Although there are many who think of Nick Lowe as the man who sang “Cruel to be Kind” and not much else, the Jesus of Cool had a career that was far greater than that hit. Lowe was an accomplished songwriter for other artists (Current Hall of Famer, Elvis Costello for one) and producer for others. Had Lowe performed more of the music he penned, his induction chances would likely be greater than the marginal chance he has currently; though a listen through his album catalogue shows an artist who could master various songwriting genres effortlessly and deserves more of a look from the Hall than he will likely ever get.

Is there a more appropriate first name than King? King Sunny Adé was (and still is) the undisputed leader of Juju music and his infectious blend of Western music and African rhythms literally made the world take notice. Technically skilled with the guitar and lyrically gifted, King Sunny Adé may very well be the most important musician to come out of Africa, or at the very least the man who made a lot of people take notice as to what was happening on that continent. With Jimmy Cliff garnering Jamaica a second induction, could the Hall’s world gaze look upon Nigeria next and induct King Sunny Adé or Fela Kuti?

Another girl group of note, The Chiffons had a great 1963, much of which created songs that are still very well known today. Beyond that year, they drifted away from the charts, though many of the girl groups of note from that era had similar life spans. Considering they did have hits that still resonate today it is not impossible for the Chiffons to be inducted.

A much earlier entry discusses the Small Faces and their charismatic leader, Steve Marriott. When Marriott left the group he formed the Hard Rock group, Humble Pie which has been described as a Blues Rock band that was capable of delivering gritty Rock music. Technically proficient, Humble Pie did very well in England and made a dent in North America, though not much else. The interesting intangible here is that Humble Pie also featured Peter Frampton would be the best way to get both Marriott and Frampton in.