104. The Commodores

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104. The Commodores

Talking about Motown was certainly nothing new during the NIHOF Rock and Roll discussions. However, the topic generally came up when discussing forgotten and neglected 60’s artists from the legendary label, and rarely for the achievements of the decade that followed. Yet one of the Detroit label’s biggest success was a 70’s group that originated from the American Deep South where the Commodores emerged as a major player in the R&B scene.

With a series of hits that crossed over ballads to traditional Funk, the Commodores certainly have to be considered an intriguing Hall of Fame candidate. They have the success in the 70’s going for them in a genre that is considered Hall respectable. Although their greatest success came form their ballads, they maintained enough Soul in their sound to still give them legitimacy. Combine that with their Funk hits you have a band that has a definite shot for the Hall. The real wild card could be Lionel Richie who eclipsed his former group but really did not have the Rock credo going for him in his solo efforts. Still, inducting the Commodores would allow the Hall to induct Richie without having to acknowledge his solo work.


The Commodores


www.commodoreslive.com


Should The Commodores be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put them in! - 71.4%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 19%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 6.3%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 3.2%

The Bullet Points

  • Previous Rank: 2011: #96
    2012: #89
    2013: #90
    2014: #84
    2015: #91
    2016: #94
  • Eligible Since: Friday, 01 January 1999
  • Country of Origin: U.S.A. (Tuskegee, AL)
  • Why they will get in: They are still well known and have the cache value of Lionel Richie to assist.
  • Why they won't get in: They may not have enough “rock” credibility for the Hall.
  • Essential Albums: Machine Gun (1974)
    Caught in the Act (1975)
    Commodores (1977)
    Natural High (1978)
  • Our Five Favorite Songs as Chosen by Each Member of the NIHOF Committee: Machine Gun (From Machine Gun, 1974)
    Slippery When Wet (From Caught in the Act, 1975)
    Brick House (From Commodores, 1977)
    Easy (From Commodores, 1977)
    Night Shift (From Night Shift, 1985)

Should The Commodores be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put them in! - 71.4%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 19%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 6.3%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 3.2%
Last modified on Sunday, 02 February 2020 19:05
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Comments   

+1 #3 Michael tabor 38 2017-07-31 00:55
The commodores deserve induction.
Lionel Ritche as a solo artist does not!
The song Brick house alone, one of the most played/known dance song in History. Also kc & the sunshine band also should go in from that era. Lionel Ritchie solo was very sucessful
but weak pop
No more then a wanna be if Hall & Oates!
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+3 #2 robert henry 2014-11-04 05:54
Milan Williams is only deceased member.Need to make it while Lionel Richie,Walte r Orange,Willi am King,Ron LaPread,Thom as McClary and JD Nichols is still alive and well.Plus years ago Beny Ashburn daughter of Commodores mangers put a petition up hopefuuly they get inducted by 2011 it is now 2014 need to get them in so Lionel can be inducted as solo artists!!
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+3 #1 jimmy26 -0001-11-30 00:00
i just don't understand how they are not in. they are oine of the biggest r and b groups ever who was alos innovative adn stayed true to their fans which is the most imprtant thing of all. and they had a legend playing saxophone adn writing the ballads. should have been put in ten years ago.
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