33 Years Ago Today: First Artists Inducted Into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Each year, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame honours a handful of the world’s most talented and influential rock stars by inducting them into the elite congregation.

Those selected are recognised in four categories: Lifetime Achievers, Performers, Non-Performers and Sidemen.

On January 23, 1986, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame celebrated its first ever inductees, presenting the following musicians with a Hall of Fame award:

1.Buddy Holly

2.Chuck Berry

3.Elvis Presley

4.Fats Domino

5.James Brown

6.Jerry Lee Lewis

7.Little Richard

8.Ray Charles

9.Sam Cooke

10.The Everly Brothers

In the same year, the Hall of Fame selected John Hammond to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award; Alan Freed and Sam Phillips were inducted as Non-Performers; and Jimmie Rodgers, Robert Johnson and Jimmy Yancey were recognised as Early Influences.

The Hall of Fame inducts a new class of musicians every year. Currently, the Hall is comprised of 273 honorees.