With the combination of Ritchie Blackmore and Ronnie James Dio the British Heavy Metal band Rainbow helped perpetuate the Metal genre in the 1970’s. Their blend of medieval imagery with a classical composition generated them a solid fan base. Though their later efforts were substantially weaker, their 70’s work was considered some of the better Metal of the 70’s. Having said that, if Blackmore can’t get in with Deep Purple, what realistic chance does Rainbow have?

With all due respect to Paul Anka, Jack Scott crossed the border and became the first Canadian of note to really make a dent in the American music market. Despite growing up across the border in Detroit, Scott delivered Rockabilly music better than most did in the American South and had the fans and chart success to prove it. With enough Roots Rock credibility, Scott has a shot to be the next Canadian inducted.

The first of our list from the continent of Africa may not have had as big an impact on the world of Rock and Roll, but to those who view music as a global community, Fela Kuti’s contributions to the world of music was a huge one. His pioneering of the Afro Beat musical style was large; though not as large as the persona he seemed to create. As important to African music as Bob Marley was to Jamaica, Fela Kuti is the biggest wild card of a list of wild cards to make the Hall.

Although it is often debated whether Bad Brains was the first Hardcore Punk of note, few can argue that they were among the elite. Bad Brains didn’t just play fast, they played well. They fused Punk with Reggae but really they were capable of playing any style at all. Content with their status as a cult band, Bad Brains never seemed to attempt to reach the big time, though bands they influenced (Living Colour & Fishbone for example) were able to do so on some level. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame likely won’t look their way, but chances are that someone they inspired will.