Announcing their 2024 slate of inductees, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has once again stirred up controversy within the music world. Though some fans have made a point to condemn the artists being enshrined, it is the Hall’s snub list that has garnered a bulk of the public’s criticism.
Leaving multiple musical icons off the ballot, there has been no greater travesty than the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s snub of the timeless R&B artist Sade. Her lasting influence, remarkable discography and ageless sound have made it nearly impossible to view the artist as anything less than a first ballot hall of famer. Sade’s rejection from the hall is both criminal and shameful, as her music alone has made her one of the most important figures in music history.
Made eligible in 2013, it has become incomprehensible how Sade has not made it into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. An artist with six renowned studio albums, 24 platinum record awards and four Grammys, the icon has consistently set the bar for excellence within the R&B genre. Her greatness has spanned across decades, as she has remained relevant and captivating since her original debut in 1984. Creating her own sound from a mix of jazz and R&B influences, Sade became one of the first to pioneer the soft R&B genre. The artist’s accolades and impact are one that simply cannot be ignored when discussing the history of music.
Touted by the Rolling Stone as “pop music’s most stylish star,” Sade is easily one of the most important women in music. Her effortless yet graceful style has made her an almost mythical figure, comparable only to the likes of legends such as Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston and Carole King.
While her music alone is enough to grant Sade a ballot into the Hall of Fame, it is her lasting influence that truly seals the deal. With countless artists such as Alicia Keys, Aaliyah and Drake all crediting the singer as a major inspiration, it is hard to overlook the impact the artist has had within the music community. Though it cannot be certain, it is safe to say that without the groundbreaking music of Sade Adu, the world of R&B would not be what it is today.
The snub is nothing short of a travesty at best. The music, impact and influence of Sade is one that is impossible to ignore when delving into the history of music. Her ability to remain relatively out of the public eye and still command a large following is nothing more than a reflection of her musical excellence. While it is not the first controversial snub and certainly not the last, it is one that seriously questions the credibility of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Without question, Sade Adu should be enshrined within the Hall of Fame.
