Though she was dubbed “The High Priestess of Soul”, Nina Simone was not an artist that could be classified to any genre. Capable of delivering music in varying genres, Simone’s true gift was her ability to change emotions with her singing and she could deliver that regardless of what style she sang. Where she may fail to meet the Hall’s requirements is that those styles she mastered were not of the Rock and Roll variety and considering she has never been nominated this may be enough to keep her out.

Another important Punk band from Los Angeles, Bad Religion achieved the rare feat of selling multiple records without losing their status in the Underground scene. Always evolving, Bad Religion would always flirt with other musical styles though keep them in Hardcore Punk setting. Bad Religion could squeak into the Hall in years to come as they have a representation of Punk and Los Angeles and could potentially overtake a slot that could be earmarked for earlier L.A. bands.

One of the top Soul artists during the first half of the 70’s, Bill Withers wrote and sang many songs that have stood time’s ultimate test. His heartfelt music was among its genre’s best but barring a couple of minor hits his run seemed to evaporate after 1974. Having said this, the somewhat controversial induction of Percy Sledge can easily justify an induction for Bill Withers.

Predating Krautrock and the mass manipulation of music electronically, Silver Apples late 1960’s experimentation foreshadowed what many forms of music would lean to. It was an ominous combination of Psychedelic, Space Rock and synthesizers and they very well of gained more disciples than album sales. Time has shone a more giving light on the influential New Yorkers and though induction is likely impossible their mysterious legacy continues to grow.