15. The Monkees

Many of the musicians on this list create a polarizing opinion as to their “validity”. In the latter half of the 1960’s, there likely was no group that separated fans as much the Monkees did. Their bubblegum image and status as a corporate creation were labels that they couldn’t shake, and despite the fun solid music they made they were a group that was not considered “cool” at their height.

The Monkees have to be the most successful band in the 60’s who have not been enshrined in Cleveland. Granted, they were assembled together to create a television show and did not play on their first album, but after they fought for some semblance of creative control, they proved to be a very capable group. This was certainly proven by their live shows, later albums and fact that their fans included such legends as John Lennon and Jimi Hendrix. Their television show, although somewhat juvenile was the embryonic template of the music video; a medium that really hadn’t been exploited yet. As easy as it is to dismiss their origin (which certainly isn’t “Rock and Roll”) their place is music history is solid and their music is still perceived as fun today.

The Monkees

www.monkees.net

Should The Monkees be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put them in! - 88.2%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 4.7%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 1.7%

No opinion. - 0.3%

No way! - 5%

The Bullet Points

Previous Rank: 2010: #32
2011: #51
2012: #46
2013: #42
2014: #42
2015: #37
2016: #36
Eligible Since: Wednesday, 01 January 1992
Country of Origin: U.S.A. (Los Angeles, CA)
Why they will get in: They have a substantial amount of hits to their credit.
Why they won't get in: “Not a real band” to the opinion of many.
Essential Albums: More of the Monkees (1967)
Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd. (1967)
The Birds, The Bees & The Monkees (1968)
Head (1968)
Our Five Favorite Songs as Chosen by Each Member of the NIHOF Committee: Last Train to Clarksville (From The Monkees, 1966)
I’m Not Your Stepping Stone (From More of the Monkees, 1967)
Pleasant Valley Sunday (From Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd., 1967)
Valleri (From The Birds, The Bees & The Monkees, 1968)
Daydream Believer (From The Birds, The Bees & The Monkees, 1968)