Generally the Singer/Songwriter draws much critical acclaim and praise, but in the case of Harry Chapin his popularity far outweighed the critical top ten lists. Chapin was the late season “Hawkeye from M*A*S*H” as his oversensitive and maudlin lyrics struck a chord with many fans and turned away others with his sappiness. However, the fans that Chapin did have were among the most devoted of the Singer/Songwriter genre and if that counts for something than the Hall could come calling.

If you try to find any write up about Foghat that did not describe them as a basic Blues Rock band it might be the first one ever written. In some circles in the 70’s it wasn’t considered cool to be a straight up Rock band, but to those who were into “uncool” music, Foghat delivered some pretty good material. It likely won’t be enough to get them into the Hall, but they have a pair of hits that looks like will live on long after this debate ends.

Following his departure from Depeche Mode and the disbanding of Yaz, Vince Clarke probably found his best creative outlet when he formed Erasure with Andy Bell. Here, Clarke was able to create his brand of Dance-Pop which bordered on the fringes of the Alternative ideal. After a weak initial effort, Erasure pounded the charts with numerous singles and had a great run in the late 80’s. Erasure is however well behind other dance based acts on the long list for induction, and Clarke’s best shot would be if he would be inducted with Depeche Mode.

Collected from a group of respected studio musicians, Toto had a great run in the late 70’s and early 80’s with a string of Soft Rock hits that may not be held in the highest regard today but was very well produced and expertly played. Their musicianship is not in question, but without any perceived substance it won’t just be the “rains down in Africa” that Toto will miss as an induction in Cleveland seems like a long shot.