With the ability to make Rock music danceable, and Dance music sound like Rock, Prince quickly emerged as one of the most influential and important musicians of the 80’s and beyond.  A listen to the Purple Rain Soundtrack is all anyone needs to hear to understand his credentials.

Although the Police was classified as a Rock band, they owed their debt as much to Ska, Reggae, New Wave and Post Punk.  They combined it all in to a sophisticated, sleek sound and captured fans around the world.

The Pretenders were led by Chrissie Hynde who remains one of the biggest female icons of Rock.  With the Pretenders Rock ethos in a Post Punk world they managed to be relevant on both sides of the Atlantic.  Despite their impressive resume, it was a little surprising they were inducted so quickly.

Pink Floyd was the first (and the best by many accounts) Progressive Rock band to enter the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  People still consider Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall as critical listening and they are still being purchased in sizable quantities today.