That inaugural class includes blues legends like Buddy Guy and Muddy Waters, considered the original rock stars; disc jockeys Larry Lujack and Dick Biondi; and legendary bands like The Buckinghams, Ides of March, Cheap Trick, REO Speedwagon and, of course, Chicago.
IL Rock Hall of Fame to induct first class Tuesday
"You know what Dad said: the blue had a baby and it was rock and roll," said Mud Morganfield, Muddy Waters' son.
The Ides of March are even celebrating their 57th anniversary at the induction ceremony. That group, and the Buckinghams, were instrumental in inspiring a young Kevin Cronin, who went on to lead REO Speedwagon.
"These guys are kind of my age and from Chicago, and it kind of gave me a burst of inspiration and hope," he said.
So were the radio DJs.
"Seeing these local bands having hit records on WLS made me go 'maybe I can do that,'" Cronin said. "I'm excited to see those guys.
It will, perhaps, be the most historic group of performers to ever be on one bill in Illinois. Proceeds from the show will benefit the Rock and Roll Museum in Joliet, which is still under construction but organizers hope to have parts of it open very soon.
"The mission here is to honor and preserve music from Illinois," said Ron Romero, museum founder.