An array of musicians, spanning diverse genres, are among the esteemed 2023 inductees into the Asian Hall of Fame, reflecting the organization’s commitment to recognizing accomplishments not only in music and entertainment but also across business, government, and various sectors. The prestigious roster includes sixteen individuals, a group, and posthumous inductees, as well as a corporate inductee, Nintendo, and the revered late country music legend, Johnny Cash, who is being honored as an “artist ambassador.”
Here’s a glimpse of this year’s musical inductees:
Lalisa Manoban, known as Lisa from BlackPink, hailing from Thailand, is celebrated for her role as a rapper, singer, and dancer, and at 26, she’s being acknowledged as a “cultural icon.”
Jennifer Lee, the EDM artist and producer recognized as TOKiMONSTA, proudly represents her Korean-American heritage. Her 2019 Grammy nomination for Best Dance/Electronic Album for “Lune Rouge” attests to her artistic prowess.
Far*East Movement, who achieved Billboard Hot 100 chart success in 2010-11 with hits like “Like a G6” and “Rocketeer,” are adding their musical legacy to the Hall of Fame.
Ben Fong-Torres, a revered rock journalist, author, and broadcaster notably associated with Rolling Stone, receives recognition for his remarkable contributions. Fong-Torres, now 78, has left an indelible mark on music journalism.
Freddie Mercury, born to Parsi-Indian parents in Zanzibar, and renowned as the charismatic frontman of Queen, left an indelible legacy before his untimely passing in 1991 at the age of 45.
Ryuichi Sakamoto, a trailblazing Japanese composer, claimed an Oscar for Best Original Score in 1988 for “The Last Emperor,” along with fellow composer Cong Su from China and David Byrne from Scotland. Sakamoto, who passed away in March at age 71, remains a beacon of musical innovation.
Johnny Cash, though not of Asian descent, is being honored as an artist ambassador. The country music icon, who passed away in 2003 at age 71, left an indelible impact on the global music landscape.
Maki Hsieh, the President and CEO of Asian Hall of Fame, emphasized the inspiring nature of the inductees and artist ambassadors, lauding their courage, character, and dedication to improving society and humanity.
The highly anticipated induction ceremony is slated for October 21 at the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. The Seattle Founders Gala, a tribute to Pacific Northwest inductees, is scheduled for September 29 at the Washington Athletic Club. For those interested, tickets and sponsorships can be obtained through asianhalloffame.org.
The Asian Hall of Fame, established by the Robert Chinn Foundation in 2004, is dedicated to promoting Asian and Indigenous leadership, achievements, and contributions on a national and global scale. The organization’s initiatives encompass youth training, empowering women founders, cross-cultural content promotion, and legislative advocacy, bolstering the impact of their work year-round.
