If you follow my blog, I published an article about this year’s RNR HOF nominees on February 14,” Is it time to rename the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame”? I laid out the argument that the nominee list includes many artists that can’t be called Rock and Roll and offered some categories to recognize their contributions without diminishing the original intention of the Hall.
On May 12, the Rock Hall announced this year’s inductees to some fanfare. Among the performance winners are the Foo Fighters, the Go-Go’s, Tina Turner, Carole King, Todd Rundgren and Jay Z. Winners in the early influence category were Kraftwerk, Charley Patton and Gil Scott-Heron. The Musical Excellence award winners include LL Cool J, Billy Preston and Randy Rhoads. You may sit down now.
Among the performers not voted in are Mary K. Blige, Kate Bush, DEVO, Iron Maiden, Chaka Khan, Rage against the Machine, Dionne Warwick, the New York Dolls, LL Cool J and Fela Kuti. So, what do you think?
Among the performers, Tina Turner (Ike and Tina Turner), Carole King (collaborator with Gerry Goffin) and Dave Grohl (Nirvana) are being inducted a second time. The rest are first timers.
Personally, I have no issues with the Foo Fighters, the Go-Go’s and Tina Turner’s solo career. They deserve a place in the Rock Hall.
On the bright side, I am a closet Go-Go’s fan and happy they made it in. Their Power Pop sound and all girl band style just hooked me in. With influences from Grunge and Rock and Roll, they stood out during the 80’s! I recall that they graced the cover of the Rolling Stone magazine in 1986 and I still have that magazine. As an entertainer, Tina Turner’s solo career is quite impressive and I see her as a great influence on women artists. Her live performances, including her duet with Mick Jagger at Live Aid in 1985 was memorable.
The Foo Fighters have hit after hit to their credit and are a tremendous live performance. Where else can you permanently lose your hearing while enjoying a 3-hour high energy performance with Nirvana’s former drummer now singing and playing guitar? I believe they deserve their induction!
My issues are with Jay Z, Carole King and Todd Rundgren, and the continued denial of Hard rock, Progressive (Prog Rock) and Metal bands getting the nod. Let me state that I recognize Jay Z’s musical greatness and his influence in Rap and Hip Hop. I’m not stupid but I am also not in the demographic he is speaking to. Why not have a category for Rap and Hip Hop and recognize him there, rather than leaving out a deserving performer or band. Do you know that Joe Cocker, Jethro Tull, Bon Jovi, the Cars, Warren Zevon, Jimmy Buffet, John Mayall, Meat Loaf, Sting, Peter Frampton/Humble Pie, Little Feat, Phil Collins (solo artist), Judas Priest and Kansas are not in the Rock Hall?
Carol King was a great songwriter and an equally great performer. Her breakthrough album, Tapestry, was a large influence in my life in the early 70’s. I recall seeing her perform for free in Central Park in 1973, a great memory. But she is NOT Rock. She is a Pop artist and should be in a separate category along with Dionne Warwick and other Pop artists. Name another of her albums that are memorable? The Hall has already recognized her for her songwriting ability.
Todd Rundgren is an anomaly in Rock. Sure, he had his hits including the debut album Something /Anything and the songs “Bang on the drum” and the syrupy,” Hello, it’s me”. What many may not know is that Todd is more famous as a producer for the likes of Janis Joplin, Meatloaf, the New York Dolls, the Band, Badfinger, Hall and Oates and Grand Funk Railroad. The Hall decided that he is more deserving of admission to the Hall than any of the artists that I listed above? Why not recognize artists like Todd Rundgren in a producer’s category? He certainly has the creds! Why not name it after Phil Spector, one of the most productive and influential producers in Rock history.
In order to be eligible for induction to the Rock Hall, an artist has to have released their first recording at least 25 years ago. Other than that, it is up to a committee made up from all aspects of the music industry to nominate the artists and vote on the winners. The public is invited to vote for a slate of their favorite artists in the hope that their vote totals will influence the committee’s final decision. Based on the popular vote totals and the final selection, it appears that the public’s vote is largely ignored. Stay tuned next April for the Hall’s latest slate of nominees, certain to continue the madness. It’s sad.
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