The interesting case of one of the great guitarists who was too Rock for Country and too Country for Rock is that of Lonnie Mack. Mack was a guitar virtuoso who drew from Country, Rock, R&B, Rockabilly and Blues and created some of the most brilliant instrumentals in the early 60’s. Mack’s unique sound may have been too early for its time, as he struggled to find an audience that understood his music. Lonnie was also a decent singer capable of delivering a soulful voice that again didn’t match the way he looked or the audience of the early 60’s. Perhaps in another time Mack could have been a superstar, but maybe his pioneering work might find the Hall.

Although the bulk of the Post Punk bands came from England, a great one came out of Boston that was as dark and complex as any other Post Punk band out there at the time. With a style considered unorthodox (though everything they did was carefully considered) they have been called one of the more important acts in American Alternative music in the early 80’s. With an endless list of acts who cited them as influential, their legacy is still growing though the odds of them being officially anointed as the American Joy Division still seems a ways away, let alone any kind of recognition in Cleveland.

With Krautrock expected to get no love from the Hall, there doesn’t appear to be much chance for a group whose commercial success barely left their homeland of Germany. There is however a number of artists who were inspired by NEU!’s version of minimalism and their pioneering work of remixes and Electronica. Although they may not have had Kraftwerk’s overall impact or their longevity, they did make their stamp in the musical world.

As one of the top Progressive Metal bands of recent memory, Queensrÿche is best known for their chilling hit, Silent Lucidity. Too many that is all they are known for, but their series of albums reflected much more depth than that radio friendly song. Still together and still touring, Queensrÿche has carved quite the niche for them selves in the music world though it is likely not enough to get them inducted.