Pat Benatar

Is it possible to be important to look like a Rock Star than to actually sing like one? With Pat Benatar, there was no question that she looked like a Rocker, and her early 80’s music was certainly Rock as well. We wondered aloud though, if she didn’t have the look she did, would we know who she was today?

Pat Benatar oozed a brand of tough sexuality. Benatar did not even sing Rock music until her early twenties; but when she did, she brought to Rock a classically trained voice and a uniquely sexy look. Everything about her screamed “Rock Star”. Anyone around in the early 80’s certainly remembers the legions of imitators who copied her appearance. Although her series of hits dried up by the end of the 80’s she was still able to inspire legions of women to enter the world of Rock and Roll. She might get in, but it will likely be a long wait.

www.benatar.com

Should Pat Benatar be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put her in! - 95.8%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 1.8%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 0.8%

No opinion. - 0.2%

No way! - 1.4%

The Bullet Points

Previous Rank: 2011: #79
2012: #74
2013: #71
2014: #71
2015: #66
2016: #68
Eligible Since: Thursday, 01 January 2004
Country of Origin: U.S.A. (New York City)
Why they will get in: Gender equity works in her favor.
Why they won't get in: Her hits may not be strong enough and she isn’t exactly on the radar these days.
Nominated in: 2020
Essential Albums: In the Heat of the Night (1979)
Crimes of Passion (1980)
Tropico (1984)
Seven the Hard Way (1985)
Our Five Favorite Songs as Chosen by Each Member of the NIHOF Committee: Heartbreaker (From In the Heat of the Night, 1979)
Treat Me Right (From Crimes of Passion, 1980)
Hell is for Children (From Crimes of Passion, 1980)
We Belong (From Tropico, 1984)
Invincible (From Seven the Hard Way, 1985)