In a moment that highlights Jamaica’s far-reaching influence on global music, two legendary Jamaican-born figures—Sandra “Pepa” Denton and the late Thom Bell—are being inducted into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of its 2025 class.
Sandra Denton, famously known as Pepa of the pioneering hip-hop trio Salt-N-Pepa, will receive the Award for Musical Influence, honoring her trailblazing role in bringing women’s voices to the forefront of rap. Meanwhile, Thom Bell, a towering force behind the smooth and soulful Sound of Philadelphia, will be posthumously awarded for Musical Excellence, recognizing his groundbreaking work as a songwriter and producer.
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Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Pepa moved to Queens, New York as a child, carrying with her the island’s rhythm and resilience. Her Jamaican heritage remains central to her identity and artistry. As one-third of Salt-N-Pepa—nicknamed “The First Ladies of Rap”—she helped shatter gender barriers in a genre long dominated by men. Their bold style, rooted in Caribbean flair and street-smart swagger, reshaped the hip-hop landscape of the 1980s and ‘90s.
In 1995, Salt-N-Pepa won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for None of Your Business, cementing their place in music history. Alongside Queen Latifah, they became one of the first female rap acts to earn a Grammy. With over 15 million records sold worldwide, Salt-N-Pepa remain one of the best-selling female rap acts of all time.
Also born in Kingston, Thom Bell was a musical architect whose vision helped define a generation of soul. Moving to Philadelphia at the age of four, Bell grew up in a household steeped in music. His mother, Anna, was a pianist and stenographer; his father, Leroy, ran a fish market and played both the accordion and Hawaiian guitar. Bell, one of 11 children, turned that musical inheritance into a storied career that would transform American soul.
Bell’s signature sound—a lush blend of orchestration, smooth vocals, and emotional storytelling—helped launch countless classics. Working closely with collaborators Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, Bell became one of the key founders of the Philadelphia Soul movement. His credits include The O’Jays’ Back Stabbers, The Stylistics’ Betcha By Golly Wow, and Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes’ I Miss You. In 1975, he won a Grammy Award for Best Producer of the Year.
“Jamaica has always punched above its weight in the global music scene,” said one Hall of Fame representative. “This year’s inductees are proof of how far that influence has reached—from the mic battles of hip-hop to the silky arrangements of soul.”
With their induction, Denton and Bell join a revered group of Jamaican-born artists who have left an indelible mark on international music. Their honors serve as a reminder that while genres and geographies may differ, the island’s creative heartbeat continues to echo around the world.
