A star in R&B in the late 40’s and early 50’s, Charles Brown has been said to be influential on the career of Ray Charles and Johnny Ace.  As this is considered true, Brown’s spot in the Hall was earned but shouldn’t it have been as an Early Influence instead?

A very early R&B star, Charlie Christian was one of the first true stars of the guitar.  His Blues work can clearly be heard in BB. King and Chuck Berry and though he deserves a place in the Hall it should be as an Early Influence and not as a Performer.

The 50’s Rock superstar was required listening to those who followed.  The endless list of musicians who followed Chuck Berry who cited him as a major influence is only exceeded by those who blatantly ripped him off.  No compilation of 50’s music is complete without tracks from Chuck Berry.

There was no Punk band that was at commercially successful as the Clash.  This isn’t to say that they were not exceptionally talented and layered as they certainly were.  The Clash could be one of those wonderful exceptions where they were a key figure in their genre, sold a tom of records and did so without any hint of selling out.  Easily the Clash is an essential member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.