. So cute. And the list is very respectable, great artists. Proof that greatness does indeed live forever. I respect all artists mentioned.

  3. DOSSOME October 18, 2012

    I love the pictures of those 2 icons together…Congratulation Whitney & Michael..we love and cherish the music you left behind

  4. Benron (King Of The F****** Navy) October 18, 2012

    I do not understand this. Micheal Jackson was a multi-genre force in terms of sucsess, but to make a hall of fame. From what I’ve heard his music is very basic. Lyrically, he was very shallow and does nto have a ballad that anyone remembers, and production wise his beats sound like they were made on Garage band. His singing was even nothing to call home about.

    What he should be inducted into is a PERFORMER hall of fame, because he will always be remember for that and Inspires dozens of little wannabes to come and try to imitate his style. He was a legendary perform but just another singer when it comes to talent, and the work he puts forward. He does not deserve to be in there like Whitney.

    • That B*tch (Rihllama’s downfall) October 18, 2012

      This is rich coming from a Rihanna stan.

      • Benron (King Of The F****** Navy) October 18, 2012

        Did I imply in any point that I think RIHANNA should be inducted in any sort of hall of fame. No. So please have a seat _/

      • That B*tch (Rihllama’s downfall) October 18, 2012

        Did I say you did? To call his music basic is the pot call the kettle black. Get over yourself. You’re so full of it.

      • Benron (King Of The F****** Navy) October 18, 2012

        But do I make Rihanna’s music? Nope. So you still make no sense. Rihanna has way better production and her songs like Stupid in love, Cold case love, Love the way you lie part 2 s*** on him lyrically.

      • That B*tch (Rihllama’s downfall) October 18, 2012

        I wont even bother with you. Your taste in music will mature once you do.

    • stoney-brie October 18, 2012

      Lmao silliest comment i’ve ever seen looool

    • PYTFROMAL October 18, 2012

      You sound foolish. Rock with you, You are not alone, rock with you, Human Nature, Pyt are some of his most memorable R&B songs.

      Lyrically shallow? Man in the mirror, Heal the World, We are the World, he based the majority of his career making music that would birng awareness to issues throughout the world and he was successful doing so.

      FYI, he’s in several hall of fames. The Rock & Roll hall of fame, The National Museum Dance Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame because h was an all around great artists. Theres a reason why he had a 45+ year career and there’s a reason why he continues to get recognition even in death.

      • PYTFROMAL October 18, 2012

        Damnit. Excuse the typos.LOL

    • MC October 18, 2012

      I can’t believe you. MJ had depth in his lyrics not only in terms of meaning but intentions as well. You need to listen to “Dirty Diana”, “We are the World”, “Earth Song”, “Human nature”, “Black or White”, “Man in the Mirror”, “Liberian Girl”, “PYT”, etc……

    • Rihanna Navy October 18, 2012

      Kid you seriously need to STFU. Micheal Jackson music is gold and you ain’t no king of damm navy with you delusional ass. sit yo phaggot ass down.

    • JOHNVIDAL October 19, 2012

      Are u retarded? Must be that cos the excuse of you still being a kid doesn´t work anymore. I don´t remember having your age and liking crap while downplaying some of the greatest ever

    • julesbrownskin October 29, 2012

      You must be 15 cuz u sound so ignorant from what you heard so you don’t even know Michael Jackson music.. Your obvious new 2 music. Michael and Whitney were and still are music. There is No Artist in Da world Game exspecially Chris & Rihanna Dat does not No them as ICONS LEGENDS UNTOUCHABLE. No other Artist in Da world can do what each of these Artist brought to music. They crush everyone I love Rihanna but she herself know’s she can never be Whitney. Bow to Da Legends.. They look so cute humble loving people. Michaels music goes way back ur a dumb ass kid..

    • Saffire Channing January 9, 2016

      Hey, don’t be dissing Michael Jackson! Most people agree that he was a GREAT singer & stage/video music performer!!

  5. Benron (King Of The F****** Navy) October 18, 2012

    Also, there is no such thing as an Icon, the only reason we have icons today is because a lot of older Media folk insist on talking about the artist they’re used to (the ones they grew up on) This next generation of journalists and radio/T.V./nternet Personalities will soon be comparing new artists to LADY GAGA, ADELE, TAYLOR SWIFT, RIHANNA, EMINEM, KANYE WEST, JAY-Z and JUSTINE BEIBER, Who are today’s icons.

    Whitney houstoun, Micheal jackson, Madonna, Mariah carey (etc) ‘s legacies will all die along with their generation of fans, who are GENERALLY 30+

    • king z October 18, 2012

      umm…did marilyn monroe, judy garland’s legacy die when they died?

      this comment is stupid. 100 years from now, people will still hail michael jackson, madonna, whitney, and mariah as the greatest POP ACTS to ever grace a stage. especially with the advent of youtube, their older work is getting introduced to a whole new stage of fans.

      and as long as britney, xtina, rihanna, and beyonce keep copying them..lol..the ORIGINALs legacy will live on 4 ever

      • Benron (King Of The F****** Navy) October 18, 2012

        Who is marilyn monroe? I know little about her? Who is Judy Garland, ive never heard of her. Over time the ywill lose heir significance til they’re not cared about anymore.

        Rihanna, Xtina, and Britney are not copycats, I cannot say the same for THEIFonce, but they do not copy those old ladies.

      • That B*tch (Rihllama’s downfall) October 18, 2012

        Yes chile. Tell this fool.
        Dont forget Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Cash, Shirley Temple, James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Audrey Hepburn, Kurt Colbain, Lucille Ball, etc amongst many others.

      • Benron (King Of The F****** Navy) October 18, 2012

        Bob Marley is amazing but most non-carribeans (with no carribean parents/ancestors) could care less about him. All those people are irrelivant now.

      • That B*tch (Rihllama’s downfall) October 18, 2012

        Oh is that why I always see white people wearing shirts with his face? Makes sense.
        *sarcasm*

      • That B*tch (Rihllama’s downfall) October 18, 2012

        Btw Judy Garland was Dorothy from the Wizard if Oz, the most popular movie in history. Its a shame you didn’t know that. Maryiln was an actress and model. She popularized the blonde bombshell movement.
        Stop acting brand new.

      • That B*tch (Rihllama’s downfall) October 18, 2012

        And how is Shirley Temple irrelevant? They still make the drinks and sell the DVD’S.
        Audrey Hepburn’s “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” is a movie that has stood the test if time. I still see posters and shirts with her face on it.
        Lucille Ball starred in I love Lucy. I know damn well you’ve heard if that show.
        I still see shirts with faces of Jimi Hendrix and Curt Colbain on the front.
        The rest have been known to inspire today’s stars.
        You are delusional.

      • That B*tch (Rihllama’s downfall) October 18, 2012

        Of*

      • Sarah Says October 18, 2012

        Why do people always forget Prince? *Sigh*

    • PYTFROMAL October 18, 2012

      _/ .Wrong again. An icon is one who has made a tremendous impact on the music industry and has inspired other artists. Michael and Whitney peaked in the 80’s and they inspire the younger artists today., their music will not only live on through their older fans but the yonger generations as well.

      And im 21. 😉

    • S****** Blonde October 18, 2012

      Mark my words, as much as i like Rihanna, Gaga and Xtina they will never reach the same level of longevity, popularity, legendary status and respect of MJ, Madonna, Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey, their figures are mystical, especially MJ and Madonna. Just think about how we all go back to listen and praise them right now after more than 3 decades, new generation of people will discover these geniuses and will bring them to life again, for example, my little cousin of 8 years old is crazy about MJ and Madonna and hates Lady Gaga, their legacy would never die as long as people have good taste in Music.

      • Sarah Says October 18, 2012

        I kinda agree but Madonna’s has been sub par for a few years, this along with her silly on stage stripping antics her legacy is already going down the drain. i would cross her off the list.

      • S****** Blonde October 18, 2012

        Sarah Says.
        Did Whitney’s addiction damage her legacy, did MJ child abuse charges damage his legacy, the answer is no, i don’t see how Madonna’s behavior could damage her legacy when she is doing exactly the same s*** over and over gain since the 90’s, this is the Madonna we all know and Madonna’s behavior is not worse than MJ and Whitney, at least she didn’t lose her mind for drugs, credits when is due, c’mon you guys hate Madonna when she has been the most healthiest among them. My respect for MJ and Whitney but they dug their own grave.

      • JOHNVIDAL October 19, 2012

        My nephew is 10 now and he goes crazy about Michael and Whitney´s “I wanna dance with somebody”. I swear I had nothing to do with it, I just discovered recently while listening to the radio with him (cos yes after 30 years radio plays these legendary artists and they will never die). He likes Gaga too. It seems he has great taste cos we know among the current superstars she is the most talented

    • ZANIA October 19, 2012

      How the heck is Justin Bieber an icon over CB over. you must under 12 years old. Do you see all the records and awards CB has won in that genre alone. CB has won most BET awards second to Beyonce. At least he made the list of all time billboard greatest R & B artist over the past 25 years, yes CB is on that list. What list is Justin on.

      • Dezi October 19, 2012

        @ Sarah – So because michael and whitney was way more talented in areas that madonna could only dream of your only other option was to bring up their past to make madonna look better. That’s a low-blow and regardless of the choices and mistakes they made in life they are still god’s children and are deeply loved by family,friends and fans.

        Nobody is perfect – we all have flaws and we all make mistakes. Some of you are so evil and jealous of certain artist because you can’t stand to see them get more attention than others. Michael and whitney are gone and they’re still getting attention does that bother you? I notice everytime there is a discussion about michael, whitney and madonna somebody always got to reach back into their past some of you even do this to janet. Why? Because they were all better artist than madonna? EXACTLY. Bringing up their past that’s probably why madonna FLOPPED so HORRIBLY and had such a S***** ERA.

  6. That B*tch (Rihllama’s downfall) October 18, 2012

    I see a lot of legendary, iconic people being inducted. We shouldn’t only celebrate Michael’s and Whitney’s contributions but every one of them.

  7. It’s Utterly Bizaar! October 18, 2012

    This is amazing news to the R&B genre and community. Glad to see MJ and WH on that list. It’s so well-deserved and congratz!

    • BEBE October 19, 2012

      or it could be amazing news for R&B / pop crossover and not R&B soul…..

      This is the type of award that would be given to Rihanna before Fantasia or Keyshia Cole…. get it.

  8. S****** Blonde October 18, 2012

    The last pic is f*****’ cute, i’m not crazy about this but this is a great thing for both Mike and Nippy but don’t forget that MJ was/is the King of Pop no matter how many different genres his music had.

  9. JT October 18, 2012

    James Brown is the baddest man that ever stepped on a stage!

  10. Stan for the one you love October 18, 2012

    Whitney had one of the most beautiful voices ever possessed by a human being. Michael Jackson is severely overrated in almost every way.

    • nana yaw October 18, 2012

      you are crazy!

    • JOHNVIDAL October 19, 2012

      He is not overrated at all. Whitney´s voice kills basically everybody else, but he had so many things, not only a good voice

  11. Several f****** _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/’s October 18, 2012

    Wow @Bentard….Just when I thought you couldn’t possibly say anything more stupid than stupid ass s*** you normally spew…you take the crown…Micheal Jackson wasn’t my cup of tea musically. However I respect the man and his impact on four consecutive generations. If it wasn’t for him and artist of the past like Whitney,Etta,Billie,Bessie,Mahailia,Aretha,James brown,Nina Simone,Stevie wonder and the list goes on that talentless hack named Rihanna wouldn’t be here. Bentard you need help. MJ in jackson 5 slays anything Rihanna has ever done. This new generation are half wits anyway. That’s why you have the likes of Rihanna,young money,countless more untalented,and some basic overweight woman from British running the charts now. Wouldn’t know class,respect,or music if it r**** their mothers while they sat outside the door and listened.
    Xtina,Britney,Beyonce,Usher,Justin Timberlake,Pink,Fantasia,Jennifer Hudson,Jill Scott are the only people from the current generation with all the right tools to be legend.
    I mean Billie only had a few albums sale well and she is still legendary and the chick died in 1954 or 55. Benron and alot of these CHILDERN ON HERE SHOULD BE REVOKED FROM MAKING COMMENTS WHEN MUSIC IS DISCUSSED.
    Pop music isn’t the only style out there.
    Euro centric beats aren’t the only thing out there. If you only listen to music to shake your ass… _/_/_/

    • That B*tch (Rihllama’s downfall) October 18, 2012

      Cosign!

    • Sarah Says October 18, 2012

      alot of these CHILDERN ON HERE SHOULD BE REVOKED FROM MAKING COMMENTS WHEN MUSIC IS DISCUSSED.
      Pop music isn’t the only style out there.
      Euro centric beats aren’t the only thing out there. If you only listen to music to shake your ass… _/_/_/

      Could i agree any more than this here…. could i !!!!!

  12. Nichole October 18, 2012

    Mariah is next!

  13. bam bam October 18, 2012

    @Brenon are you for real or are you just trying to create confusion. You know that Michael is an icon and ” is not lyrically deep” Im guessing the lyrics of Human Nature Lady in My Life, The Earth Song, We are the World, Man in the mirror, They dont care about us, Dirty Diana and Wanna Be Starting Something can compare to the lyrical genius of “Ooh Na Na Whats My Name?” Wait……She didn’t write that you say…………… Oh……….. and On his vocals please I am so tired of people sleeping on Michaels vocals he could do at 7 what people at 27 cant do.

    P.S. Watch Turner Classic Movies and you might learn something. Next thing you gone say is the Color Purple is not a classic.

    • JOHNVIDAL October 19, 2012

      Correction: it´s “O Na Na goats my name” 🙂

  14. King. October 18, 2012

    I’m so happy! This is a great thing for R&B music!

  15. BILL October 18, 2012

    MJ IS THE KING!

  16. bibi93 October 18, 2012

    Legends!!

  17. BEBE October 19, 2012

    ok i love Michael & W hitney very much but how did Stevie Wonder, Aretha, marvin Gaye, Dony Hathaway, Smokey Robinson, Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, Gladys Knight, and Luther Vandross not get in before them???

    I hope the people choosing are people who actually know R&B music….

    otherwise it will only be a R&B/pop hall of fame instead of r&b/soul hall of fame…. anyway they deserve it…. but the others mentioned above should have gone before these 80s r&b/ pop stars. ….

    I have a feeling this will be one of those organizations that will never honor soul artists that dont cross over.

  18. honesty October 19, 2012

    Black and R&B don’t mean the same thing. Micheal is the King of Pop. I hate when they try to group artist based on race. Same with Rihanna. She’s pop not R&B. She shouldn’t be nominated in any r&b categories.

    • bam bam October 19, 2012

      Lady in My Life, Off the Wall (Whole Album), Rock With U, PYT, Wanna Be Startin Somthin, Remember the Time, Keep it in the Closet, Butterflies

  19. Matthew Charlery-Smith October 19, 2012

    MJ and Whit, the two who did it like no other. That is right!

  20. damn October 19, 2012

    WHAT ABOUT R KELLY?

  21. THE SUN KING October 19, 2012

    Why is it that people keep mistaking being black for being R&B? We all know very well that Michael Jackson was a POP artist, NOT R&B!!! Whitney tried to go R&B starting with “I’m Your Baby Tonight” but people will mostly remember her for her POP songs.

    On a side note, this s*** is the prime reason why chicks like the no talent model, Rihanna, can win BET Awards for R&B over Marsha Ambrosius. It’s also why Chris Brown can win Best R&B album at the Grammy’s when his s*** is straight up pop with a few lame ass attempts at rappin’ thrown in between.

    • ZANIA October 19, 2012

      Actually I live near a big City and last year, all I heard on R & B/hip hop stations was CB’s songs. You are talking about contemptary adult music plays Marshia, I only hear her on the adult stations.

    • mrkareemruiz October 19, 2012

      Mj is everything again morons

  22. JOHNVIDAL October 19, 2012

    Oh Whitney girl! Everytime I see one of these pics I get a little emotional
    Whitney and Michael: talented legends like very few

    • RoyalKev October 19, 2012

      Me too! I brought so many magazine’s dedicated to Whitney after she left and I haven’t even looked at them again since Feb/March.

      http://www.thepagewithroyalkev.com

  23. mc the place to be!! October 19, 2012

    love it i think mariah celine janet are next!!! and i say mariah because if youve heard the butterfly album youll understand completely i think to this day shell never top that album that was her absolute best

  24. Career Ender (Fierce Warrior) October 19, 2012

    MJ made white music, he even changed himself into a white man + he also have white kids…… He aint no RnB

    • Please H** October 19, 2012

      Um robin thick is white and he makes good RNB music better than blacks who are sell out and also Justin timberlake music don’t have a color barrier so seat h**

    • mrkareemruiz October 19, 2012

      MJ is everything moron.

  25. king bey/rihanna October 19, 2012

    U GUYS KNOW BRENON IS LIKE 14 OR 15 YEARS OLD RIGHT ITS LIKE TRYNA ARGUE WITH HALFWIT TODDLER

  26. RoyalKev October 19, 2012

    I’ve never been much of an MJ fan myself either, but you would have to be crazy to deny him the credit due. He’s a genuis! His impact, artistry, stage presence, songwriting , vsion, etc is like no other. From the J5 to his huge solo career, his impact is larger than just about any artists that ever lived.

    Say what you want about these artists, but at the end of the day MJ, Whitney, Janet, Madonna, Prince and Mariah ARE LEGENDS! They came first and laid the foundation. They’ll always be praised for playing some of the biggest roles in the evolution of music.

    http://www.thepagewithroyalkev.com

    • mrkareemruiz October 19, 2012

      Mj shits on everything you listen to.

  27. EDDIE Donahoo April 10, 2014

    Really nice

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