Current Rock and Roll Inductees (240)
A true Rock Star in the era between Elvis and the Beatles, Del Shannon had a number of hits that was among the few true Rock songs in an era that gave so few. His hit song Runaway alone deserves him induction into the Hall.
Some of the artists on this list seemingly exploded out of the gate with an album that told you that they had the potential to be something special. In looking back at Depeche Mode, none of us in the NIHOF committee really thought that the band that gave us “Just Can’t Get Enough” would be a band that would have…
Though time has trouble categorizing him, Dion was a successful artist who blended Doo Wop, R&B and Rock to create a successful blend of Pop that gained him chart success. Though his later career was not riddled with commercial success, his abilities were evident and his talent was undeniable.
Punk and Disco may have dominated the late 70’s, but that didn’t mean that Rock bands did not break through. The English band Dire Straits managed to churn out some music that has had some astounding staying power over the years.
Donna Summer was not just a star of Disco, she was its Queen. She had a voice and look made for the genre and her success in that time period had few equals. She could be sultry, sexy or innocent; she redefined what those qualities were supposed to look like. Once Disco waned, she seemingly went away with it and…
The Folk innovator from the United Kingdom named Donovan was often called the British Bob Dylan, was Donovan had a more adventurous spirit and embraced his eccentricities. The Folk star used a wide array of instruments on his albums and was considered one of the top musicians of his era.
One of our committee members asked why it was that whenever they think of our next selection they are constantly reminded of Michael Douglas reading in a paper in the jungle that they broke up while rescuing Kathleen Turner in Romancing the Stone. Gordon Gecko aside, the Doobie Brothers are of course known for much more than that 80’s Pop…
The Doors were the dark poets of a turbulent era. With a trippy Blues and Jazz infused Psychedelic Rock, they sounded like no other band around them, and are as big today as they were at their height in the late 60’s. They have to be considered one of the most important additions to the Rock and Roll Hall of…
Considered the link between 50’s R&B and 60’s Soul, there may be no other group that had a more beautiful sound than the Drifters. They may not have written their own material, but these were the dream voices to write for.
One of the early guitar gods, Duane Eddy was the master of the “twang” and one of the most influential axe men both in the studio and out. Many a Rock and Roll Heavyweight claimed Eddy was a huge influence on their careers.
One of the original divas in music, Dusty Springfield had a timeless voice that could seemingly (and was) applied to varying genres. A listen to Dusty in Memphis shows the London icon off at her best.
The undisputed kings of Country flavored Rock and Roll, the Eagles dominated the 1970’s and became one of the most popular acts of all time. To date, their Greatest Hits album remains the highest selling record in history; a pretty impressive for a group that started out as a back up band.
Earth, Wind and Fire was a perfect blend of slickly produced African American styles of music. They combined Soul, Funk, R&B, Afrobeats and Gospel to create a sound that inspired millions. Boogie Wonderland indeed!
A true Rock and Roll pioneer, Eddie Cochran was the rebellious outlaw who was one of the first to capture the angst of the teenager and set it to a blistering guitar. Also an accomplished songwriter, Cochran (who died at 21) remains one of the most covered artists in history. Too many, Eddie Cochran is Rock and Roll.
Some artists on this list we expect will get into the Hall. Some we, feel has no realistic chance. In some ways, we almost felt the Electric Light Orchestra is a rare act that kind of felt like they belonged in both categories.
In terms of pure success Elton John has few peers and the ones he does have can not match his longevity. His 70’s songs were almost a textbook as to how to make a well constructed, successful and respected Rock song. Few are in his league.
One of the most brilliant and relatable musicians of the Punk era was Elvis Costello. Costello was not just a Punk wordsmith, but he morphed into other aspects of the Rock spectrum remaining a relevant participant in the musical world ever since. Inducted in 2003. From London, England
It has been said that Elvis Presley is only the King of Rock and Roll because he appropriated Black music. Regardless of that statement, at some point a white man had to do this to bring Rock to the masses and nobody was better than Elvis.
The first (and to date only) musician to be in the Hall in three separate entries, “Slow Hand” Eric Clapton is recognized as one of the greatest guitarists in the world. Clapton’s Blues based Rock is legendary and all three of his slots in the Hall (solo, the Yardbirds and Cream) are completely warranted.
The female voice of Modern Blues, Etta James was almost forgotten (with the exception of “At Last”) in the current era, but over the past twenty years her career has enjoyed a renaissance and she has been placed on the pedestal she deserves.