As one of the early R&B stars who was able to cross over to a Rock audiences in the mid 50’s, LaVern Baker’s earthy Blues style made her a natural to become a sexy star in Rock and Roll’s new world. Her pioneering efforts definitely warrant her place in the Hall.
This band is about as important to Rock and Roll as it comes. A Led Zeppelin reunion tour could be the highest grossing tour of all time and it would include an audience that had every age group represented. Sounds like an influential band to us.
Finally inducted in 2009, Little Anthony and the Imperials was a premiere Doo Wop Group of the 50’s and early 60’s and gave the world some fo the most Soulful Doo Wop songs of the era. They should have been inducted long ago.
There were many who were surprised by Leonard Cohen’s induction to the Hall, but in terms of pure songwriting Cohen was a true master and had few peers. A true poet whose uniqueness set him apart in a world that was already unique, Cohen may not have sold a lot of albums, but he touched a lot of souls.