Possibly the most important figure in Jazz, Miles Davis was at the head of numerous Jazz styles throughout his career. Davis may not have been in the vein of Rock, but his impact in music is so large that even the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame felt he could not be ignored. If any Jazz man should be represented in Cleveland, it is Miles Davis.

A huge cog in the history of music, Muddy Waters is considered an influence in Blues, R&B, Rock and Jazz. He was copied my many and idolized by more. Chances are that any musician you ever come across has listened intensely to Muddy Waters in their life.

Potentially the greatest musical icon since Elvis Presley, there was nobody on the planet who has not heard of Michael Jackson. Despite how bizarre his actions were, even those who would say that could not stand him would respect his musical ability. If even those who hate you think you are a pure talent, you can imagine how those who loved him felt.

To some this is a controversial induction, but Madonna’s long and fruitful career is a blueprint on how to stay relevant and productive over multiple decades. She may be primarily a Rock and Dance star, but the long running chameleon has delved into so many genres she should not be pigeonholed. Despite what we think many of our readers think, we feel she deserved to be a first year inductee.