This is the man that has the unarguable distinction of having the most distinct singing voice on this list. The raspy alcohol and tobacco soaked voice of Tom Waits blends perfectly with the lyrics about the downtrodden and his ballads have much more somberness because of it. He was certainly different than the other Singer/Songwriters of the 70’s and it wasn’t just because of his unique voice.  

For those who watched the original run of Good Times, it wasn’t likely that you would have pegged Janet Jackson as the cast member who would become the biggest star among them. Of course, with the last name of Jackson and her famous siblings; perhaps nobody should have been surprised.

In earlier selections the NIHOF committee debated the merits of artists who never had success commercially be it because they were ahead of their time or just did not receive support from their label. In the case of Captain Beefheart there likely was no point in time (past, present or future) in which he could have been a commercial success. Quite likely, the Captain could probably care less.

The next selection is a band synonymous with early 60’s surf music.  Jan & Dean was certainly a key part of that scene, though they always seemed to be in the shadow of the Beach Boys.