By Phill Marder

Faithful readers of Goldmine know that last year I was assigned the task of compiling a list of 10 bands snubbed by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Considering the track record of the Hall of Fame, limiting the list to 10 was nigh impossible. And when I did, the fur started flying as readers pounded me with, “Hey dummy, what about this band…and what about that band?” Then there were the readers who complained some individuals were excluded, one naming Joe Tex, Don Covay, Connie Francis, Freddy Cannon, Len Barry and Pat Boone, all fine suggestions except for the fact none qualify as a “band” or “group,” even allowing for weight gain due to the aging process.

So, this year I get the chance to add 10 more. All 10, as well as many others, were profiled in “Great Blogs Of Fire” last year, and more are still to come. With all on last year’s list ignored – Heart was the only nominee and they didn’t make it – the importance of being on this list is questionable. In fact, considering my track record, group’s should be trying to avoid this list.

Remember, last year’s list included Bon Jovi, The Cars, Chicago, The E-Street Band, The Guess Who, Heart, Kiss, The Moody Blues, Paul Revere & The Raiders and Rush. So don’t gripe if they’re not on this year’s list.

And remember, Grand Funk Railroad was the installment prior to this 2011 recap, so if you missed it, check “Great Blogs of Fire” under blogs. There you’ll also find articles on solo artists – Todd Rundgren, Chubby Checker and more – and several duos – Hall & Oates, America, Pet Shop Boys, etc.

And stay tuned. There’s a good chance your favorite, if not already covered,  will be coming to this blog soon. Or to an even bigger recognition.

Again, in alphabetical order, 10 more bands that should be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame:

CHEAP TRICK -

The almost original foursome has been around so long now, their biggest problem is probably being taken for granted.

Another problem may be the band’s lack of success in England, strange as few groups have been as capable of sounding as Beatlesque as Cheap Trick and they have been quite strong in some other European locales, in addition to Japan and the entire Pan Pacific.

Cheap Trick is a rare example of critics and fans agreeing. They get overall good reviews and they sell product and concert tickets as well.

There are bands that should enter the Hall of Fame ahead of Cheap Trick. But there also are some currently enshrined that should have followed them.

THE CURE -

Robert Smith’s guys were nominated last year, but didn’t make the cut. How close were they? Anyone…anyone??

I’m confident The Cure will get there eventually. Of course, many of us oldtimers are skeptical of anything that came across after 1980. But I try to keep an open ear and I purchased the 1987 disc, “Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me,” apparently doing my part to make it the band’s highest charting (#35) album to that date in the U.S.  It actually was the group’s sixth U.S. charting long player, so we’re not talking overnight wonder here.

The LP turned out to be a favorite of mine, with strong material and excellent musicianship, and the follow-up, “Disintegration,” climbed all the way to No. 12. But it took until 1992 for the band’s biggest hit, “Wish,” which rose to No. 2 and No. 1 in the U.K. All told, The Cure has been one of Britain’s top groups since 1980, placing 11 albums in the Top 10.

DEEP PURPLE -

The question is, “How many of today’s guitarists cut their teeth on the riff from “Smoke On The Water?” The answer? Anyone?…anyone?

That 1973 classic became Deep Purple’s signature song and their biggest hit, equaling the No. 4 finish of their first big single, “Hush.” Deep Purple also connected for two top 10 singles in the United Kingdom, “Black Night” and “Strange Kind Of Woman.”

But we all know Purple was not a singles band, though they did manage to mix heavy melody content with their hard rock/metal foundation, which earned them recognition as the world’s loudest band. From 1968 until 1993, this remarkably durable congregation smashed its way through several lineups without losing steam, putting five LPs into the U.S. top 20 and 12 into the U.K. top 20, where they topped the charts three times, with “Fireball,” “Machine Head” and “Deepest Purple.”

DEF LEPPARD -

They say a leopard never changes its spots. Why should Def Leppard?

Following the adage, “if it ain ‘t broke, don’t fix it,” this English quintet has remained remarkably consistent in its output, earning recognition from some as the world’s premier heavy metal band, from others as the world’s premier hard rock band and from fans as just an extremely popular and enduring band, no matter the category critics assign them.

From their debut album, “On Through The Night,” which appeared in 1980, to  “Songs From  The Sparkle Lounge,” which kept Def Leppard in the top 10 in 2008, vocalist Joe Elliott and his cohorts have maintained a standard of excellence, resulting in two albums, “Hysteria” and “Adrenalize,” that topped both the U.S. and U.K. charts, plus a No. 2, “Pyromania,” in the U.S.

Perhaps the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will induct them if guitarist Phil Collen promises to wear a shirt?

DURAN DURAN -

No it didn’t reach Elvis or Beatles’ standards, but the fervor generated by England’s “Fab 5″ eclipsed most others in Rock history, save, perhaps, The Monkees.

They broke into the big time with 1981′s British hit single, “Planet Earth,” and conquered the U.S. market the following year with “Hungry Like The Wolf.”

With MTV and videos the new fad, Duran Duran quickly swept the globe. Was it their music or just their good looks? Video made them giants, but time proved they had the musical chops to justify the popularity. In the U.S., Duran Duran gave us 13 top 20 singles and eight top 20 LPs and they did even better in their U.K. homeland, charting 13 top 20 LPs and 22 Top 20 singles.

They are currently on tour supporting last year’s hit album, “All You Need Is Now.”

THE ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA -

The must be inducted member is Jeff Lynne, thanks to his work with The Move and The Traveling Wilburys, his success as a songwriter and his accomplishments as a producer.

But since the R&R Hall of Fame has ignored him thus far and seems to have an aversion  toward progressive rock groups, let’s go for Lynne’s crowning achievement – ELO, one of the most accomplished and popular groups of the ’70s and early ’80s.

Trendsetters, with a full-time, three-member string section, ELO dominated the radio waves and best-seller charts from 1972 until 1986, with five of their LPs and seven singles reaching the Top 10.

FOREIGNER -

Probably too popular for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Even though they recorded for Atlantic, even though they had No. 1 albums and singles on both sides of the Atlantic…Ocean, that is… and even though they rocked as hard as any band since the ’70s, Foreigner cannot get a nod.

If they’re being ignored because of their monster ballads, someone should make “Urgent,” “Dirty White Boy,” “Juke Box Hero” and “Break It Up,” among others, required listening for the Rock Hall’s nominating committee.

GERRY & THE PACEMAKERS -

When I wrote this segment last year, it also included Herman’s Hermits, but Peter Noone, apparently disturbed by my summary of the Hermits, responded by writing, “I don’t want to be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame” and suggested I put my efforts into getting Gerry & the boys inducted in addition to another somewhat childish suggestion.

Talk about ego.

I suppose it never occurred to Noone that maybe the surviving Hermits or the families of anyone not still with us may want the honor and recognition for their work. Judging from his comment, Noone apparently doesn’t think The Hermits was a group effort. But the article suggested Herman’s Hermits should be in the Hall of Fame, not Peter Noone should be in the Hall of Fame.

This section also included Manfred Mann, The Searchers, The Troggs and The Zombies, and I still think all six rate induction, but since I’m just picking one, Gerry & The Pacemakers get the edge, though the Hermits did have the most hits.

Why the Pacemakers before the Hermits? Overall, the groups were close. But the difference between the frontmen, Gerry Marsden and Noone, gives the Pacemakers the edge.

Marsden was not the most prolific writer, but when he did write he penned some of the best songs to come out of the British Invasion, “Don’t Let The Sun Catch You Crying ” and “Ferry Across The Mersey” being the most memorable. Noone sang almost all cover material. Marsden played guitar, Noone played the crowd. And, though Noone’s vocal efforts were pleasant enough on lighter fare, Marsden was much better overall and thus much more versatile.

JETHRO TULL -

It’s almost impossible to take the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame seriously when bands such as Jethro Tull have yet to be inducted.

Led by Ian Anderson, who resembled a crane when stationary and a “Dancing With The Stars” version of Joe Cocker when on the move, Tull was a completely unique band. I mean, Anderson played flute and they were named after the inventor of a seed drill. C’mon.

But even with little success producing hits, Tull dominated album charts for well over 20 years and rarely failed to sell out personal appearances. In 1972 and 1973, they produced albums that topped the U.S. charts, “Thick As A Brick” and “A Passion Play.” 1974′s “War Child” just missed, stopping at No. 2, and four others, “Aqualung,” “Living In The Past,” “Minstrel In The Gallery” and “Songs From The Wood” cracked the top 10. They reached similar heights in their homeland.

THE MONKEES -

No group I pitched for last year drew anywhere near the response garnered by fan favorites, The Monkees.

So what did the R&R HOF do? Ignored The Monkees and inducted Don Kirshner instead. No fear, Monkee fans…Goldmine backs The Monkees 100 percent, even though they canceled the end of last year’s tour, rendering my tickets useless.

The arguments are just as useless. The R&R HOF is aware of how many records the group sold, how many concerts it sold out, how popular and innovative the TV series was, and how meaningless is the complaint of the group not playing on their earliest recordings.

Most of the artists in the “Great Blogs Of Fire” series point out just how out of touch the R&R Hall of Fame is with the public. Perhaps none more than The Monkees.

THE SMITHS -

The Brits always seem to be more open to extremes than those in the States, one example being the United Kingdom’s embracing of The Smiths, a group for the most part ignored in the U.S. At least comparatively speaking.

Without a hit single in the colonies, The Smiths still managed to chart seven LPs, though none ranked stronger than #55 in spite of critical acclaim here. However, in the British Isles, where the group was revered, 18 singles hit the top 30 and 17 albums cracked the top 40, including two that topped the charts and five that hit #2.

Controversial lead singer Morrissey also has achieved great success on both sides of the Atlantic as a solo artist.

Either the Brits know something the Americans don’t, or they have extremely poor taste. As a fan of The Smiths and Morrissey, I’d lean toward the former.

TOMMY JAMES & THE SHONDELLS -

Last year Joan Jett & the Blackhearts were nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. They had three top 10 hits, one being the No. 7 “Crimson & Clover.” The source of the much superior original, Tommy James & the Shondells, has yet to be recognized.

The Shondells’ “Crimson & Clover” topped the charts in 1969. Two other James top 5 hits, “I Think We’re Alone Now” and “Mony Mony,” hit No. 1 on remakes, the former by Tiffany, the latter by Billy Idol.

In total, this group produced eight Top 10 hits, including the No. 1 “Hanky Panky,” the No. 2 “Crystal Blue Persuasion” and the No. 4 solo smash by James, “Draggin’ The Line.”

And, perhaps more importantly, they did it all on Roulette Records and managed to stay alive, too. Speaking of alive, James still tours with a group of Shondells, rocking harder than ever.

YES -

The blog, “Great Blogs Of Fire,” already has documented the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s apparent disdain for Progressive Rock.

No Moody Blues, no Rush, no Jethro Tull, no Electric Light Orchestra, no sense.

And the neglect has stretched even to Atlantic Records, of which almost everyone involved in the company currently is inducted save two of the label’s most successful recording acts – King Crimson and Yes, coincidentally both giants of Progressive Rock.

We haven’t gotten around to King Crimson…yet. But we did profile Yes last year, and there’s no question they belong in the Hall of Fame. With just two major hit singles, “Roundabout” and the No. 1 “Owner Of A Lonely Heart,” Yes still managed to become one of the world’s best-selling groups and one of Rock’s largest concert draws.

Almost every one of their long-players hit the top 10 in the United Kingdom and seven reached the top 10 in the states. That success has been duplicated around the globe.

Yes has been eligible 17 years without a nomination. Memorandum to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominating committee and voting members – It is no crime to be an instrumental virtuoso.

I know, I know…It’s a baker’s dozen, not 10. Shhhhhhhhhh.

And remember, there’s more to come in 2012. So keep reading…and writing.

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.

Should Charles Brown be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame before Todd Rundgren or Jeff Lynne?

By Phill Marder

Sifting through a year’s worth of comments, or influence and other stuff that doesn’t mean squat…

Over the past year I’ve gotten a lot of mail and just about every piece has appeared in print, with the one or two that were complimentary receiving priority. But we’ve still got readers using the “I” word, the most overused and meaningless word around, except, perhaps, diva.

Now, why do I loathe and detest the word influence? I was puzzled myself. Never used to have violent reactions to that word. What suddenly made me cringe whenever I saw it in print? After much thought, the source of my discontent revealed itself.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame keeps inducting artists who are cult favorites while ignoring true Rock & Roll giants. And almost every time I’d read the bio or publicity release issued by the RRHOF, the word influence was the reason as in, “they/he/she didn’t sell five records in their lifetime, but they were a huge influence on every artist who ever lived. There’s no way to prove it. Just take our word for it because we nominated them and voted them in and we (the 30 or 40 members of the nominating committee) know better than all you saps out there buying the music.”

Some examples – and just a few because there’s enough for a whole year’s worth of blog entries -
Charles Brown – The Hall of Fame biography states, “Charles Brown was a major musical figure in the pre-rock and roll era of the late Forties and early Fifties.” and later states “Brown’s mellow blues stylings fell out of favor during the rock and roll revolution of the Fifties.”

Nothing against Brown, but the guy – according to the Hall of Fame, itself – wasn’t even popular during the Rock & Roll era, so why is he in the Hall of Fame when so many famous rockers are not? Well, according to the Hall of Fame biography, he had a lot of rhythm & blues hits in the ’40s and he’s often cited as an influence on Ray Charles. Great. Then he should be in the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame. If he must be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, why not in the “Early Influence” category I asked when this article was first printed as Brown was listed in the Performer category by the Hall of Fame website. Readers Roy and Tom Lane questioned this (see comments) and the next day (10-18-2011) Brown’s category was changed to Early Influence. Good job gentlemen.

“Guitarists ranging from Eric Clapton and Mike Bloomfield, to Peter Green, Jeff Beck and Carlos Santana have all acknowledged their debt to Freddie King (1934-1976), the ‘Texas Cannonball,’” says the Hall of Fame. And they owe nothing to any other guitarist? The HOF resume of BB King states, “His influence on a generation of rock and blues guitarists – including Eric Clapton(again), Mike Bloomfield and Stevie Ray Vaughan – has been inestimable.” King is quoted as saying, “We don’t play Rock and Roll. Our music is Blues, straight from the Delta” and the HOF calls him “the genre’s(Blues) most recognizable and influential artist.” Meanwhile, a truly great guitarist who actually played on many Rock & Roll hits can’t get a nomination. I speak of Glen Campbell.

The Velvet Underground “one of the most important rock & roll bands of all time”?

Here’s one of my favorites. Again, from the Hall of Fame biography – “The influence of the Velvet Underground on rock greatly exceeds their sales figures and chart numbers. They are one of the most important rock and roll bands of all time, laying the groundwork in the Sixties for many tangents rock music would take in ensuing decades. Yet just two of their four original studio albums ever even made Billboard’s Top 200, and that pair – The Velvet Underground and Nico (#171) and White Light/White Heat (#199) – only barely did so.”

How can you make statements like that? How can you prove they were so influential or one of the most important bands of all time. Who’s saying this nonsense? Hardly anyone bought their records. Why? Because they couldn’t play and couldn’t sing. And most of their songs weren’t even very good.

Brian Eno is quoted as saying, “The first Velvet Underground album only sold 10,000 copies, but everyone who bought it formed a band.”

First of all, that’s a ridiculous statement if taken as fact. Eno’s point is made, though. They were “highly influential.” But how many of those inspired to start bands were inspired because they felt, “these guys are so bad, we can’t be any worse!”? So I offer my own ridiculous statement – “Chicago sold only six billion albums, but every horn player in the universe bought one and was inspired to join or start a Rock & Roll band.” As insane as that remark is, it certainly makes more sense than Eno’s quote, or the Hall of Fame’s, for that matter.

For those who have complained about Percy Sledge’s induction, take this, the opening line of Sledge’s bio on the Hall of Fame website – “If Percy Sledge had only recorded ‘When a Man Loves a Woman,’ one of the greatest of all soul songs, he would have earned his place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.”

Really? One song gets you into the Hall of Fame? That’s like a guy going into Cooperstown after hitting a home run in his first at-bat, then adding a few singles mixed in with a ton of strikeouts over the next couple decades. Isn’t there supposed to be a great body of work? How about all the great songs recorded by Mary Wells, Jerry Butler, Dionne Warwick etc., etc.? How about Neil Sedaka, Jack Scott, Freddy Cannon, US Bonds, Johnny Rivers, etc.? How about some I haven’t even written about, such as the great Chuck Jackson, who could sing circles around Sledge. But wait…I forgot…who was on Atlantic Records?

And the dreck has continued year after year. This years bios tell us: “Together, the Small Faces and Faces have been a lasting inspiration on artists like the Black Crowes, the Jam’s Paul Weller, the Replacements and Oasis,” like all the great artists yet to be nominated never inspired anyone.

“In the 1990s, (Joan) Jett’s no-nonsense attitude and guitar sound was a major influence on the riot grrrl movement, and she went on to produce Bikini Kill and record with L7. Her success inspired renewed interest in the Runaways, who were dismissed in their day as a gimmick.” Not really. They were dismissed as being not very good. As far as the influence part goes, ever hear of Fanny, Marianne Faithful, Cher? How ’bout the baddest of the bad girls – Nancy Sinatra? And didn’t Suzi Quatro have the black leather, biker chick look a couple years before the Runaways. Yes, she did. But the Shangri-Las had it years before Quatro, too.

Chaka Khan? “…influencing pop stars and critical favorites from Mary J. Blige to Ledisi. (It is impossible to imagine the contemporary hip-hop-soul diva without Khan’s earthy, rhythmically savvy template.)” My sentiments exactly.

The HOF bio acknowledges Eric B. & Rakim made just four albums, BUT “All four albums were hugely influential – it is difficult to imagine contemporary stars like Jay-Z and Eminem existing at all without them.” I’m sure both Jay-Z and Eminem would be washing cars now if not for Eric B. & Rakim.

Laura Nyro? “Elton John acclaimed her influence to Elvis Costello: “The soul, the passion, the out-and-out audacity of her rhythmic and melody changes was like nothing I’d ever heard before.”

Get the picture? You can take any artist you like and find someone to call them influential. Worse still, you can find some pretentious “music critic” to make outlandish statements, and quote them in your supportive bios.

“The Clash is the only band that matters” and “The Clash brought Great Britain to its knees.” !Yikes! There were a lot of bands selling a lot more records, so evidently other bands did matter, especially to a music industry basing its survival on sales. As for the Great Britain quote, even the American colonies didn’t bring that Empire to its knees. We just kicked its shins a few times. The Nazi bombing of London may be the only event to bring the Empire to its knees…and even that wasn’t for long. Brit rhymes with grit, you know.

I liked The Clash, but other bands – The Moody Blues, The Guess Who, even bands such as The Grass Roots and The Buckinghams and hundreds of others – also mattered.

Should the Small Faces be inducted before The Monkees, The Moody Blues, Deep Purple or Rush?

When I asked him to provide proof of the Small Faces’ “influence,” reader Steve very articulately and politely responded, “’Proof’ as you’ve described it is pretty much unprovable. All I have to go by are the countless artists who have cited (Steve) Marriott as one who inspired them. The list is considerable, and goes back to Robert Plant (a fan of Small Faces), Paul Stanley, Steve Perry, Rod Stewart himself, and especially Chris Robinson who has praised Marriott on many occasions.”

Point taken. But again, I really doubt if Plant or any of the others Steve mentioned would have been tax accountants or professional boxers or something else if they hadn’t heard Marriott.

So, I give Steve – and you – this quote from Plant: “When I was a kid I used to hide behind the curtains at home at Christmas and I used to try and be Elvis.” He didn’t try to be Steve Marriott, he tried to be Elvis.

And for every Paul Stanley and Steve Perry inspired by Marriott, I can give you an example such as Brian Wilson saying of The Monkees, perhaps, according to fan reaction, the biggest Rock Hall omission to date, “The Monkees inspired me to write ‘Break Away’ with my dad.” Or what about Taylor Swift, perhaps the biggest star out there today, who recently named Bon Jovi one of her influences? 

And speaking of Elvis (sorry Declan, there’s only one Elvis), isn’t he “the King Of Rock & Roll?” Wasn’t one of his favorite singers Dean Martin? You can hear Martin in many of Elvis’ vocal inflections. You even can see Martin in many of Elvis’ mannerisms. If you’re going to put people into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on the basis of influence, why isn’t Dean Martin in there?

Before I leave you, back to Nyro. I wrote “Laura Nyro – May have more nominations than memorable songs written” and concerning Chaka Khan I said, “In all the years I’ve studied this subject, never once have I seen or heard this group (Rufus) or Chaka Khan mentioned as one that should be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Not once.” For Eric B. & Rakim, I simply wrote, “Who?”

On Facebook, a gentleman commented, “…the Laura Nyro diss is stupid. And if you don’t know who Eric B. & Rakim are, do some research. And the Chaka Khan slam is also ignorant. BTW- the nominating committee has previously considered her in the past.”

The “diss” (wow, I got to use cool, new lingo) was stupid? Nyro has been nominated the last three years and, in my opinion, only wrote two truly memorable songs, “And When I Die” and “Wedding Bell Blues.” The former became memorable thanks to the talent of Blood, Sweat & Tears, the latter thanks to a great showing by the Fifth Dimension. I considered “Eli’s Coming,” but that really took a great job by Three Dog Night to make it a smash. Nyro, herself, had no hits and her albums sold moderately, at best. She was good, and she wrote other good songs, but, as I stated, “Maybe she deserves it (induction). But before Burt Bacharach & Hal David, Bob Crewe, Jimmy Webb, PF Sloan, Thom Bell and countless other songwriting greats?” Of course, that’s probably a stupid question, too.

Laura Nyro, the greatest songwriter not yet inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame?

The Chaka Khan “slam” ignorant? Maybe. I didn’t realize it was a “slam.” To me, it’s just fact. What I wrote was factual. The nominating committee previously considered her? What’s that mean…they sat around a table and someone said, “What about Chaka Khan?” I wasn’t at that table, and it’s not likely I’ll ever be invited, so nobody ever recommended her to me – verbally or in written form – and that’s what I stated. Just ignorant fact.

As for the research comment, the “Who?” was written tongue in cheek because I would imagine most Goldmine readers would have that response. But if I or any reader of Goldmine has to “do some research” to learn about someone who is nominated for the Hall of Fame, then they shouldn’t be nominated. Chubby Checker and approximately 1,000 other artists never nominated, have more Hall of Fame credentials than Eric B. & Rakim and I wouldn’t have to do research to find out who they are.

The biggest problem I’ve seen the last year is that the Hall of Fame has no criteria except the 25-year rule. That’s why the word “influence” is so prominent in their prose. In many cases, there’s nothing else to justify their selections.

Next time, we’re going to offer some criteria that actually can be substantiated by fact, not just opinion, and some other changes the Rock Hall may wish to consider. If you have any suggestions, please place them in the comment section.

We’re also going to take a close look at just what constitutes “Rock & Roll,” another hot button topic among readers.

Maybe, just maybe, we can influence the Hall of Fame enough that it actually gets in tune with the public. Did I just use the word influence? Quick – hand me a gun.

The Monkees should be on the next train to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

(No. 47 in a series on artists who should be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but are not)

By Phill Marder

Just about one year ago, this column/blog made its Goldmine debut.

Most of the articles have been dedicated to profiling artists who should be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but are not. And in each column I have tried to give the reasons why I support those profiled.

As promised, you haven’t read “Big Star should be in the Hall of Fame because I like them” or “The Small Faces should be in the Hall of Fame before The Monkees because I think so.” Not unless you read the comments, that is.

The list of those profiled is extensive:
Jack Scott; Burt Bacharach & Hal David; Chubby Checker; Donovan; Bon Jovi; Donna Summer; America; The Guess Who; Jeff Lynne; Neil Sedaka; Chicago; Cher; Kiss; Hall & Oates; Mary Wells; The Miracles; The Marvelettes; Todd Rundgren, Heart; Jan & Dean; Linda Ronstadt; The Moody Blues; Rush; Jay & The Americans; Jimmy Buffett; The Cars; Bob Crewe; Paul Revere & The Raiders; Deep Purple; The Smiths; Connie Francis; Johnny Rivers; Jethro Tull; Def Leppard; Cliff Richard; Tommy James & The Shondells; The E-Street Band; The Crickets; The Comets; The Pet Shop Boys; Freddy Cannon; Gary US Bonds; Yes; Glen Campbell; Duran Duran; The Cure; The Monkees; Paul Anka; Bobby Vee; Foreigner; Lionel Richie & The Commodores; Brook Benton; Bobby Day; Gerry & The Pacemakers; Herman’s Hermits; Manfred Mann; The Searchers; The Troggs; The Zombies.

Quite a list and, believe it or not, there’s still a few I haven’t gotten to yet. In my mind, they all should have been in the Hall of Fame already. But which ones do Goldmine readers agree with – at least so far? It’s time to sum up as the HOF nominating committee should be busy making its choices for the next class, if it hasn’t already.

So just who has garnered the most support over the year and who do Goldmine readers think should be on this year’s list of nominees? Clicking the “thumbs up” symbol at the close of each article, I assume means you agree with the piece. Either that or you confused it with another finger.

So we’ll take the 10 profiled who received the most “thumbs up” and presume these would be Goldmine readers’ choices.

But first, under my favorite rule – “it’s my blog & I’ll do what I want to” – we can induct Bob Crewe and the team of Hal David & Burt Bacharach as non-performers, since they were primarily writers and we can add Bon Jovi, Donovan and Donna Summer because they were nominated last year and didn’t get in, though their credentials were much more substantial than almost all those who did. And don’t start crying “Bon Jovi sucks” and “Donna Summer isn’t Rock & Roll.” A zillion fans have a different opinion of Bon Jovi and Donna Summer rocks a lot harder than many already in the Hall of Fame, disco beat or not.

The E-Street Band, with 544 recommendations, ranks second on the list of “thumbs up” from Goldmine readers, but should receive automatic induction to rectify the previous, unjustified slight which saw them passed over when Bruce went in. Likewise, The Miracles (with Smokey Robinson), The Comets (with Bill Haley) and The Crickets (with Buddy Holly).

Linda Ronstadt and The Moody Blues got their fair share of “thumbs up,” but really connected with comments, most of which were positive. So they qualify for “Goldmine recommendations.”

So there’s seven new inductees (Bacharach & David counting as one) and four corrections. Then, toss in one shoo-in from the newly eligibles, Guns N’ Roses, and that makes 12.

Now for our top 10. Yes, this would make a big induction class, but who cares? Twenty-two went in the second year, 16 the first. And what’s fair is fair. The object is to get those who truly deserve to be inducted inducted.

For Goldmine readers, these 10 truly deserve, according to the number of “thumbs up” received:

(1) The Monkees (1149) – The pre-fab four easily outdistanced all competition, getting more than twice as many “thumbs up” as the runner-up E-Street Band…so far. If you don’t like them, try to keep an open mind. They represent everything a Hall of Fame should be about…massive popularity, massive success, instant recognition.

(2) The E-Street Band (544) – Goldmine readers pretty much proved Bruce Springsteen’s backup band was recording more than the required 25 years ago.

Loyal followers made Todd Rundgren No. 3 in this list of Rock Hall hopefuls

(3) Todd Rundgren (404) – Though Todd was one of the earliest selections and I certainly believe he belongs in the HOF, I must admit I was surprised at the strong support he received. No question, he’s an obvious choice.

(4) Deep Purple (234) – The English veterans have piled up impressive stats over the years and their immense and faithful fan base pushed them near the top of the list.

(5) The Smiths (232) – Right behind Deep Purple – and this order could change at any minute – is Morrissey’s cult favorites and critics’ delight. But unlike most favorites of the critics, The Smiths demonstrated legitimate talent and, consequently, sold records.

(6) Duran Duran (201) – Speaking of selling records, few bands have sold more worldwide than the Fab Five. Proved long ago they’re not just a bunch of pretty faces.

(7) The Cure (201) – Tied with Duran Duran because they’re in the same article, The Cure’s following no doubt contributed mightily to their strong showing on this list.

(8) Jethro Tull (176) – One doesn’t think of Ian Anderson’s various combinations as mainstream, but years after their peak they still command a lot of love, respect and admiration. And their accomplishments merit Hall of Fame recognition.

(9) Yes (157) – The story of Yes finished ninth in the “thumbs up” category but drew a large number of passionate comments – most positive. In fact, the Yes story was in the Top 5 most popular stories until just recently.

(10) Jimmy Buffett (152) – When I included Jimmy Buffett in the series, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The response was heartening. Longevity and quality does count.

Just missing the top 10 – or “Bubbling Under” in musical jargon – was Heart which garnered 135 “thumbs up.” I had the pleasure of seeing them this summer, and they remain an incredible band and should be inducted soon. Cliff Richard (94) and Jeff Lynne (79) also posted respectable numbers and should receive careful consideration.

Canadian supergroups The Guess Who & Rush have gained surprisingly little support

A friend who recently stopped by looked at the list of those profiled and his first response was, “The Guess Who’s not in?” The Guess Who received support, but not what I expected, and Rush was a big disappointment, considering the fanaticism of their fan base. Maybe Goldmine doesn’t reach Canada. But Kiss also limped in with a very low number, only about half of that received by The Cars.

Early selections, those whose careers peaked in the ’50s or early ’60s, are at a distinct disadvantage because there are fewer followers left alive and most are at the age where internet use isn’t a priority. Of those, Connie Francis easily drew the strongest support and Jay & the Americans had their share of backing. Glen Campbell, Jan & Dean, Johnny Rivers and Jack Scott each hit double figures but were nowhere near the leaders.

Does your opinion mean anything? Maybe, maybe not. But I do know at least some members of the nominating committee have been reading “Great Blogs of Fire” the past year, which means they’re also privy to your comments. While we’ve been critical of the Hall of Fame, I hope we’ve also been fair.

Some of you have given up on the Hall of Fame, but Rock & Roll is my music, thus the Hall of Fame is my Hall of Fame. So, in the words of the immortal Curtis Mayfield, I’m gonna keep on pushing.

Tadwashere left this comment on Facebook – “Just curious… What are you going to write about when you are done working through the list of people who aren’t in the hall of fame?”

Well, there’s still a few more HOF entries to go, and then a couple other topics I think Goldmine readers will enjoy. Stuff such as the “Goldmine’s 20 Greatest Doo Wop Groups.” It’s not listed under “Great Blogs of Fire,” but can still be found under “Articles” if you scroll down a few hundred times (not that many, really). That ranked in the Top 5 most popular list for quite some time.

I have had some requests…but I’m gonna keep writing, anyway (badaboom). If you’d like to add your requests or thoughts, feel free to submit your comments.