With a series of hits in the 1970’s, Boz Scaggs was a Blue Eyed Soul star who incorporated subtle elements of Funk and Disco to the songs that made him famous. It was those trace elements that allowed him to reach a broader range of fans and discover his earlier catalogue which featured a wide range of his abilities. It always seemed that Scaggs was on either end of critics and fans alike as he seemed to be loved or hated. It could be this disparity of opinion that could be keeping Scaggs out.

From London by way of Nigeria came an exotic voice with an even more exotic look. Sade Adu could be considered to be the best in the Adult Jazz subgenre. Crossing into R&B and Mainstream Pop success, Sade had a lot of success in the States which could help her achieve a nomination at least, but her laid back style may not be what the voters are looking for.

Although Jefferson Airplane is rightfully in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, its offshoot, Jefferson Starship seems quite far away from that accolade. Jefferson Starship actually bore little resemblance to Airplane as they became one of the most successful Arena Rock bands of all time. This change in sound was both good and bad. Good, in that the new version was able to sell more albums and more arena seats than they ever could before. Bad in that Jefferson Starship failed to garner the cultural relevance that they once had. It is the latter point and the fact that Grace Slick and company are already inducted that will likely keep Jefferson Starship from the Hall.

About as acclaimed a songwriter as they come, the music of Lucinda Williams was as meticulous and carefully considered as they came. With heart felt music that was part Country, part Folk, a dash of Alternative and a large helping of Americana, Williams was an original and has received abundant praise through the years, even as high as calling her the “female Bob Dylan”. Williams’ infrequent recordings and her inability to crack the mass populace kept her from becoming a major star, but fame never seemed to be what she sought anyway.