As much as we openly criticize the lack of transparency of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the day that announce their newest members is like Christmas morning to us.  We openly said that this year’s list of nominees is one of the best in the last twenty years, and it was poised to be a great class no matter who was selected.

Having said that, it is a large class, with six performers, three early influences, three Musical Excellence inductees and one Ahmet Excellent Award recipient.  

While we appreciate the wide breadth of inductees, the crowbarring of certain inductees is obvious.

The six members inducted through the traditional method were:

Carole King:  King is already in as a writer (with Gerry Goffin), but her singing career is worthy in its own right.  This was her second nomination, with her first coming all the way back in 1989.

Foo Fighters:  Dave Grohl is now a two-time inductee (with Nirvana), and in both cases, entered on the first year of eligibility.  

The Go-Gos:  The all-girl band finally were nominated this year, and they enter on their first try.

Jay-Z:  One half of the biggest power couples in music, enters on his first year of eligibility.   Jay-Z is one of the most successful artists regardless of genre, and his expansion into other fields is a blueprint for other musicians to follow.

Tina Turner:  Turner was already in with her ex-husband, Ike, but Her ascension in the 80’s as rock’s top solo female act while in her 40s, bordered on miraculous.  She also won the Fan Vote.

Todd Rundgren:  Rundgren is a rare dual-threat, as he is equally lauded as a producer as he is as performer.  Had he not gotten in, we thought that he might receive the Musical Excellence Award, but as we will see later, they went a different route.

The Early Influence Award Inductees are:

Kraftewerk:  The German synth pioneers had been nominated six times before, but not this year.  This is long overdue.

Charley Patton:  Patton was the father of the Delta Blues, and is the definition of “Early Influence”.

Gil Scott-Heron:  The master of the spoken word, and forefather of rap enters in a politically charged year.  We love this induction.  Scott-Heron had never been nominated.

The Musical Excellence Award Inductees are:

LL Cool J:  The hip hop star was nominated for the fifth time this year, but the inevitable comparison to Jay-Z did him no favors on this ballot.  Clearly, the Hall wanted him in, but this is a strange way to do it.

Billy Preston:  Preston is a great choice as his combined solo and sideman work.  We suspect he has been a name tossed around for years.

Randy Rhoads:  Rhoads was a legendary axeman who was huge in the development of Heavy Metal.

The Ahmet Ertegun Award winner is:

Clarence Avant: Known as the “Black Godfather” managed and produced many African-American artists, and would later form his own record label and radio stations.

Those not chosen:

Chaka Khan:  The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame committee really wants the Chicago diva in, as she has been nominated both as a solo, and with Rufus multiple times.  We can guarantee, they will nominate her again next year.

Devo:  This was Devo’s second nomination, but until Kraftwerk gets in, it might be a tough road for induction.

Dionne Warwick:  With all due respect, Warwick has the least rock credibility, but she has the most hits.  

Fela Kuti:  The nomination of Kuti was a surprise to many, but the pioneering African is arguably the most influential nominee if we look at music globally.

Iron Maiden:  Heavy Metal remains underrepresented in Cleveland, and had the British legends got the nod, they were unlikely to attend anyway.

Kate Bush:  Bush was a darling of the alternative crowd in the 80s, and her catalogue is unique, but with so many other strong women on the ballot, “running up that hill” proved too hard for her.  This was her second nomination.

Mary J. Blige:  Blige was a bit of a surprise as a nominee, but once you get nominated, you are entrenched on their radar…unless you are Mary Wells.

New York Dolls:  The Dolls were a huge part of proto-punk and were wildly influential.  This was their first nomination since 2001.

Rage Against the Machine:  RATM was the 90s alternative selection this year, and in this politically charged year, this was arguably their best shot of the three times they have been nominated.  They will likely be nominated again next year.

With this announcement, we will begin work on revising our Notinhalloffame.com list of those to consider for the Rock Hall.  Look for that next month.

We would like to congratulate the newest members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

When you follow halls of fame as diligent as we do, it is a festive season when you have the Baseball Hall of Fame and Football Hall of Fame announce their classes a week about.  Throw in the fact that the Rock and Roll Hall is now announcing their Finalists, we have an unprecedented time on our hands.

Due to COVID-19, the nomination process for the Class of 2021 was delayed by several months, but until two days ago there was no set date as to when it we learn who would be on the ballot.

The nominees are:

Carole King:  Ranked #87 on Notinhalloffame.com.  King entered the Rock Hall a long time ago as a songwriter with her partner, Gerry Goffin, but her solo work as a performer is also Hall worthy.  This is the first time she has been nominated since 1989.

Chaka Khan:  Ranked #168 on Notinhalloffame.com.  The Hall wants Chaka Khan in, as they have nominated her in the past as a solo, and later with the group, Rufus.  Again, as a solo, this is her sixth overall nomination.

Devo:  Ranked #80 on Notinhalloffame.com.  Devo returns to the ballot after a year, and their work in Post-Punk/New Wave is among the most influential of its day.

Dionne Warwick:  Ranked #362 on Notinhalloffame.com. Warwick has a trophy case full of Grammys and a laundry list of hits, but with an Adult Contemporary sound, her rock and roll credibility is suspect.  That hasn’t stopped Hall voters before.

Fela Kuti:  Ranked #397 on Notinhalloffame.com.  Every year there is a wild card, and this is year it is Fela Kuti, the most important singer from Africa.  If the Rock Hall voters value world music, he is the best choice they could make.

Foo Fighters:  Ranked #3 on Notinhalloffame.com.  Foo Fighters are in their first year of eligibility and it should be no surprise to anyone that they were nominated, nor should anyone be shocked to see them gain immediate entry.  An induction will make Dave Grohl a two-time inductee, having already been enshrined with Nirvana.

The Go-Go’s:  Ranked #111 on Notinhalloffame.com.  The Go-Go’s were he first all-female band to go #1 on Billboard, and this is their first nomination since being eligible in 2006.

Iron Maiden:  Ranked #13 on Notinhalloffame.com.  This is a pleasant surprise as the Heavy Metal gods have never been nominated despite being eligible since the 2004 vote.  Heavy Metal has struggled to find representation in the Rock Hall, and in the past few years, Judas Priest and Motorhead have been on the ballot, but failed to gain entry.  It might be a hard call to see Iron Maiden achieving what the others did not.

Jay-Z:  Ranked #2 on Notinhalloffame.com.  Jay-Z is one of the most important, if not THE most important hip-hop artist in the last thirty years.  If you don’t agree with that assessment, you can’t deny that he is among the most successful.  Like Foo Fighters, Jay-Z is on their first year of eligibility and he should get in.

Kate Bush:  Ranked #132 on Notinhalloffame.com.  Bush’s unique singing voice was only matched by her unique material. She was nominated before in 2018.

LL Cool J:  Ranked #100 on Notinhalloffame.com.  LL Cool J is nominated for the fifth time, but he again he is not the biggest named Hip Hop artist on the ballot.  The nomination of Jay-Z hurts LL Cool J more than anyone else, but there is no reason that two Hip Hop stars can’t get inducted in the same year.

Mary J. Blige:  Ranked #252 on Notinhalloffame.com.  Blige earns her first nomination on her third year of eligibility. Her diverse catalogue earns her a spot, but with other more established African-American women on this ballot, this will be a tough one for her to get elected on.

The New York Dolls:  Ranked #89 on Notinhalloffame.com.  The New York Dolls are this year’s proto-punk/punk nominee and the David Johansen led group were nominated once before, back in 2001.

Rage Against the Machine:  Ranked #40 on Notinhalloffame.com.  RATM is on their third ballot, and finding a group that fused rap and hard rock/metal better than them is a daunting task.

Tina Turner:  Ranked #113 on Notinhalloffame.com.  Tina Turner was long ago inducted as one half of Ike & Tina, but Tina’s solo career far eclipsed the duo in popularity.  This is the first time that Tina has been nominated as a solo, and should she get in, she joins Stevie Nicks as female double-inductee.

Todd Rundgren:  Ranked #12 on Notinhalloffame.com.  Rundgren’s overall body of work as a performer, songwriter and producer puts many Rock and Roll Hall of Famers to shame.  Eligible since 1996, Rundgren had to wait until 2018 for his first nomination, and he was also on the ballot last year.  

We know there will be copious amounts of rage regarding who was not nominated.  There always is.  We do feel that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominating committee did a good job nominating musicians across a musical landscape, and have for the last seven years. 

This ballot also has the greatest number of women in nominating history.

What happens next is up to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame voters.

Congratulations to all the Finalists, and let the debate again.

Approximately a few weeks ago, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced their Class of 2020.  As always, this requires us to make revisions on our core Notinhalloffame.com Rock List of those worthy of consideration for the hallowed halls of Cleveland, Ohio.  

 

This means three things:

 

The first is that we removed those who were chosen (The Notorious B.I.G. #6, T. Rex #14, Depeche Mode #18, The Doobie Brothers #25, Nine Inch Nails #26 & Whitney Houston #271).  

 

The second is that we added the acts who are now Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for the 2021 ceremony.

 

The third is that we looked at your votes and comments to assist on ranking modification.

 

Got all that?

 

Let’s move on!

 

You may have noticed that we have been expanding our core lists.  This is no different for our Rock list, as the eventual goal is to have 1,000 ranked.  We will get there, but in the meantime, we have an uneven number, but give us a year! Maybe two?

The entire Notinhalloffame.com Rock list is here, but below are the changes in our top ten:

Kraftwerk hangs on to the number one spot.  To date, they have been nominated six times, including the last two years.  They will likely get another kick at the can in 2021.

The highest debut comes high with Jay-Z at #2.  The New York City based rapper should be a lock for induction, and he brings sure-fire star power to a 2021 ceremony.

Foo Fighters make their first appearance at #3.  Like Jay-Z, it is expected that they will go “one and in”, and Dave Grohl will become a two-time inductee.

With the two new high-profile entries, there is a drop in the rankings for some of our other previous top tens.  

Oasis drops from #2 to #4.  Oasis is in their second year of eligibility, and they were not nominated last year.  Regardless, of when (or if) they get in, you know there will be drama should any Gallagher appear.  

Jethro Tull went from #3 to #5.  The Progressive Rock band have been eligible for Cleveland since 1993, but have never received a nomination.

Also losing two spots were The Smiths, who went from #4 to 6.  They have been eligible since 2008 and were nominated in both 2015 and 2016.  The induction of Depeche Mode should help The Smiths and other 80s Alternative Bands.

MC5 goes down to #7 from #5.  The proto-punk band has been eligible since 1991, and has been nominated five times including the last four years. 

Sliding from #7 to number #8 is Gram Parsons.  Eligible since 1992, Parsons was nominated three times, but the last one was in 2005.

At #9 is Judas Priest, who were nominated twice, including last year.  They hold the same spot as last year.

Rounding out the top ten is Willie Nelson, who fell from #8.  He has also never been nominated. 

Jay-Z and Foo Fighters are not the only new entries.  

Sleater-Kinney debuts with a very strong rank of #47.  They are the third and final new entry in our top 100.  The Chemical Brothers make their first appearance with #121.  The top 250 also has debuts with Modest Mouse at #155 and Rammstien at #233.

The other new entries are Neutral Milk Hotel at #255, Garbage at #266, Natalie Merchant at #277, Super Furry Animals at #372, Jewel at #521 and Air at #529

You know what we want you to do!

Cast your votes and voice your opinions, as we use them for future rankings.

As always, we here at Notinhalloffame.com thank you for your support.

The Songwriters Hall of Fame not only made history by announcing their Hall of Fame Class of 2017, but did so by selecting their first rapper to enter the Hall.

Jay-Z not only has many hits in the rap and hip hop genre but has garnered significant mainstream pop appeal.  In terms of chart success, Jay Z has few equals and his induction is likely to usher in a significant amount of more rap artists in the upcoming classes.  His signature hits include “Empire State of Mind”, “99 Problems”, “Dirt Off Your Shoulder” and “Bonnie & Clyde”.  He has won 21 Grammys over his career.

Swedish songwriter, Max Martin was also chosen.  Martin’s works includes 21 number one songs on the Billboard Hot 100.  His hits include “…Baby One More Time” (Britney Spears), “Shake It Off” (Taylor Swift) and “Can’t Feel My Face” (The Weeknd).  Martin penned all of Kay Perry’s number ones and most recently, “Can’t Stop the Feeling” (Justin Timberlake.  It is not an exaggeration to say that Martin is the most successful pop writer this millennium.

Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds will also be inducted.  Babyface has written 23 #1 songs on the R&B Chart, including the monster hit, End of the Road (Boyz II Men).

Also chosen was the prolific songwriting and production team of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, whose relationship with Janet Jackson made her a megastar. 

Motown founder Berry Gordy was also included.  Besides being the creator of a musical empire, Gordy was a decent songwriter who helped write many of his label’s hits.

The final entrants are Peter Catera, Robert Lamm and James Pankow of Chicago.

This year marks the 48th Annual Induction, which will take place on June 15 at the Marriott Marquis in New York City.

We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to congratulate this year’s Hall of Fame Class.

We haven’t come up with (nor do we really plan to) a list for those who are not in the Songwriters Hall of Fame, but it is an institution in which we hold in high regard.

As such, the news that the Songwriters Hall of Fame has announced their latest class is definitely “music to our ears”.

The class of 2017 is perhaps one of the most diverse ever, and much of the attention is being showered on Shawn Carter, professionally known as Jay-Z.

The induction of Jay-Z marks the first time that a rapper has been chosen for the Songwriters Hall of Fame.  Still a very successful musician, the industry mogul has reached the top of the Billboard Album charts 13 times.  There is no real reason to think that he can’t do it again. 

Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds has also been chosen.  While Babyface had a successful career as a solo act he is actually held in higher regard as a songwriter.  He was responsible for writing such hits as “Breathe Again” (Toni Braxton) and “I’ll Make Love to You” (Boyz II Men).

Janet Jackson may not have gotten into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who produced and wrote most of her hits were chosen. 

Chicago, who were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame saw three of their principal members and songwriters, Robert Lamm, James Pankow and Peter Cetera chosen for Songwriters Hall.

Perhaps the most successful songwriter of this class is the one most of you haven’t heard of.  From Sweden, Max Martin has penned or co-penned 22 number one hits including “I Want it That Way” (The Backstreet Boys), “Baby, One More Time” (Britney Spears), “I Kissed a Girl” (Katy Perry), “Blank Space” (Taylor Swift) and “I Can’t Feel My Face” (The Weeknd).  Only the songwriting team of John Lennon and Paul McCartney have had more #1 hits.

The final inductee of this class is Berry Gordy, who while is best known for launching Motown, was also a songwriter who co-wrote hits for Smokey Robinson and the Jackson 5.

We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to congratulate the Songwriters Hall of Fame Class of 2017.

With all due respect to Rock purists, there really is little doubt that at present Jay-Z is the top contender of the 2020 list of Hall of Fame candidates.  The man with many monikers has been one of the most dominate Rap artists of the past ten years and he is beloved by critics, the mainstream, and the streets.