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.

As one of the most successful Southern Rock bands, .38 Special’s brand of Southern Fried Pop was a successful recipe for success in the 80’s. Basically a cross between Lynyrd Syknyrd and Arena Rock, .38 Special’s playful hits found a wide variety of fans as they could appeal to Hard Rock, Country and Pop crowds. Their drawback was that they were not considered a “deep” enough band, and with Skynyrd and the Allmans already in, the debt to Southern Rock may be filled with bands that the Hall considers more textured.