We’re familiar with the great many stars that have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, usually under the ‘Performer category, but how much do you know about the members that were inducted under other categories?
Dick Clark is a member under ‘Non-Performer’ and was obvious choice for his radio, dance show, and countdown series. If Dick Clark endorsed you as a band or singer, you were going to be a star.
‘Non-Performer’ members and record label executives Clive Davis, David Geffen, and Milt Gabler were innovators in the business. Clive signed Barry Manilow, Janis Joplin, Chicago, Bruce Springsteen, and Billy Joel under the Columbia Label. Motown founder Berry Gordy never had a hit record, but allowed hundreds of stars to have their hit record.
Sam Phillips, inducted into the Hall in 1986, deserves his own wing, responsible for signing and nurturing Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis, Carl Perkins and more. It’s hard to say where we’d be without Sam.
David Geffen created the Asylum Label, bringing The Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell to fame and fortune.
Milt Gabler (Billy Crystal’s uncle) started the Commodore Label in the late 50s, signing Peggy Lee, Sammy Davis Jr., The Weavers and The Ink Spots. His biggest moment came when he signed Bill Haley and the Comets.
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