A wonderful surprise induction, Jimmy Cliff was rivaled by only Bob Marley as the greatest ambassador for Reggae.  Cliff’s international stardom might make him one of the most respected world wide on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s long list of inductees.

If you were alive when John Lennon was killed, chances are that you remember exactly where you were when you heard the news.  Lennon had that type of impact both with the Beatles and as a solo artist, and his death is still mourned today.

John Mellencamp may very well be the defining sound of Middle America.  His Roots Rock found a large audience and an unexpected amount of hits.  His music reflected his love of the American Heartland, and that portion of America seemed to love him back.

The legendary “Man in Black” was more than a Country superstar, but was a key figure in the early days of Rock and Rockabilly.  After he passed on, the profile of Johnny Cash actually grew and in many ways the original outlaw is respected and beloved more now than he has ever been.