By Phill Marder
When the 2011 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductions took place March 14, 2011, just one band — Alice Cooper — was inducted. Strange, as there are many bands worthy of the honor, but thus far denied. Trying to name just 10 is a daunting
assignment, but here is a list — in alphabetical order — of some of the bands most deserving of induction.
1. BON JOVI
Nominated but rejected in 2011, the New Jersey group continues a 27-year run as a true worldwide supergroup. A string of No. 1 albums in at least 10 countries, sold-out concerts around the globe, induction into the U.K. Hall of Fame, Bon Jovi has achieved popularity rarely equaled in rock history. However, as it seems with many popular bands, critics treat them with disdain as does a vocal minority. Whether their musical talent lives up to your expectations is irrelevant. Their success speaks for the band and the gazillion followers who believe they are the real deal — naysayers be damned.
2. THE CARS
Contemporaries Blondie and The Talking Heads already have been inducted, but The Cars, arguably the most successful and talented of the bands that broke through in the late ’70s and carried through to the ’80s, have thus far been ignored. Producers of great singles, albums, and award-winning videos, The Cars had the chops and delivered the goods with regularity. Perhaps a reported reunion will re-focus the spotlight on this most talented of bands.
3. CHICAGO
It has been reported that this group is now the most successful U.S. band in Billboard chart history. Baseball’s Pete Rose, who has the most hits in history, is not in that Hall of Fame, either. With Rose, there are extenuating circumstances. With Chicago, well, maybe there are, too, for there are really two distinct Chicagos — early and later versions — despite the constant presence of keyboardist Robert Lamm and the horn section of Lee Loughnane, Walt Parazaider and James Pankow. The original group, with Peter Cetera on bass, Danny Seraphine on drums and Terry Kath (supposedly Jimi Hendrix’ favorite guitarist) was as creative and innovative a band as rock and roll has produced.
4. THE E-STREET BAND
Bruce Springsteen was inducted in 1999. Along with Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, John Lennon and Paul McCartney, Springsteen is one of the greatest individual talents in the history of rock and roll. It’s likely he would have achieved that status with just his guitar and harmonica. But his band, “the mighty E-Street Band” as Bruce calls it, helped build the Springsteen legend with unequaled concert performances. Only the bands of James Brown could compare, but even they would come up short against this assemblage. The late Clarence Clemons, Roy Bittan, Garry Tallent, Danny Federici, Nils Lofgren, Max Weinberg and Steven Van Zandt also were with “The Boss” in most of his studio sessions.
5. THE GUESS WHO
Burton Cummings, Randy Bachman, Garry Peterson and Jim Kale and later Kurt Winter and Greg Leskiw is one of the greatest bands to emerge from Canada. Musicianship without peer, songwriting genius, a great lead vocalist in Cummings and terrific harmony, The Guess Who was a chart fixture from 1969 to 1974, despite unconventional singles that dealt with a myriad of controversial topics. But, they were capable of expressing just plain romantic lyrics, too. For example: “Kill your kid sister and murder your dad, rip the lashes off of your eyes. Slaughter all your cattle and burn your crops if you’re dancing with another guy.” Maybe you have to be Canadian, eh, but their albums remain great listening.
6. HEART
The Wilson sisters, Ann and Nancy, are still touring and bringing down the house, Ann’s voice soaring above the band and all others around. I prefer the initial Heart to the ’80s version, but the induction of the Wilson sisters is the key, much as would be the induction of Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell of America.
7. KISS
Denied two years ago, these masters of makeup and marketing were left off the induction list this year in favor of the Alice Cooper Band. Now that Alice has gained induction, perhaps KISS will get its due recognition. No matter your opinion, KISS has been one of the most successful bands of the rock and roll era.
8. THE MOODY BLUES
It is hard to fathom a band this talented and successful unacknowledged by the Hall of Fame. With little support from hit singles, the Moodies have dominated the U.K and U.S. charts since 1968. With three carryovers from “Days of Future Passed” — John Lodge, Justin Hayward and Graeme Edge — The Moody Blues continue today to play before sellout crowds. Their past albums remain vessels carrying listeners to magical lands, rocking at times, mystical and beautiful almost always.
9. PAUL REVERE & THE RAIDERS
Just when did rock and roll have to be so serious? Not while this band is around, that’s for sure. The Raiders are not just a guilty pleasure. They were one helluva great rock band with a lead singer — Mark Lindsay — who was second to none. When Lindsay growled “You been steppin’ out with the cobbler” or “I’m not your steppin’ stone,” there was little doubt he meant business. Showmen superb, The Raiders wore Revolutionary War uniforms, performed synchronized dance routines and destroyed equipment (in fun, not anger) on stage. But through all the clowning came the music, a series of great hard-rock singles and albums. The material, almost all group written, since has been covered by The Sex Pistols, David Bowie, Joan Jett, Pat Benatar, The Flamin’ Groovies and Sammy Hagar as well as many others. Revere still has a hot band performing today if you want to see a terrific live show.
10. RUSH
If this trio was not included, Goldmine’s offices might be stormed by angry throngs, as a recent Goldmine online poll about prog-rock music was swamped by Rush supporters. Geddy Lee, Neil Peart and Alex Lifeson have been churning out masterful recordings since 1974. Members of the Canadian Hall of Fame, as is The Guess Who, Rush dazzles audiences with its instrumental mastery. Vocalist Geddy Lee may be an acquired taste, but the same could be said of many current inductees, including Tom Waits, Dr. John and Leon Russell from this year alone.
Loading ...
Three words. ” GRAND FUNK RAILROAD “
It is shame that such important bands like Grand Funk Railroad and Emerson, Lake and Palmer are not even mentioned while much less significant musicians who has little or nothing to do with RnR were indicted to RRHOF.
Hi, Phill !! Yes, I’m back! How are you ?
To Firedome: Gotta love that name !! DeSoto Firedome Hemi V-8′s FOREVER !!
R.I.P. to recently deceased original Miracles member MARV TARPLIN (June 13, 1941 – September 30, 2011) .An ASCAP AWARD OF MERIT winner, also winner of the BMI SONGWRITERS AWARD, Chosen by British Music magazine MOJO as one of the 100 GREATEST GUITARISTS OF ALL TIME.Prolific songwriter, having co-written some of Motown’s biggest hits with Smokey and the other Miracles…including MY GIRL HAS GONE, THE LOVE I SAW IN YOU WAS JUST A MIRAGE, POINT IT OUT , I LIKE IT LIKE THAT,AIN’T THAT PECULIAR,I’LL BE DOGGONE, CRUSIN’, and the man who composed and played one of the greatest opening guitar riffs of all time…the beginning of the Grammy Hall of Fame Winner “THE TRACKS OF MY TEARS”.Sadly, he died not seeing the MIRACLES get inducted into the RRHOF, But he at least got his star with the rest of the Miracles when the group was honored by THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME on 3/20/2009. Marv…you WILL be missed !!!
MARV TARPLIN also co-wrote GOING TO A GO-GO , one of the MIRACLES’ biggest hits…later covered by The Rolling Stones.
BLUE OYSTER CULT
The Rock & Roll Hall of Shame is a big FARCE. Based on record sale alone, Grand Funk Railroad should be in it. If the day ever come when Mark, Don & Mel get into the Hall of Shame, the people who run this farce should offer them a BIG apology and kiss their ### and admit what narrowmindedness they have shown the world in their exclusion. I will NEVER set foot in the RRHOF until justice is served and the ORIGINAL Grand Funk Railroad is inducted.
The big difference between THE MIRACLES and all of those other acts, is that Jann Wenners’ own ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE had already chosen them one of it’s TOP 50 IMMORTALS-THE 50 GREATEST ARTISTS OF ALL TIME-not once …but TWICE- in 2004, and AGAIN this year (2011). But , in one of the worst cases of bias and politics in Rock Hall history,They only inducted SMOKEY, and left the other Miracles, BOBBY ROGERS , PETE MOORE, RONNIE WHITE, CLAUDETTE ROBINSON, MARV TARPLIN, and BILLY GRIFFIN out in the cold.How can The Miracles be in their Top 50 IMMORTALS list….yet not get inducted ?? The Miracles were Motown’s first group…and the most covered Motown group of all time.over 50 of their songs have been covered by literally SCORES of other acts. They also have the most GRAMMY HALL OF FAME inducted songs of ANY Motown group. More even than THE SUPREMES and THE TEMPTATIONS. But, The MIRACLES STILL aren’t inducted after 26 YEARS !!
Topcat -
Remember, this article was limited to “bands” only. For the unfamiliar, the Miracles, who I consider a vocal group, were covered in No. 13 of the “Great Blogs Of Fire” series.
Phill
Deep Purple >> Ian Paice, least of which being the greatest left-handed drummer, he’s been hittin’ that rimshot for almost 50 yrs, he deserves a wing of that bldg.
Steve Miller
Loggins and Messina
How about female rockers of the 1970s & 1980s?
Let’s start with the first woman who paved the way for the rest of them after the 1960s.
Linda Ronstadt who was criticized for not having been a songwriter during her hey day. The singer-songwriter era’s dominance of the charts ended in 1979. So it’s time to stop using the decades-old criticism that Linda didn’t write her own music as an excuse to diminish her significance in rock history.
Great artists who did not write all of their own music and remade older hits from other artists into new ones for themselves include Robert Plant, Elvis Presley, The Pretenders, Elton John, Donna Summer, James Taylor, The Eagles, Aretha Franklin, Cheap Trick, Pat Benatar, Heart, Aerosmith, Van Halen, Mick Jagger, Stevie Nicks, Bruce Springsteen, Joan Jett, Blondie, The Grateful Dead, The Doobie Brothers, etc…
Greats and supposed pop greats including Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Barbara Streisand, Cher, Frank Sinatra, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Madonna, and current superstars like Beyonce have not written all their own music either.
Linda Ronstadt IS Rock ‘n Roll:
“Poor, Poor, Pitiful Me”
“Can’t Let Go”
“Hurts So Bad”
“That’ll Be the Day”
“You’re No Good”
“Tumbling Dice”
“Livin’ In the USA”
“Just One Look”
“It’s So Easy”
“Heatwave”
“How Do I Make You?”
“Get Closer”
“All That You Dream”
“Mad Love”…
…the list goes on.
Secondly, Ronstadt was singled out for criticism for having sung at Sun City in South Africa even though many other popular artists have reportedly performed there – Dame Kiri Janette Te Kanawa, Elaine Page, Frank Sinatra, Queen, Elton John, Sarah Brightman, Julio Iglesias, The O’Jays, Boney M., Black Sabbath, Rod Stewart, Tina Turner, Dionne Warwick et al. So why has it only been held against Ronstadt?
One more thing, as of 2011, despite Linda Ronstadt’s hitting the music charts beginning in the late 1960s, Linda is still not in the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame. Nor is Stevie Nicks, Pat Benatar, or Heart.
This story is limited to bands, not soloists. Linda Ronstadt was covered very early in this series. You can find the story by looking at the top of the right-hand column. Heart also has been previously featured in the “Great Blogs of Fire.” Stevie Nicks has not because she’s already been inducted as a member of Fleetwood Mac and Pat Benatar may come later.
Not a bad list, although I have trouble with the Cars being worthy. Todd Rundgren has been overlooked as well. Innovative, outside the box writer, musician, engineer, producer.
Todd was featured earlier in “Great Blogs Of Fire.”
How can the RRHOF be taken seriously? What is looked at as the RRHOF is no more than some persons (JW) personal “like list” !
What the world needs is a “REAL”, TRUTHFUL, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, not someones list of their favs !!
The current RRHOF is a sad joke. It is a black eye on the face of Rock and Roll. and I can not believe everyone puts up with it! It is a shame, an abomination of true rockers and what bands like RUSH, DEEP PURPLE, and GRAND FUNK RAILROAD, TODD RUNDGREN, and so many many more have given to the Rock and Roll Fans of the world. The person in control of the RRHOF is an absolute clueless when it comes to Rock and Roll, just clueless!!
The Small Faces & The Move.
The rock and roll hall of fame is a joke… All of the bands listed above should all get in. Wht do they keep pushing to induct Donna Summers- SHE IS DISCO!!! If I had free tickets to see Donna Summer to hand out or pay for any of these others bands listed… I would gladly pay to see any of these other bands. When the mentioned bands are asked about this-they know it’s a big F…ing joke. The bands are more upset for us.. the fans.
In A Word…..Yes
Steve Miller Band
Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels
Along with some other commenters, I think that the RR HOF is a crock, but as long as it exists it needs to stop overlooking rock and roll such as the two groups above–they had lots of talent, played original songs with skill, and were famous and influential enough.
What about the Monkees? They are shunned because they started out as a tv show and lip synced their first songs. They turned it around and became iconic. I saw them perform in Milwaukee this summer and were one of the best survivor bands I have seen in years.
Dan -
Look to the right column under “most popular” for “Monkees top banana in race for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.”
Poco, putting out high quality country rock for over 40 years now. I first heard “Pickin’ Up The Pieces” in high school, and they are still putting out excellent music. Don Henley should thank them for the idea!
JAN & DEAN … Hitmakers from the late 50′s Do-Whop, to surf, to comedy (Batman album), into motion pictures – they were the Monkees before anyone conceived of the Monkees! Jan was a protege of Brian Wilson and a partner in the studio. A symphonic album. Top Ten hits (Surf CIty was #1). Dean sang on another #1 song, Barbara Ann by the Beach Boys.
Phil @ PrayForSurf dot net
Phil – This article is for bands only. Jan & Dean is a vocal duo. However, if you go to No. 16 in the “Great Blogs Of Fire” series under blogs, you’ll find “From Surf City to Pasadena to Rock & Roll Hall of Fame?” which appeared back on January 18. – Phill
What about TOTO?? This Group has members who’s discography is more than any group put together. It’s a shame they are never mentioned or even put in an article on Goldmine let alone the Hall of Fame. But they are used to being shunned. They have been since 1985.
All good choices but I definately would add Grand Funk Railroad. They were so successful yet don’t seem to get the respect they deserve.
i think White Witch should get some mojo. two of the greatest pure rock albums ever recorded and on the allman brothers label to boot.
i guess it’s just me but the guess who is a band i always change the radio station when there music comes on. i guess they just suck
Without a doubt Grank Funk Railroad should be the RRHOF. It makes me mad to see non Rockers in there and some really great bands on the sidelines. You should play Rock to get in there..hence the name, and Grank Funk is still rocking today. Just seen Mark Farner in August..dream come true. He was UNBELIEVABLE…can’t wait to see him again. Wake up rrhof committee….live the truth….it is all about Rock, lets get some of these great bands in there. RRHOF needs Grand Funk and don’t forget Rush, Heart, Deep Purple not enough room….sorry Rock ON!!!!!Love ya Mark…thanks for the music!!!
I agree with the above about Linda Ronstadt, she was the biggest female star of the 70s, but I think her snub has more to do with the critics trying to keep her in a place while she moved on to other endeavors. Not a big Rush fan, the Moodys and Yes should get in before them, Heart may have their shot this year. I don’t think the Guess Who were popular enough for long enough, and while they went on to later success the parts don’t warrant consideration any more than several other bands. Kiss just isn’t serious enough musically for those who vote on entry, the makeup will always make some consider them a gimmick band. Maybe the same feeling with Paul Revere & the Raiders. The Cars never were taken as seriously as some of the “artsier” contemporaries, and flamed out and went downhill fast once the 80s came. Chicago has maybe the best case, their first 6 or 7 albums set the trend for jazz-oriented big band rock, and certainly outlasted and influenced many others from that time. But the steep dropoff into MOR sappiness leaves a bad taste in many people’s mouths who cringe at any mention of the name. That leaves the biggest embarassment to the state of NJ, the epitome of “video made the radio star”, the hair band that defines the sexual divide of music. Mention the name of that band in NJ and women will squeal and men will vomit. Ask the women what they like about them and the answers have NOTHING to do with what they claim is music produced by those hacks. It is always “He’s so hot/cute”, “he’s such a nice guy” or “he’s so generous with his charities.” Male responses are pretty consistent: ” they suck” “they are Springsteen wannabes”, “wouldn’t even make a good bar band.” They had their perfunctory shot last year, now if they want to get in the Hall, buy a ticket like the rest of us. There are many other bands who sell tons of records that haven’t even been considered, Prog bands and waiting to see how the early 80s synth bands are considered, if at all. Many are still releasing product, selling out shows and wildly popular as well. I also think the Rock Hall is no place for rap, Madonna or Donna Summer. The E Street Band should get consideration in the side men category.
Sub24….well said and good points all. Now I happen to be a huge Rush fan and find it appalling that they are not included. Agree with you on your assessment of Linda Ronstadt, and Chicago. Would love to see YES in…and it is hard to argue that KISS did not change the way Rock music is marketed…everyone from Jimmy Buffett to Anthrax should collectively smooth Kiss’ behind for their “bull” marketing tactics…and $ is what it is all about…right or wrong. My testimony for Rush would include that it is undeniable that they are musically more talented than a large number of those already in…they have sold an enormous number of records…more than most of those listed above…save Bon Jovi and maybe Heart…and, most importantly….they are STILL significant! While most bands from the 70′s and 80′s are knocking around in casinos or teaming with 3 other bands to fill half an outdoor arena Rush still plays alone, for 3+ hours and sells out….2 nights in Madison Square Garden last year…
The defence rests!
I’d actually be more pleased if Rush never gets in OR if they do get inducted, they opt to not show up. In fact, I think it would be awesome if Rush & Kiss were on the same ballot and they decide to do a “nostalgia show” (since Rush opened for Kiss in the early days) for charity the night of the induction ceremony with a simple post on their respective websites stating “Sorry RRHOF but, we’ve got more important things to do this evening.”
While I don’t elevate Rush beyond some of the greats in the Hall, with some of the inductees in recent years coupled with the obvious omissions caused by the farce that is the committee that heads it, Rush and many others still on the outside are far and away above the petty, close-minded opinions of those douchebags.
Why wasn’t King Crimson on this list instead of Bon Jovi? And another thing, there is something wrong when the “Beastie Boys” go in the HOF and great groups like The Moody Blues and Rush go ignored!
I totally agree with The Guess Who and Chicago – those bands were superb!! The Cars? I didn’t know that they were considered to be a Rock and Roll band?? Bon Jovi??? Is’nt he the person that invented “Cheerleader Rock”? Deep Purple and Grand Funk Railroad were very influencial back in the early 70′s and many bands today are still standing on the shoulders of the music that they created, so the fact that they are not inducted is a shame beyond words!
Sorry, but the RRHOF is nothing but a joke!!
Deep Purple was featured in the “Great Blogs Of Fire” series. Check under blogs
What about The DeFranco Family??? LOL! Just kidding!
Yes, Jethro Tull, ELP – Get some 70s prog in there, people. I’ll even accept Rush, who I can’t stand, if Tull makes it.
Yes, Tull & Rush all were profiled previously in “Great Blogs Of Fire.” You can find them at the top of the page under blogs.
BON JOVI and KISS should be in the Hall. But before those groups go in, these individuals should go in:
JOE TEX / DON COVAY / CONNIE FRANCIS / FREDDY CANNON / LEN BARRY / PAT BOONE.
Connie Francis & Freddy Cannon were profiled in the “Great Blogs of Fire” series located under blogs.
Jon Bon Jovi and his band Bon Jovi does it all-they can rock Nashville, roll with the best of hard rock, carry the blues and croon you to pieces and all the while Jon holds his own with the late great Luciano Pavrotti, heaping on immortal songwriting and David Bryan’s magnificient Broadway musical sums it up. you can’t keep good men down.
Hard to believe Jethro Tull hasn’t been inducted. If “Aqualung” was
all they released, they would be superior to “The Beastie Boys”.
Are you kidding me? Yes isn’t inducted?
I also agree that Grand Funk should be in, too.
The Association: They have 3 in the top 10 of the 100 most air-played songs of all time. Most RRHOF members can’t bragg about that! While their mgt made decisions on most releases which left them labeled with what RS called in 1981 “psychedelic smoothies,” anyone who ever saw them in concert knows they could rock, and in fact, play all kinds of music. Perhaps they, like Chicago, or Ronstadt, are too good to be in the RRHOF.
When I visit the Basesball HOF, I know it is a shrine to the Best players that ever live. I love Music just as much but have yet to attempt a visit to Cleveland due to many ridiculous determinations that have been made , while NOT making easy choices. Your list should all be in ,with out a doubt, and I now add The Doobie Brothers. Although the Michael McDonald years took them from a great R&R Band and turned them into some kind of Jazz Bar Band, it didn’t last long and should not be viewed as who they are. China Grove, Rockin’ Down the Hiway, Long Train Running, Jesus is Just Alright, Take Me in your Arms, Black Water and Listen to the Music stand to the testament of music many heard on FM rock stations, but their Real value is gained by the album tracks many have not heard. Their mixture of R&R, Blues, Gospel and Country influences along with the Vocal Harmonies of Tom Johnston and Pat Simmons continue to this day. Their Live shows are worthy of consideration on their own! I soon hope the Board at the HoF soon figure out to induct the “Obvious” choices so they do not to wait like the Dave Clark 5 did.
Well put, John. Stay tuned ’cause a lot more on The Doobies is on its way in “Great Blogs Of Fire.”
T. Rex T. Rex T.REX!!!!
AND the Yes, AND Slade, AND the Sensational Alex Harvey Band…
I wish they’d get in before they’re ALL DEAD (like most of T.Rex.)
I realise this may be an attempt to name some of the less obvious “oversights”, but if Rush ends up on the list because of “popular pressure”, surely Deep Purple falls into a parallel situation. And if this is a less obvious list, how about Love and Quicksilver Messenger Service? Surely, the suggestions of Chicago (horrible), the E Street Band (come on!) & Kiss (a joke of a band, under consideration because of longevity & extra-musical activities), don’t belong instead of, say, Roxy Music, T.Rex, King Crimson, Yes, Emerson Lake & Palmer, etc., etc. I like the choice of Paul Revere & the Raiders, but in front of QMS? No way.
ONE WORD POCO! IT’S A JOKE THEY ARE NOT IN THE R’N'R HALL OF FAME. . .
Ok first of all, alot of these comments are really stupid, Rush out of all the best musicians should be inducted the most, who cares about the cars and bon jovi, Rush, judas priest, and iron maiden should be inducted, screw the hall of shame!!!!!!!!