As one of the great Funk bands of the 70’s, the Ohio Players put their stamp on the R&B charts (and the Pop charts too) with a powerful horn section and a not so subtle sexual imagery. Their brand of Funk translated well into the Disco era and they had a run that was only matched by a handful of other Funk groups. They probably won’t be the next Funk band in, but they may have done enough to be considered for it.

Of the many Punk bands that emerged from L.A. (or really anywhere for that matter), the Gun Club could have conceivably drew from more outside influences than anyone else. With a serious Blues injection to their music, the Gun Club indirectly helped create a harder Alternative Country market that really hadn’t existed before and a list of successful bands who were influenced by them (R.E.M & the White Stripes to name a couple) is a long one. Having said that, should a Los Angeles based Punk band receive the nod, the Gun Club likely won’t be that band.

A legend in the field of Jazz, Sonny Rollins has been referred to as one of the most important figures of that genre. His mainstream Jazz recordings have been among amongst the most consistent for any performer over the last four decades and though that consistency has made him beloved and respected. Rollins played music so effortlessly and this perception that music came easy to him may take away from the rebellious nature that musicians are often perceived to have. Coincidently, that rebellion is often is rewarded in the Rock world. Chances are another Jazz legend will eventually get into the Hall and though Rollins is among the group that is the most revered, he likely won’t be the next one in.

Though other artists from Australia have been considered more important, it is difficult to dispute that the first key band from down under was the Easybeats. With a British Invasion sound they quickly dominated their own country and were later able to penetrate the British market. They did however fail to make serious headway in America though those who are discovering their sound today often wonder why they didn’t.