The Caribbean’s musical influence will take center stage at this year’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, as two Jamaican-born talents — Thom Bell and Sandra “Pepa” Denton of Salt-N-Pepa — are among the 2025 class of honorees.
Thom Bell, a legendary producer, songwriter, and arranger, is being inducted posthumously under the Musical Excellence Award category. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Bell moved to Philadelphia at the age of four and went on to become one of the architects of the Philadelphia Soul sound. Known for his lush orchestral arrangements and classical training, Bell crafted timeless hits for the Delfonics (“La-La (Means I Love You)”), the Stylistics, and the Spinners (“I’ll Be Around”), among many others. His musical fingerprints helped define not only 1970s soul but also paved the way for disco and modern R&B. Bell, who passed away in 2022, famously described his work by saying, “I don’t do R&B — I do music.”
Joining Bell in this year’s historic lineup is Sandra “Pepa” Denton, honored alongside Cheryl “Salt” James and Dee Dee “Spinderella” Roper as part of Salt-N-Pepa. The group is being recognized with the Musical Influence Award. Born in Jamaica and raised in Queens, New York, Pepa helped form one of the first all-female rap groups to achieve mainstream success. With bold anthems like “Push It,” “Shoop,” and “Whatta Man,” Salt-N-Pepa broke barriers, redefined the image of women in hip-hop, and became the first female rap act to go platinum. Their fearless lyrics promoting female empowerment, combined with their signature fashion and style, reshaped the cultural landscape of rap and pop music.
They join a dynamic 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class that also includes:
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In the Performer Category: Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes.
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Also receiving the Musical Influence Award alongside Salt-N-Pepa: Warren Zevon.
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Joining Thom Bell under the Musical Excellence Award: Nicky Hopkins and Carol Kaye.
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And for the prestigious Ahmet Ertegun Award: renowned music executive Lenny Waronker.
With Thom Bell and Sandra “Pepa” Denton among this year’s inductees, the 2025 Hall of Fame class not only celebrates musical innovation across genres — it also highlights the global reach of Jamaican artistry, from soul’s golden era to hip-hop’s revolutionary wave.
