Illinois Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inducted New Class
The state music organization held a major induction ceremony at Chicago's Harris Theater.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Awards
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The Illinois Rock & Roll Hall of Fame hosted an induction ceremony at Millennium Park's Harris Theater on Sunday. The event honored notable musical figures with connections to Illinois while serving as the organization's primary annual fundraiser.
Why it matters
The ceremony functions as the Joliet-based organization's largest fundraising event of the year. Proceeds from the evening are dedicated to supporting ongoing music preservation work, museum exhibits, and various education programs.
The ceremony took place at the Harris Theater in Chicago and featured live performances from several inductees. The organization, headquartered in Joliet, selected honorees ranging from 1960s artists like The American Breed to 1982 hitmakers Survivor.
The players
Kevin Cronin
He is the long-time lead vocalist for the rock band REO Speedwagon.
The Plain White T's
They are a rock band originating from Lombard known for multiple chart-topping hits.
Koko Taylor
She was a legendary Chicago-based blues singer often referred to as the Queen of the Blues.
The American Breed
They are a rock group from Brookfield that gained popularity during the 1960s.
Survivor
The band is globally recognized for writing the iconic 1982 anthem Eye of the Tiger.
The details
The star-studded event featured live performances and onstage collaborations between the inductees at the Harris Theater in the Loop. The class of honorees included Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon, The Plain White T's, Koko Taylor, Terri Hemmert, WDRV The Drive, The American Breed, The Flock, The Boyzz, and Survivor.
Timeline
The induction ceremony was held on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
Survivor released the hit song Eye of the Tiger in 1982.
Culture Shift
The event highlights the growing importance of regional music archives in preserving the legacy of local artists. This mirrors a broader trend where state-level cultural institutions secure historical artifacts and personal histories that might otherwise be lost to time.
Residents and music fans gain access to expanded educational programming and new exhibits funded by the gala. The ceremony also brings increased visibility to the downtown Loop district by utilizing the Harris Theater for high-profile cultural events.
The takeaway
Supporting local music institutions helps ensure that regional artistic heritage remains accessible to future generations. Fans can contribute to these preservation efforts by participating in future Hall of Fame fundraising events or visiting the organization's exhibits.
Further reading
Learn more about local cultural recognition in the Awards section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS News.
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