“Shakira isn’t rock.” “Mariah Carey doesn’t belong.” “P!NK has no business in a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.”

I’ve seen the comments. You probably have too.

But here’s the thing: the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was never just about rock bands.

From its very first induction class in 1986, the Hall has honored soul icons, R&B pioneers, vocal groups, folk disruptors, pop stars, and cultural architects alongside guitar heroes.

So I went back to the first five induction classes and ran the smell test.

What I found? “Rock” was always branding. The mission was always bigger.

Let’s talk about it.