If you ask the average person which Beatle’s solo work is not currently recognized in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, most would correctly predict Ringo Starr. If you ask that same person who had the least amount of solo hits of the Beatles they would incorrectly pick Starr, who had the exact same amount of top ten hits as John Lennon and George Harrison combined. Starr’s solo work was poppish and quirky and despite his solo success is actually very much forgotten. As a Beatle he has a shot but until the most disrespected member of the most respected band gets more credit, Ringo Starr could likely remain the only Beatle with only one induction.

The master of shredding is considered by many as the best Heavy Metal guitarist that lived and even his detractors will have a hard time arguing that he upped the ante with his Classical infused Metal licks. Problem is; Yngwie Malmsteen has many detractors who point to a lack of progression and emotion in his work and paint him as a “masturbatory” artist. Regardless, if talent alone gets a musician in a hall Malmstreen has a shot.

Before there was the Blues Brothers, The Paul Butterfield Blues Band became the first white (though they were integrated) Blues band of note to cross over into suburbia. They did not have any major hits of note, but by breaking down racial barriers with their brand of gritty Chicago Blues they had a subtle impact. Despite their proficient technical skills, they probably won’t even get a glance from the Hall.

A teen idol in the late 50’s who scored multiple hits; Paul Anka was won of the few who actually wrote his own songs during that era. Anka didn’t just write hits for himself as no less than Buddy Holly and Frank Sinatra (My Way) scored chart success with Anka penned songs. Enjoying a career renaissance in the 70’s in the Adult Contemporary field, Anka remained a force (and still does) with his writing. Anka, might be a better choice to be inducted for his songwriting, but as a teen idol who stayed relevant, he poses an intriguing case for induction.