The music of Brook Benton was as smooth as they come. His brand of Adult Contemporary branded Soul, Benton racked up an astounding string of success on both the Pop and R&B charts, and seemed to do so effortlessly. Maybe that was the problem, as since it all appeared to come so easy, he may have been the most successful music act who really didn’t draw that much attention to himself. Though he scored ample hits on the Pop charts, they didn’t seem to have enough Rock credibility to some. Though he scored just as many hits on the R&B charts, his music was too soft to have a dynamic R&B impact on future R&B stars. If the Hall considers him to have just enough Rock or Soul credibility Brook Benton would appear to be a lock. Looks like they haven’t give him that credibility yet.
The Bullet Points:
Eligible Since:
1984
Country of Origin:
U.S.A. (Camden, SC)
Nominated In:
Never
Why He Will Get In:
It is hard to ignore that type of success.
Why He Won’t Get In:
Stylistically, he may not fit into the Hall.
Essential Albums:
It’s Just a Matter of Time (1959)
Songs I Love to Sing (1960)
The Boll Weevil Song (1961)
Today (1970)
Our Five Favorite Songs as Chosen by Each Member of the NIHOF Committee:
It’s Just a Matter of Time (From It’s Just a Matter of Time, 1959)
Fools Rush In (From Songs I Love to Sing, 1960)
Frankie and Johnny (From The Boll Weevil Song, 1961)
Laura (From Laura, What He’s Got That I Ain’t Got, 1967)
Rainy Night in Georgia (From Today, 1970)
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