1986
Lifetime Achievement
John Hammond

1987
Early Influences
Louis Jordan
T-Bone Walker
Hank Williams

1988
Non-Performers
Berry Gordy, Jr

1989
Non-Performers
Phil Spector

1990
Non-Performers
Gerry Goffin and Carole King
Holland, Dozier and Holland

1991
Lifetime Achievement
Nesuhi Ertegun

1992
Early Influences
Elmore James
Professor Longhair

1993
Early Influences
Dinah Washington

1994
Early Influences
Willie Dixon

1995
Early Influences
The Orioles