Metallica may not be the first Heavy Metal band to reach epic proportions, but Metallica may have reached the biggest heights. The question is whether their induction will pave the way for other deserving Metal acts.
An early Doo Wop/R&B group championed by DJ Alan Freed, the Moonglows scored many Pop and R&B hits throughout the 50’s. There is a chance however that without Freed, we wouldn’t have heard of them.
Many have claimed (including Little Richard himself) that is was Little Richard (and not Elvis) who was the true architect of Rock and Roll. Little Richard may very well be that man, and when James Brown calls you his idol, you know that the man was important. Had Richard not gone into Gospel music at the height of his career, his already impressive legacy would be even greater than it is now.
The man who was dubbed “Mr. Personality” charted on the R&B charts multiple times over a twenty five year period. He may not have been the top star at any point in time, but he did have a consistent Hall of Fame worthy career.