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 and Danny Federici, Roy Bittan, Garry Tallent, , 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.
Poco, Deep Purple & Todd Rundgren should also be strongly considered.
Not to sound like a broken record (or CD, or whatever), but Deep Purple and Todd Rundgren were featured in “Great Blogs Of Fire” (go to blogs) as two that definitely belong in the Hall of Fame.
The E-Street Band??? You’ve got to be kidding!!!
What about the Moody Blues???
Hey Bernie, can you read???? No. 8 is The Moody Blues!!! And not to sound like a broken record (or CD, or whatever), but The Moody Blues were featured in “Great Blogs Of Fire” (go to blogs) as one group that definitely belongs in the Hall of Fame.
WHAT ABOUT JETHRO TULL? MY FAVORITE BAND OF THE LATE 60′S AND EARLY 70′S HAS PROVIDED ALBUM AFTER ALBUM OF UNIQUE “ELIZABETHAN BOOGIE” AND SEVERAL CLASSIC ALBUMS AND SONGS. THEY PROBABLY WOULDN’T ACCEPT A NOMINATION AT THIS LATE DATE. SHOULD HAVE BEEN IN YEARS AGO. PAUL REVERE? HEART? COME ON…ALTHOUGH THEY ARE MORE WORTHY THAN SOME OF THE ONES ALREADY IN THE HALL. I UNDERSTAND IT’S ALL “POLITICS” AND TRYING TO FIND BANDS THAT THE YOUNGER GENERATION LIKES, BUT IN DOING SO HURTS THE CREDIBILITY OF THE “HALL”.
Not to sound like a broken record (or CD, or whatever), but Jethro Tull was featured in “Great Blogs Of Fire” (go to blogs) as one group that definitely belongs in the Hall of Fame
You left out the Monkees. I know why they aren’t in there–Jann Wenner hates them–but they should be in there. And if anyone needed a little push to get them in there, listen to the recently re-released “Head” movie soundtrack on vinyl. It is absolutely incredible, the re-release of the year. So many things began with the Monkees, and so many musicians were influenced by them, that keeping them out is almost akin to forgetting Thomas Jefferson when you talk about our country’s founding fathers. And their music holds up to this day. Both Paul Revere and the Raiders and the Monkees should go in at the same time. They represent an era when music was fun, an era that was led by the Beatles with many, many followers. The Raiders and Monkees followed, but they blazed their own paths to greatness.
Not to sound like a broken record (or CD, or whatever), The Monkees were featured in “Great Blogs Of Fire” (go to blogs) as one group that definitely belongs in the Hall of Fame.
all worthy choices, and joining them should be Grand Funk Railroad
Until really innovative prog-rock bands such as Jethro Tull,Yes,ELP,Gentle Giant,Steeleye Span,Tempest,Focus and more recent prog bands such as Spocks Beard,Dream Theatre,Magellan.Symphony-X & others are inducted the Rock’n'Roll HOF should NEVER be taken seriously by anyone !!! Thank you.
Where are the Doobie Brothers????????
As long as Jann Wenner and his Cronies are deciding factors-Forget most of these great artists.
Keep reading “Great Blogs Of Fire.” Doobie Brothers on the horizon.
Bon Jovi???? Give me a GD break! A totally made up studio band. Where’s Hall and Oates…..
Hall & Oates was one of the first covered in this series concerning artists who should be in the Hall of Fame. Check out the blog “Great Blogs Of Fire.” They were not included in this piece because they are considered a duo, not a band.
Good List…..
I’ll go along with Rush, The Moody Blues, The E-Street Band, Chicago and The Cars, when some of the past inductees have been absurd choices.
Yes! H&O the biggest duo of all-time not in the Hall is shameful as well as Todd Rundgren and many of the above-mentioned bands. I think they the innovators should be inducted first before bands like Bon Jovi who came along later. I like Bon, don’t get me wrong but without the artists who came before them there would be no Jovi or other bands who have come later.
Come on Jann, play fair!
Grand Funk Railroad. WHERE’S Grand Funk? The first band to earn 10 consecutive platinum albums and sold out Shea Stadium in 72 hours, faster than the Beatles! GFR is 3 piece powerhouse that has been overlooked for far too long.
As noted previously, Grand Funk will be roaring down the “Great Blogs Of Fire” track soon!
mountain…leslie west and that “fat” guitar sound…let’s not forget felixon bass and at controls…total injustice!!!
Phill hit all three of mine – Chicago, the Guess Who, and the Moodies – there is absolutely no reason to continue to reject these guys. And all three started in the 60′s and either continue to play or were successfully and rockingly reunited in the 21st century. And the word “musicianship” – doesn’t that count for anything? The Hall continues to be a fraud and a personal Jann Wenner fiefdom, so I will stay away.
P.S. – great article.
Steppenwolf. “Born to be Wild” – that’s all you really need to know.
The Wolf will be prowling “Great Blogs Of Fire” soon.
All worthy, along with many others. The key point being an artist with a track record in ROCK AND ROLL. Abba? Donna Summer? Maybe the Pop and Disco HoF, but the ROCK Hall? Sorry, don’t see it!
Seems to me the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is hanging the curtains before they’ve finished the foundation.
A missing brick in the foundation? Link Wray.
Scratch that, he should be the cornerstone of that place.
When are we going to see a journalist with balls track down Jann Wenner and his band of idiots and ask these hard questions? RUSH is 3rd only behind the Beatles and Stones for consecutive Platinum album sales!
“Great Blogs Of Fire” has been doing it all year !!! Including a feature on Rush.
Personally, I think Bon Jovi exemplifies mediocrity. However, I can understand the case for including them in the R&R Hall of Fame. What isn’t excusable is including them on a list for the Hall of Fame and leaving The Monkees off. Regular readers of Goldmine and fans of sunshine and power pop know the case to be made for them.
If you’re a regular reader of Goldmine, you know that “Great Blogs of Fire” made the case for the Monkees not long ago.
I cannot believe that the Monkees are still not in the Hall of Fame. It is a shame that one person from the Hall is preventing them from getting in. They deserve this honor and their fans want to see them get in!!
I agree with the listing but give my greatest support to the PR & Raiders. They fit every criterion, they wrote most of their hits, great show/live band and had mega hits so….what’s the deal?
On a side note I do a 6 cd retrospect of music from 40 years before for Xmas gifts to friends. (I have a huge LP collection) A few years back when I did 1967 there were 4 songs by the Raiders on the set due to their STRONG release Spirit of ’67-one of the best Lps of that year.
Just saw them live again this year and they still sound great for a bunch of geezers.
Has T.rex been inducted? if not I would say ELECTRIC WARRIOR needs to enter.
T Rex has not been inducted
Grand Funk Railroad- the band that sold out Shea stadium faster than the Beatles; had 10 consecutive gold albums while getting very little air play and widely recognized as the “People’s band”,whose live performances are legendary,has been snubbed long enough by the Rock Hall.Also, add the Doobies,Steppenwolf,Deep Purple,and Rush to that list.
I think Rush is on the list. as for the others, see other comments
E Street Band? Absolutely! The rest? Fuhgettaboutit!
This is a confusing article, because it makes it seem like these are the bands you think should be in the HOF rather than all of the bands you’ve been discussing on the Great Blogs of Fire. Perhaps if you said something about that in the first paragraph, you wouldn’t get all of these kinds of responses.
Just saying.
Meghan…you’re correct. This article is a reprint of one that appeared in the magazine edition of Goldmine last year. As it notes in the introduction, I was limited to 10 “bands,” while “Great Blogs of Fire” runs weekly, spotlighting a neglected artist each week. It’s currently on hiatus waiting for the Hall of Fame’s most recent voting to be announced and we’re busy on a super special project. But every former article is available for view under blogs at the top of the page.
The Zombies.
Dare I say it? Featured in “Great Blogs Of Fire” a month or two ago !!
I tend to disagree with most of the potential entrants on the list of 10 bands above. My criteria focus more on real innovation and influence. Of these 10, I feel only the Moody Blues and possibly The Cars make that grade. I like a bunch of the others a LOT, but that doesn’t mean they should be in the HoF. Of other potential contenders, I feel Yes and Jethro Tull should be in as well.
Many of these other bands are POPULAR and have been around for a long time, so if that is the criteria, then Pat Boone should have been in a long time ago. He had so many pop hits that he’s 9th on the list of hit-making artists 1955-1995. Just food for thought….
Yes & Jethro Tull were both featured in “Great Blogs of Fire” this year (see blogs, above) as was an essay on “influence” & a lengthy set of comments on Pat Boone. Happy eating !!
All those great bands! Tull, Yes, The E Street Band, Gentle Giant, King Crimson, all famous, all entrenched in the hall of fame of our hearts. But here’s another level of indignity. How about an influential space rock band that has made over 34 albums (twice as many as Pink Floyd) spanning four decades.., and nobody on this side of the world has heard of them: Hawkwind. Dave Brock et al are still performing. And there’s precious little rock music around that has such a long exhalted history when it comes to not only “thinking outside the box” both musically and thematically, but in leaving all those little pink-ish boxes far, far below.
But Hawkwind and lot of desreving groups will never be considered, because that hall in Cleveland -it’s not about Music; it’s about money, and a cliquey ugly kind of prestige. Pretty hollow really.
I’m pretty sure I remember a feature on Hawkind in a Goldmine issue last year.
With the exception of Paul Revere, no thanks to the others. How about the Flying Burrito Bros and Poco who created a whole new genre?
I’m a fan of both, especially Poco, but weren’t the Byrds performing that whole new genre long before?
I agree with nearly all of the artists that have been mentioned by those responding….especially The Moody Blues, Grand Funk Railroad, The Guess Who, Jethro Tull, Deep Purple, Rush, The Monkees, The Doobie Brothers, Paul Revere & The Raiders, Steppenwolf & Chicago. I would also like to give a thumbs up to Three Dog Night, Herman’s Hermits & Johnny Rivers.
Johnny Rivers & Herman’s Hermits were featured in “Great Blogs Of Fire,” while Three Dog Night is on the 2012 schedule.
I agree with all of them EXCEPT Bon Jovi. But that’s just because I think they are officially the MOST overrated rock band that has ever walked the face of rock and roll! What the heck people have seen in this band for the past couple of decades is beyond me. They weren’t original, they weren’t groundbreaking, their music is extremely pedestrian. What is it?! Why do people keep coming back to this band so they can have another helping?! And I am a supporter of Grand Funk Railroad for the H.O.F.! People need to realize there was a whole lot more to this band’s history than just “We’re An American Band.” From 1969 to 1972, this was a band that spoke for the early ’70s half of the hippie generation. Take one look at the Shea Stadium footage and there you have it.
Forget Bon Jovi! Please add Ten Years After, Yes, Deep Purple, Mountain, GFR, King Crimson and Steppenwolf. Rock and Roll would not be where it is today without them.
There are a number of groups I can think of. Grand Funk, Spirit, early Chicago, Bonnie and Delaney, Faces and others I play on my show.
The Electric Prunes
13th Floor Elevators
Sam the Sham & The Pharoahs
Question Mark & The Mysterians
Dick Dale
Surprised none of the other respondees included the always-overlooked Cheap Trick, still playing after all these years, and who had been influential on a number of bands that were big in the 90s (Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Stone Temple Pilots, to name a few who have cited Cheap Trick as an influence).
Cheap Trick is featured in a most recent “Great Blogs Of Fire” segment.
As a lifelong Rush fan, since 1974, having Rush inducted now is a slap in the face. I’m really sorry but Donna Summer and ABBA are musical acts and not rock or roll. The Rock and Roll HOF can go to hell. Somebody is making a lot of money to keep legit bands out. Must be an Obama thing.
…Cliff Richard and the Shadows deserve it….but they are nobody in USA..!!
Cliff Richard & The Shadows were profiled earlier in “Great Blogs Of Fire”
Yeah, Rush are far and away the best of this group, followed by the guess who….funny that Rush are still huge towards the end of their run, none of those others can say that ( I don’t include Bon jovi, thats not music….talk about a voice thats an acquired taste)!
There is not one single artist either on the above list, or mentioned in anyone’s comments, that should be in ahead of Doug Sahm. I would wholeheartedly agree with Mike M. in his comment, “My criteria focus more on real innovation and influence.” Someone mentioned Pat Boone … besides laughing at this suggestion, I doubt he had any influence over anyone, but rather the opposite, he was influenced by many of the R&B artists that he covered and made generic soul less cover versions of their great songs. A good singer, yes; an artist, no. Also Tom Dowd should have been in a long time ago. And as to the Rush suggestions … I have always found their music to be so detestable that I cannot objectively comment on that, except to say that they would NEVER get my vote for inclusion, well, at least not until after a few hundred other artists were in first. Tony Riley had some good suggestions above, and I would agree on the Doobie Brothers.
Al, I’d go along with Doug Sahm too! Also Gene Vincent & The Blue Caps,and Jr. Walker & The AllStars. I do think the concept of the Hall of Fame is a bit overblown – I’m not sure any real old school rock band started off aiming to end up there. With modern acts, it’s probably in their business plan.
Gene Vincent was inducted in 1998
How many times can one say – The Miracles. Sadly Marvin Tarplin passed away without receiving this “honor”. The RRHOF should pay a bit more attention to their own criteria.
Gotta love the fact that Bobby Rogers Miracles uniform is in the hall, but not the group.
I vote for a new Hall of Fame based on public votes – All in favor please raise your hand!
I am now typing with one hand! And check out the “Great Blogs Of Fire” article on the Hit Parade Hall of Fame.
can’t argue about the worthiness of the guess who, paul revere and the raiders and ESPECIALLY THE MOODYS, but not so sure about bon jovi or heart.
Tommy Bolin should be there………
The rock and roll hall of fame is a complete joke!
racecarjoe
Patton Pa.
Jeanne said:
“How many times can one say – The Miracles. Sadly Marvin Tarplin passed away without receiving this “honor”. The RRHOF should pay a bit more attention to their own criteria.
Gotta love the fact that Bobby Rogers Miracles uniform is in the hall, but not the group.
I vote for a new Hall of Fame based on public votes – All in favor please raise your hand!”
Jeanne is 100% RIGHT !! The MIRACLES should have BEEN INDUCTED a LONG time ago !! How in the world can you leave out MOTOWN’S FIRST GROUP ?? the group that ESTABLISHED Motown ? The group who’s success opened the doors for all of the rest ?? And induct SMOKEY ALONE ?? Like he was in the studio recording all of those hits BY HIMSELF ??
Without THE MIRACLES there would have been NO MOTOWN . That means NO SUPREMES, NO TEMPTATIONS, STEVIE WONDER, MARVIN GAYE, JACKSON FIVE , MARTHA & THE VANDELLAS, GLADYS KNIGHT & THE PIPS,or FOUR TOPS.
…So WHY are all of these artists inducted, while The Miracles are not ??
Their SONGS are in the Hall Of Fame.
Their LEAD SINGER is in the Hall of Fame.
Their CLOTHES are in the Hall of Fame.
BUT THEY’RE NOT ??? WHY ???
My man Topcat is in the house!
The rock and roll hall of fame (not worthy of CAPS) is a JOKE and a SHAM with inductees like Miles Davis and Leonard Cohen (I thought it was rock and roll???), but not true deserving ROCKERS of the 50′s, let alone the 60′s and 70′s. UN-inductees should feel proud. As Groucho Marx once said, “I wouldn’t be a member of an organization that wouldn’t have me as a member”!
So many great bands not in the Hall of Fame, so many lame ones that are.
It seems that progressive rock is starting to gain some respect, so that bodes well for King Crimson, Rush, Jethro Tull, Yes, ELP and Hawkwind, all of whom deserve to be enshrined.
I am stunned that T.Rex have not been honored.
Grand Funk Railroad clearly deserve to be in the Hall of Fame.
However, the most egregious snub continues to be Deep Purple. They deserve enshrinement on the merits of “Smoke on the Water” alone, yet they were so much more….multiple gold and platinum albums, legendary live shows….”the loudest band in the world!”….they embody rock and roll, but some to think of it so does another loud band from England…..I nominate Motorhead !
Wha about Emmylou Harris & The Hot Band?
Not a band, but THE MAN: Al Kooper!
What about Harry Nilsson
When did Harry Nilsson become a band?
The worst snub of all is definitely Chicago. How can you leave the one band who has sold more records than any other US-based band out? The original version of the band was far and away the greatest, most versatile band ever to come from this side of the Atlantic. And they weren’t afraid to speak what was on their minds, including directly confronting Richard Nixon, musically, at Carnegie Hall with “A Song For Richard And His Friends.” And this was a full year before the Watergate break-in even took place. Robert Lamm had it exactly right with “kind of a wishful thought about wishing President Nixon would quit.” Well, history proved him right!!!
And I agree with all the posters about all the other acts mentioned so far. Because of Jan Wennner and his friend’s politics, Chicago and all of the other artists mentioned here will continue to get snubbed. This should be the rock hall’s greatest hour, but instead it continues to be a hall of lame.
Robert Lamm: here’s kind of a wishful thought about wishing Jan Wenner would go away:
Please be gone
Go away and leave us alone
Pray for release
Go away and leave us in peace.
(excerpted from A Song For Richard And His Friends – Chicago At Carnegie Hall)
Chicago should have been in long ago.
I would say Yes, King Crimson, ELP, I’m glad the article included the Moody Blues they are way overdue but so are the ones I just mentioned.