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188. Harry Nilsson

Like many Singer/Songwriters, Harry Nilsson was writing songs for others long before he recorded them himself, and like other Singer/Songwriters, Nilsson was somewhat introspective and eccentric. Nilsson had songs that remain known today, a healthy respect from the Beatles and was considered very talented. He however performed so infrequently and though popular at one time has since become easily overlooked. This could very well be the pattern that the Hall is following.

Like Weather Report, The Mahavishnu Orchestra was a key cog in the development of Jazz Rock fusion. Leaning more towards Rock elements than Weather Report did, The Orchestra was able to cross mainstream lines a little better and actually put out an extensive catalogue considering they were not around for very long. They are certifiable long shots for the Hall, but stranger things have happened.

99. Rory Gallagher

As this list is peppered with acclaimed guitarists, there can be an argument made that few were on the level of Rory Gallagher. The Irishman was an avid student of the American Blues and was able to take that style of music to dimensions not previously looked at. Gallagher did not really try to penetrate the American market, but he was a legend in Europe and the amount of British musicians who were influenced by his soulful guitar playing is a large one.

342. Free

With Paul Rodgers already on this list for fronting Bad Company, it is a possibility that he could have a better chance to get into the Hall with his previous band, Free. As part of the Blues based Rock that came out of Britain, Free was among the grittiest and in their brief time together put out some of the more underrated work of the genre. With a major hit (All Right Now) that remains a Classic Rock staple, they may find their way on the Hall’s radar one day.