Like other successful Blues artists on this list, Freddie King came from the heart of the Texas and brought the Lone Star sound across the country. King hit is apex in the early 60’s where his catchy down home Blues was more accessible than some of his peers. Similar to other Electric Blues stars, King was a huge influence on those that followed him. Where King may have suffered was with his voice as he seemed far more comfortable with his soulful instrumentals than he did behind the microphone, but when you could play like Freddie King, you didn’t need to sing that much.

Without a doubt, the most eccentric Rock star of the Golden Age, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins was a true original. With an ominous baritone voice, stage props such as coffins and skulls, Hawkins became an underground Rock star who terrified mainstream America. Screamin’ Jay had no real hits (barring I Put a Spell on You) of note, but his main contribution to the world of Rock and Roll was the use of theatrics. Musically, Hawkins is hardly the most copied artist on this list, but in terms of image he might be.

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.