The Ventures were one of the most successful instrumental bands of all time.  It took a long time for them for to be inducted to the Hall, but their qualifications are more than solid.

With his rough voice, Wilson Pickett brought a much needed grit to 60’s Soul and with a sound accessible to the Rock set, brought him a wide amount of crossover success.  He may not be the Soul man who is considered the greatest, but he may the one who is most widely known.

A favorite of many; the Who went from the British Invasion, Rock Operas, to selling out multiple arenas in the 70’s.  Clearly icons in the Rock world, the Hall of Fame would be vacant without them.

This is the entry that proved that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was serious about inducting based on influence as opposed to commercialism.  This WAS the ground zero for Alternative music.