REO Speedwagon frontman Kevin Cronin is being recognized for his songwriting. Cronin shared the news himself, revealing that he will be inducted into the Illinois Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside a group of fellow Illinois artists.
Cronin’s announcement touched on both the honor itself and his gratitude toward the fans who have supported him throughout his career. It also previewed what audiences can expect from the upcoming ceremony.
“Hi friends, I want to thank you all again for your support through the years,” Cronin said. “On Sunday, in my hometown of Chicago, I am being honored as a songwriter, along with an amazing group of Illinois artists.”
“It is you all that have put me in this special position,” he continued, “so in a way, we are all being inducted to the Illinois Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.”
Cronin went on to describe what fans can expect from the event itself.
“I will be playing unplugged versions of my most popular songs, including an all-star finale of ‘Roll with the Changes,'” he said. “I hope to see you on Sunday night.”
The announcement drew a wave of support from fans in the comments. One follower wrote, “Congratulations. Wonderful news. Well earned thru the years of great song writing, singing, touring.” Another fan added a broader sentiment shared by many: “The rest of the surviving members should be inducted too.”
The ceremony carries more significance this year than just Cronin’s individual honor.
This marks the Illinois Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s fifth annual induction ceremony. For the first time, the event is being held at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Chicago’s Millennium Park. The move to a downtown Chicago venue puts the spotlight squarely on the city’s deep musical roots. Those are the same roots Cronin referenced when he called the honor a hometown celebration.
Cronin isn’t the only songwriter being celebrated this year. Curtis Mayfield is being inducted in the same songwriter category. This places Cronin’s contributions to rock alongside one of Chicago soul music’s most influential figures.
The Class of 2026 extends well beyond the songwriter category. Survivor, Koko Taylor, The American Breed, The Boyzz, The Flock, longtime WXRT personality Terri Hemmert, WDRV “The Drive,” and Brunswick Records are all being honored. Their inclusion reflects the breadth of Illinois’s musical legacy across rock, blues, soul, and radio.
The night’s lineup of live performances adds another layer to the celebration. Plain White T’s, The Flock, and Hot Mix 5 are slated to perform. The Boyzz are reuniting for the occasion, giving the ceremony the feel of a full-circle homecoming for several generations of Illinois musicians.
