A certified legend in Rock and Roll, Blues, Gospel and Soul, it can be easily argued that the first fifteen years of Ray Charles’ career should be required listening for anyone who really wants to understand Rock’s early days.

Roy Orbison’s voice did not seem made for Rock and Roll, but he used that powerful voice to make some of the most beautiful songs of the early Rock and Roll era.  His image and sound remain amongst the most distinct in Rock history.

With all due respect to Grandmaster Flash, it was Run-D.M.C. that should have been the first Rap act to the Hall.  Granted they were not the first, but their impact was so vital, the inaugural Rap slot should have gone to them.

The great girl group of the early 60’s was fronted by the sultry voiced Ronnie Spector who was quite the exotic beauty in her day.  It was said that Phil Spector had lobbied for years to deny the Ronettes to the Hall due to his acrimonious divorce from Ronnie and considering they were inducted soon after Phil’s legal woes there seems to be some credence to that story.