The Progressive Rock question returns again with an act that could have had the biggest hit of the genre in “A Whiter Shade of Pale”. That song may not only have been Progressive Rock’s biggest hit; it may have been the first real one too.

Although Gospel influenced singers have penetrated the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Christian Rock seems very far away from reaching the Hall.  An interesting future candidate is Jars of Clay, who were able to secure mainstream attention in the mid 90’s as their music was a rich and textured blend of current Alternative trends.  Many people got into the band before they realized that the content was all Christian.  So here is the problem; musically they are a more than competent band but can an outfit that never lyrically strayed from singing about God be a serious Hall of Fame contender?

A common thread on this list is musicians who are ahead of their time. We can’t help but think there may be no other band on this list that defines that opening sentence better than the New York Dolls, who not only helped define a sound but a look as well.

If you are looking for no frills, no nonsense pure Rock and Roll, Gov’t Mule is a great place to look.  Their real accomplishments are not in the studio, but on the concert circuit where their Southern flavored Blues Rock makes them a decent draw.  Although they are not always classified as a Jam band, it is when they are jamming that they really shine.  Having said that, the Hall already has the Grateful Dead and the Allmans, there is no void should Gov’t Mule not get in.