Famed Musician Sends Letter to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame “Permanently” Rejecting Induction

June 21, 2025 8:39 am

For most musicians and singers, gaining entry into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is considered a highlight of their career. But when it comes to famed musician Carol Kaye, she took the announcement of her induction into the Rock Hall entirely differently. Instead of celebrating her recent accomplishment of being included in the Musical Excellence Award category, she declined the invitation. And when making her thoughts on the induction incredibly clear, she insisted she would “permanently” decline.

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In November, the Rock Hall will open its doors to celebrate the 2025 class of inductees that included Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, and Cyndi Lauper. But among the recipients, Kaye’s seat will be empty. Just a few days ago, the musician criticized the invitation on Facebook for using the term “Wrecking Crew.” Although deleting the post, it read, “You are always part of a TEAM, not a solo artist at all. There were always 350-400 Studio Musicians (AFM Local 47 Hollywood) working in the busy 1960s, and called that ONLY. Since 1930s, I was never a ‘wrecker’ at all… that’s a terrible insulting name.”

Carol Kaye Not Changing Her Mind

While the Rock Hall could still induct her even without her being present, Kaye explained how the title didn’t reflect the studio musician at the time. “I won’t be there. I am declining the [Rock & Roll Hall of Fame] awards show… turning it down because it wasn’t something that reflects the work that Studio Musicians do and did in the golden era of the 1960s Recording Hits.”

Having helped record over 10,000 songs throughout her career that spanned six decades, it made perfect sense why the Rock Hall would want to honor such a musician. But for Kaye, she seemed content with the legacy she created. And for those wondering if she would change her mind in the future, she told the Associated Press on Friday, “I’ve declined the RRHOF. Permanently,” and that she sent a letter to the Rock Hall echoing that sentiment.

Kaye wasn’t the first person to fight back against the Rock Hall. Back in 2022, Dolly Parton also declined her invitation. Not because she took issue with the honor but because she believed it needed to go to an artist associated with rock ‘n’ roll. While initially declining, Dolly eventually came around and accepted the invitation. But for Kaye, there seemed no room for change.

(Photo by Jasper Dailey/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)