Had we done this list with the criteria of chart success, Chicago would have easily been in our top ten. Having charted over multiple decades, Chicago has enjoyed a devoted following that few on this list can match. One has to wonder if the band was a little flashier, and the fans a little louder if it would not come as such a great shock as to the average music fan as to just how successful they were.

The NIHOF Committee knew that we had would be placing many artists that achieved limited commercial success. Yet when we looked at Big Star, we just couldn’t figure out why they never did hit the mainstream. Had they achieved more than just critical acclaim, they would likely be in the Hall already.

With this selection, we approach an artist who we just couldn’t figure out where to place; or even if we should place him at all. Was John Coltrane right for the Roots and Early Influence category? We didn’t think so as his greatest success and period of influence was simultaneous with the British Invasion. Does Jazz have a viable place in the Hall? We think so, as Miles Davis is in and many a Rock genre is Jazz infused. Besides, if any Jazz great had a “Rock Star” quality, it was John Coltrane.

When the world first discovered Peter Gabriel it was as the eccentric and flamboyant lead singer of Genesis. After splitting with Genesis and starting a solo career, Gabriel moved away from the Progressive Rock sound and was able to create radio friendly songs that still kept true to his eccentric nature. Gabriel was also able to incorporate his work into the video medium, creating groundbreaking videos (Shock the Monkey, Sledgehammer, Digging in the Dirt for example) that pushed the visual medium. His main focus of late has been the production and expansion of World Music showing that music truly is the great common denominator.