Current Rock and Roll Inductees (240)
The first real Heavy Metal band in the Hall could very well be the most important. Sabbath took music to dark pounding places and they helped to propel the genre to new heights. Although they are in the Hall, they should have been a first ballot inductee easily. Inducted in 2006. From Birmingham, England
Though some of labeled Blondie nothing more than a Disco and/or New Wave band, they were incredibly versatile and they had an incredible range. The technically proficient band was propelled by the looks of their lead singing siren, Debbie Harry and though she got them attention, their skills kept them in the spotlight.
He was called the “Originator” and no other nickname could have been more accurate for Bo Diddley. He was the key man in incorporating Blues to Rock and Roll and his guitar patterns influenced multiple artists that followed. His signature song featured his own name and usually when an artist does that it seems arrogant. It isn’t arrogant when you…
A star who melded Gospel and Soul, Bobby “Blue” Bland was a staple on the R&B charts for decades. His vocal delivery inspired many, though he never really did crack mainstream America. Had he tried, he probably would not have been the revered artist is he is today. Inducted in 1992. From Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.A.
Bobby Darin was a crooning Rock star whose career showed a very interesting range. He had a mass appeal that cross over generations and left behind a wide array of hits that still feel fresh today. Inducted in 1990. From New York City, New York, U.S.A.
Bob Dylan could be the greatest songwriter ever. Nothing more needs to be said here. Inducted in 1988. From Duluth, Minnesota, U.S.A.
Bob Marley is the undisputed king of Reggae and the greatest export to come out of Jamaica. Marley’s legend continues to grow long after his death. Inducted in 1994. From Nine Mile, Jamaica
He sang about “Old Time Rock and Roll” and there are many who thinks that Bob Seger epitomizes the Rock and Roll feel better than anyone. It took him a long time to get famous but he didn’t have to wait that long to get inducted once eligible. Inducted in 2004. From Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A.
Seemingly, the equivalent to a baseball player getting in on his last year of eligibility, it was almost a surprise when the Hall remembered the Soul/Gospel fusion of Bobby Womack. Many were on the fence as to whether he should have been inducted, but a case could be made either way. Inducted in 2009. From Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.
Considering the vast amount of artists discussed here, only a small handful of them have achieved success through out their twenty five years awaiting eligibility. Even less on this list could sell out an arena internationally. Not only has Bon Jovi accomplished both feats; they could very well be the only group on this list with the best shot of…
Had Bonnie Raitt not won multiple Grammys in 1990, it is possible that Bonnie Raitt would not have had a Hall of Fame career. She was well respected for her Roots Rock, Blues blend but it was likely those Grammys and debut in the mainstream that landed her a place in Cleveland. Inducted in 2000. From Burbank, California, U.S.A.
The house band for Stax records may have been the definition of the Memphis Soul sound. Known for their groovy instrumentals, Booker T. & the M.G.’s were also the band that backed up many legends who already in the Hall (or on our Not in Hall of Fame list).
A performer with a distinct and powerful voice, Brenda Lee had a diverse career that has netted her the triple threat of being in the Rock and Roll, Rockabilly and Country Hall of Fame. Quite the career indeed! Inducted in 2002. From Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.
The “Boss” is the undisputed king of American Heartland music. Anything else need to be said? Inducted in 1999. From Long Branch, New Jersey, U.S.A.
There are some who have called Buddy Holly the most important Rock Star of the 1950’s. Even those who would not say that would easily put Holly in the top five of that decade and his premature death was really the “Day the Music Died”. Inducted in 1988. From Lubbock, Texas, U.S.A.
They were not exactly commercially successful, nor were they together long, but the supergroup known as Buffalo Springfield helped to lay the foundation for generations of Folk Rock that followed. Inducted in 1997. From Los Angeles, California, U.S.A. Richie Furay (vocals, guitar), Dewey Martin (drums), Bruce Palmer (bass), Stephen Stills (vocals, guitar), Neil Young (vocals, guitar)
Possibly the definition of Folk Rock, the Byrds were self described as the “Beatles meet Bob Dylan”. That statement was as bold as it was accurate, and their melodic efforts were some of the best that the 60’s had to offer. Considering the great musical decade of the 1960’s, that really says something! Inducted in 1991. From Los Angeles, California,…
Carl Perkins was the King of Rockabilly, and though he is known primarily for “Blue Suede Shoes” his songs and songwriting extend to more than that monstrous hit. Perkins earned his slot as one of the first entries to the Hall. Inducted in 1987. From Tiptonville, Tennessee, U.S.A.
As you may have noticed, this list is peppered with performers who are already in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for their work in other bands. Carole King is already in the Hall, but for her work as a songwriter. Ironically, the fact that she is already in may be the very factor that prevents her from getting…