Current Rock and Roll Inductees (240)
Many musicians crave the spotlight and as we look up and down the list we created we find many artists who fit that description. Our forty-third selection, Lou Reed seems to be an exception to that rule, as he often appeared to eschew Rock and Roll stardom in favor of his art.
Finally inducted in 2009, Little Anthony and the Imperials was a premiere Doo Wop Group of the 50’s and early 60’s and gave the world some fo the most Soulful Doo Wop songs of the era. They should have been inducted long ago.
Many have claimed (including Little Richard himself) that is was Little Richard (and not Elvis) who was the true architect of Rock and Roll. Little Richard may very well be that man, and when James Brown calls you his idol, you know that the man was important. Had Richard not gone into Gospel music at the height of his career,…
As the Rap stars begin to become eligible for the Rock and Roll of Fame, they face the same debate that stars from other genres do: that of whether popularity should supersede art. LL Cool J could be the first of the Rap stars to fall strongly on the popularity side of the equation, as though he did sell a…
A great R&B and Soul man of the late 50’s and early 60’s, Little Willie John was not nearly the star he should have been. He was recognized as a great musician within the industry but he is largely unknown without it. He may be far from the most recognized name in the Hall, but he does deserve to be…
The man who was dubbed “Mr. Personality” charted on the R&B charts multiple times over a twenty five year period. He may not have been the top star at any point in time, but he did have a consistent Hall of Fame worthy career.
A Folk Rock band with a feel good sound, the Lovin’ Spoonful was a surprisingly successful Pop success and their happy songs of the 60’s still are fun today.
With a distinctive trumpeting style and an even more distinctive singing voice, Louis Armstrong was a Jazz superstar who crossed barriers throughout his career. He was one of the first black superstars who crossed over into white audiences and despite being a Jazz man is not out of place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Lynyrd Skynyrd may be the definition of Southern Rock. Their down home Country crossed with Rock approach has left a long list of songs that still resonate across the South an Classic Rock radio stations today.
To some this is a controversial induction, but Madonna’s long and fruitful career is a blueprint on how to stay relevant and productive over multiple decades. She may be primarily a Rock and Dance star, but the long running chameleon has delved into so many genres she should not be pigeonholed. Despite what we think many of our readers think,…
The Mamas and the Papas created beautiful Folk Pop harmonies that made them accessible to both the mainstream and counter culture of their day. California Dreamin’ itself is good enough for them to be inducted. Inducted in 1998. From New York City, New York, U.S.A.
Martha and the Vandellas rose to fame under the Motown label with a more R&B driven sound then the other girl groups on their label. As such, their music was some of the finest Rock and Roll to come out of Detroit.
His skills were massive and his contributions to Motown and music in general are undeniable. Any list of the top ten musicians in the age of Rock and Roll would have to include Marvin Gaye on it.
Metallica may not be the first Heavy Metal band to reach epic proportions, but Metallica may have reached the biggest heights. The question is whether their induction will pave the way for other deserving Metal acts.
Potentially the greatest musical icon since Elvis Presley, there was nobody on the planet who has not heard of Michael Jackson. Despite how bizarre his actions were, even those who would say that could not stand him would respect his musical ability. If even those who hate you think you are a pure talent, you can imagine how those who…
Possibly the most important figure in Jazz, Miles Davis was at the head of numerous Jazz styles throughout his career. Davis may not have been in the vein of Rock, but his impact in music is so large that even the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame felt he could not be ignored. If any Jazz man should be represented…
On the surface The Moody Blues appear to have a Hall worthy resume so when we initially put this list together it surprised us to find that they were not already inducted. As we learn more about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction practice it would now surprise us if they never got in.
An early Doo Wop/R&B group championed by DJ Alan Freed, the Moonglows scored many Pop and R&B hits throughout the 50’s. There is a chance however that without Freed, we wouldn’t have heard of them.
A huge cog in the history of music, Muddy Waters is considered an influence in Blues, R&B, Rock and Jazz. He was copied my many and idolized by more. Chances are that any musician you ever come across has listened intensely to Muddy Waters in their life.
It is really hard to find a place on the world that has not heard a Neil Diamond song, nor a band that hasn’t covered one. Diamond has one of those rare gifts of writing music that has a timeless quality about them and for someone classified as an Adult Contemporary artist he could put on a show with the…