Oct 18, 2024

Rock & Roll & Broadway

It's that time of year again! The biggest names in music descend on The Land for The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Annual Induction Ceremony. To celebrate the occasion we're taking a look at the greatest music collab of all - Rock & Roll and Broadway. 

Rock & Roll has always been about breaking boundaries and pushing limits, so it's no surprise that many of its legends have made their way from concert halls to the bright lights of Broadway. From jukebox musicals to original productions, the music of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees has found second life on the stage, captivating audiences in entirely new ways. Let’s take a look at some Hall of Fame inductees who’ve made their mark on Broadway.

The Who 

  • Inducted 1990
  • Broadway show - TOMMY
  • The Who's TOMMY is a rock opera that tells the story of a young boy named Tommy who, after witnessing a traumatic event, becomes deaf, dumb, and blind, but later rises to fame as a pinball champion, ultimately finding spiritual enlightenment and inner freedom.

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Carole King

  • Inducted 1990
  • Broadway Show: BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL
  • BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL tells the inspiring true story of Carole King's rise to fame, from her early days as a songwriter to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in music history, all while navigating personal struggles and triumphs.

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Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons 

  • Inducted 1990
  • Broadway Show: JERSEY BOYS
  • JERSEY BOYS is the smash-hit musical that chronicles the rise, success, and personal struggles of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, showcasing their journey from working-class beginnings to becoming one of the most iconic pop groups of all time.

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Green Day 

  • Inducted 2015
  • Broadway Show: AMERICAN IDIOT
  • AMERICAN IDIOT follows the journey of three disillusioned young men searching for meaning in a post-9/11 world, told through the rebellious and politically charged music of Green Day's album of the same name.

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ABBA (Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus) 

  • Inducted 2010
  • Broadway Show: MAMMA MIA!
  • One of the most successful jukebox musicals of all time, MAMMA MIA! follows a young bride-to-be's quest to discover the identity of her father on a picturesque Greek island, set to the timeless hits of ABBA.

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Billy Joel 

  • Inducted 1999
  • Broadway Show: MOVIN' OUT
  • Billy Joel’s catalog of hits became the soundtrack for this dance-based musical that tells the story of lifelong friends navigating love, loss, and the Vietnam War.

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Tina Turner

  • Inducted 2021
  • Broadway Show: TINA: THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL
  • This biographical musical showcases the life of the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll through her unforgettable music.

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David Bowie 

  • Inducted 1996
  • Broadway Show: LAZARUS 
  • Bowie co-wrote and produced LAZARUS, based on his 1976 film The Man Who Fell to Earth, it is a haunting and poignant musical that follows the journey of a man grappling with mortality and identity.

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Cher 

  • Inducted 1998
  • Broadway Show: THE CHER SHOW
  • THE CHER SHOW is a vibrant musical that tells the story of Cher's remarkable journey from a small-town girl to international superstar. With the help of three different portrayals of Cher at various stages of her life, the show celebrates her enduring legacy through a soundtrack of her greatest hits and spectacular performances.

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The Temptations 

  • Inducted 1989
  • Broadway Show: AIN'T TOO PROUD
  • This musical chronicles the rise of the iconic Motown group, exploring their musical journey, personal struggles, and the dynamics that shaped their legacy, all set to a backdrop of their classic hits.

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Donna Summer 

  • Inducted 2013
  • Broadway Show: SUMMER: THE DONNA SUMMER MUSICAL
  • This jukebox musical celebrates the life and career of the "Queen of Disco," as it takes audiences on a journey through her rise to fame, personal struggles, and unforgettable music, featuring her most iconic songs and vibrant performances. 

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Janis Joplin 

  • Inducted 1995
  • Broadway Show: A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN
  • This dynamic musical tribute explores the life and music of Janis Joplin, blending her powerful performances with stories about her influences, personal struggles, and the indomitable spirit that made her an iconic rock legend.

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Bruce Springsteen 

  • Inducted 1999
  • Broadway Show: SPRINGSTEEN ON BROADWAY
  • SPRINGSTEEN ON BROADWAY is an intimate, autobiographical concert experience in which Bruce Springsteen shares personal stories and insights from his life and career, accompanied by stripped-down versions of his iconic songs, creating a powerful connection with the audience.

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Bob Dylan 

  • Inducted 1988
  • Broadway Show: GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY
  • A poignant musical set during the Great Depression that weaves together an original narrative with the evocative songs of Bob Dylan, exploring the struggles and dreams of a group of displaced characters in a boarding house in Minnesota.

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The Go-Go’s

  • Inducted 2021
  • Broadway Show: HEAD OVER HEELS
  • The Go-Go’s music took center stage in this lively musical inspired by Sir Philip Sidney’s The Arcadia.

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