The 2017 nominees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was announced a few months ago. Just yesterday we talked about those we felt were undeserving of the Hall and today we feel there are more that fit the category…
Dr. John was admitted into the Hall of Fame in 2011, most likely based on his longevity and prolific contributions, although not that memorable music. Other than “Right Place” and ‘What a Night” his entire discography wandered through a few notes of obscure blues/jazz.
In our minds, Hall of Fame inductees should have longevity, chart success, massive album sales, influential albums, and substantive contributions to the rock world. Sorry, Percy Sledge, inducted in the Hall in 2005, has none of these characteristics. Yes, his “When a Man Loves a Woman” is a classic (a song he didn’t even write) but he only had three other ‘Top 10’ singles. Percy didn’t sell millions of LPs, didn’t have long lasting radio commercial success, and is rarely mentioned as an influence on later singers.
The Sex Pistols, Donovan, Laura Nyro, Madonna, Run D.M.C., and Bobby Bland are all in the Hall of Fame. With apologies, for various reasons, we believe they aren’t as deserving as many that are on the outside looking in. Here’s the best way to look at it – are any of these artists we’ve mentioned more deserving than the Doobie Brothers, a group that has yet to be admitted in the hall?