Although their songs were somewhat consistent, the 5th Dimension has been categorized as everything from Psychedelic, Adult Contemporary, Sunshine Pop and Soul. As diverse as those styles may be, all those designations seem accurate. With rich harmonies and a monster hit “Age of Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” that helped define an era, the 5th Dimension may have done enough to at least get a look from the Hall.

It may be forgotten just how big Wham! was in the 80’s though we suspect that many thirty something women remember. The duo of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley (or just George Michael and some other guy riding off his coat tails) had a series of Pop success that few could rival. As bubblegum as it sounded, the carefully constructed Pop was actually good for what it was. Still, we don’t see any reason for Ridgeley to book that flight to Cleveland to give that induction speech.

Perhaps the biggest footnote about the Del-Vikings was that they were a successful racially integrated Doo Wop group in the 1950’s. They had a few hits, their biggest being the still sweet and calming “Come Go With Me”, which remains a very well known song today. The Del-Vikings have a shot as any successful Doo Wop group with more than one hit should have a chance to make the Hall.

Initially in the shadow of fellow Minnesotans, Husker Du, Soul Asylum tasted the big time in the tails of the Seattle grunge movement in the early 90’s. By that time, they had been around a few years but they already had the Grunge look, just enough of that sound and songs that were melodic enough to grant them success in the Alternative and Mainstream set. Although they did manage sell more albums than their Minnesota brethren, and they were one of the more successful alt bands of the early 90’s, chances are that the shadows they overcame will reemerge and they will see themselves passed over for induction.

The Bullet Points:

Eligible Since:

2009

Country of Origin:

U.S.A. (Minneapolis, MN)

Nominated In:

Never

NIHOF’s Favorite Album:

Grave Dancers Union (1992)

NIHOF’s Favorite Song: