5. Jethro Tull

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For years there has been a lack of Progressive Rock acts in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The bulk of that genre originated in the United Kingdom and it is there where we make our next selection, Jethro Tull. However, like many other British Progressive Rock bands they are on the outside looking in.

Incorporating elements of Blues, Folk and Rock (not to mention a flute solo here and there), Jethro Tull had a great run in the early part of the 70’s. Their work in that time frame (Aqualung, Thick as a Brick) was critically revered and commercially successful. This combined with a stellar live act has generated a very loyal following that still exists to this day. Although they forayed into Electronic and harder Rock elements, which produced weaker efforts in the 80’s, their early work was solid and difficult to ignore. Should Progressive Rock get another look from the Hall, Jethro Tull is a viable contender to get in.









The Bullet Points

  • Previous Rank: 2010: #12
    2011: #10
    2012: #9
    2013: #7
    2014: #5
    2015: #4
    2016: #3
  • Eligible Since: Friday, 01 January 1993
  • Country of Origin: United Kingdom (Blackpool, England)
  • Why they will get in: They have a solid fan base and they were certainly unique.
  • Why they won't get in: Progressive Rock remains ignored by the Hall.
  • Nominated in: Never
  • Essential Albums: Aqualung (1971)
    Thick as a Brick (1972)
    War Child (1974)
    Songs from the Wood (1977)
  • Our Five Favorite Songs as Chosen by Each Member of the NIHOF Committee: Aqualung (From Aqualung, 1971)
    Locomotive Breath (From Aqualung, 1971)
    Hymn 43 (From Aqualung, 1971)
    Teacher (From Living in the Past, 1972)
    Bungle in the Jungle (From War Child, 1974)

Should Jethro Tull be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put them in! - 92.4%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 2.5%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 1.5%
No opinion. - 0.4%
No way! - 3.1%
Last modified on Tuesday, 24 March 2020 18:03
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Comments   

+5 #31 Lee Roschen 2018-07-30 19:23
In regard to the induction of "progressive " rock bands, they are getting more and more recognition at time goes by. This year, The Moody Blues were inducted, Jethro Tull should be NEXT year!
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+2 #30 john peter 2017-10-03 17:43
Quoting Bruce:
The exclusion of Jethro Tull undercuts the legitimacy of the so-called hall of fame.



Quoting Carl Hardy:
Jethro Tull is one of the most innovative bands in the history of Rock & Roll. Yes, Progressive Rock & Roll, but a great mixture of rock, classic, and a bit of whimsical fun that made them a pleasure to listen to. It is a shame again that Progressive Rock (other than Rush, Pink Floyd,) is getting the snub. They along with Yes and the Moody Blues need to stand with Jethro Tull as members. Until this happens I along with a lot of Progressive Rock enthusiasts will never fully suppor this organization.


I'm a PROG ROCK enthusiast that completely agrees with you Carl. YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
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+3 #29 john peter 2017-10-03 17:29
Quoting Portia:
Are you kidding? They're not in? What a surprise -- the Hall doesn't like prog-rock bands, especially British (Moody Blues, ELP, ELO, Renaissance). They belong IN.




You are so right.This is a travesty.I'm impressed you know RENAISSANCE. They are truly incredible.A NNIE HASLAM sings like an angel directly from heaven.I am uncertain if I have ever heard a more beautiful voice in all rock history.
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+2 #28 john peter 2017-10-03 17:20
Quoting Old rocker:
You don't mention their first 3 albums which were excellent: this was; stand up; and benefit. The last featured Teacher on the US album. These guys were great musicians and song writers. They exclusion is another reason the hall is a joke. Can't wait for Britney and Beiber to get in.



I just laughed my hole off . Thanks ROCKER.Yep I can't wait either for those two to get in.But remember this ....Pee wee Herman is executive VP for voting priviledge.
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+1 #27 john peter 2017-10-03 17:12
Quoting Woodstock:
RnR hall of shame is a total joke. No Tull or Little Feat? No Winter brothers etc etc. Unfucking believable!




Perhaps Pee wee Herman is running the show over there in CLEVELAND.He probably never heard of rock music and therefore its politically correct for him to run the show.There can be no other answer.
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+2 #26 john peter 2017-10-03 17:07
Quoting Ojib:
Shame on you R&R Hall Of fame. Jethro Tull started as a Blues band then to Rock and it evolved through out the years to an amazing and incredible sound that most of the musicians that are in the Hall of fame could never do and will never do. A real Rock And Roll hall Of shame....



Well said my good friend.The flute in rock. WHAT GUTS AND INNOVATION.A total shame they are not in.Or is it a total joke.
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+4 #25 john peter 2017-10-03 17:02
Quoting OldManintheWoods:
Hmmmm... we'll put Dr. John in the hall of fame, but not Tull? Madonna? Did Michael Jackson even make anything rock-oriented? What a sham the rock hall of fame has turned out to be. And don't even get me started on Deep Purple and Iron Maiden. What a crock of crap....



I like you OLD MAN.Tell it like it is.What hurts me the most is BADFINGER are not in as well.What a crock,sham.. ....etc. Let's not give up daddy.
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+2 #24 john peter 2017-10-03 16:58
Quoting Rainman1972:
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame really has no credibility. Tull should have been in years ago. With all their success and no band has had their sound before or since. The Rock HOF is just another political faction.



Well said RAINMAN.No credibility is a nice way of putting it.Thanks for being classy about it. I might have said it far more coursely then you.Politica l faction in rock sounds like a virus.Is it curable?
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+5 #23 Jeffrey Strong 2017-04-29 06:01
JT should be in hof 4 reasons Stand Up Benefit Aqualung Thick As A Brick Other than Zepplin who else did this
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+5 #22 Dan Fleming 2017-02-23 22:20
Those of us who were around then, barely teen agers the messages and the music great music and thoughts of ironic life for the masses to consider and take along to make along. THANX IAN your message was understood like Bruce from my home in Jersey. We see first hand the lengths the great rock and roll hall of fame have taken to appreciate great rock. May i soon with many others stand in Cleveland and applaud your belated initiation.
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