18. Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Do we even bother to raise the Progressive Rock question in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame anymore? As this list continues we find yet another band of the aforementioned genre who may be wondering what they have to be considered Hall eligible. Certainly, the fans of Emerson, Lake & Palmer are wondering the same thing.

Dubbed the first “supergroup” of Progressive Rock, the three members of Emerson, Lake & Palmer came from existing groups (Keith Emerson from The Nice, Greg Lake from King Crimson and Carl Palmer from Atomic Rooster) and combined to push the boundaries of Progressive Rock. They drew from classical as well as Jazz influences and specifically their pioneering use of the synthesizer was certainly considered unique and different. They were also known for their over the top live shows in which they tried to match their musical textures in both sound and look. Ironically, this led to the reaction of the more stripped down Punk genre to take off but for what Emerson, Lake & Palmer were they were among its best. Like others on this list, their chances rely on the committee’s perception of the genre they represent.

Emerson, Lake, and Palmer

www.emersonlakepalmer.com

Should Emerson, Lake and Palmer be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put them in! - 95.8%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 2.1%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 0.6%

No opinion. - 0.3%

No way! - 0.8%

The Bullet Points

Previous Rank: 2010: #45
2011: #54
2012: #53
2013: #55
2014: #55
2015: #49
2016: #41
Eligible Since: Monday, 01 January 1996
Country of Origin: United Kingdom (England)
Why they will get in: The technical skills are there and a vote for them indirectly pays homage to Atomic Rooster, The Nice and King Crimson.
Why they won't get in: The same Progressive Rock question that has been raised on this list over and over again.
Nominated in: Never
Essential Albums: Emerson, Lake & Palmer (1970)
Tarkus (1971)
Trilogy (1972)
Brain Salad Surgery (1973)
Our Five Favorite Songs as Chosen by Each Member of the NIHOF Committee: The Barbarian (From Emerson, Lake & Palmer, 1970)
The Three Fates (From Emerson, Lake & Palmer, 1970)
Tarkus (From Tarkus, 1971)
Hoedown (From Trilogy, 1972)
Karn Evil 9 (From Brain Salad Surgery, 1973)