The Guitar Man, Johnny Winter was as recognized by his ability to master the Blues as he was for his albino appearance. Winter was easily among the most talented Blues guitarists of his generation and his musical legacy saw him take his guitar across every variation of the Blues imaginable. Winter did have some chart success and had he chose to record more Album oriented Rock his popularity would have grown, but does any great Blues man really seek mass popularity?

Before there was the “Geek Rock” of Weezer, The Feelies crashed Post Punk with an Alternative Pop band that seemed to capture the imaginations of the introspective and bespectacled American youth. With nervous energy they were underground darlings but were devoid of a hit single that could have made them stars. They did have two acclaimed albums six years apart that inspired current Hall members, R.E.M. and with a first ballot band championing their cause, they might receive a peek.

There should be little doubt that Steve Winwood has earned his place in the Hall for his work in Traffic. What has been in doubt is whether he deserves induction a second time for either his work with other bands or as a solo artist. Although Winwood achieved a lot of success during the 80’s for his solo work, it lacked the Soul and Blues infusion that his efforts with Traffic, Blind Faith or the Spencer Davis Group. Although the overall career of Steve Winwood was brilliant, his solo career may not necessarily be Hall worthy. Having said that, should the Hall wish to induct him a second time (for either solo or other bands), it would not come out of left field.

A band that has a much longer career than most people realizes, the Bar-Kays have a diverse catalogue of music that spanned through Memphis Soul, R&B and Funk. They cut their teeth as one of the main backing bands for various artists at Stax records, but it was not long before they recorded their own material. The band overcame tragedy when the majority of their members were killed in the same plane crash that took Otis Redding, but after the remaining members rebuilt the band they continued to have a long and prosperous career. Considering the amount of genres that they conceivable represent, they are not impossible for induction.