Like their peers, the Soft Machine, Caravan was a key member of the Canterbury scene that fused Progressive Rock, Psychedelic sounds and Jazz. Caravan however did not enjoy the same level of success as the Soft Machine even in their home country; though in Continental Europe they had some left of success. Basically, a cult band, Caravan still performs today to a devoted fan base, though their unique sound rarely find listeners beyond that fan base. It can be debated that had they found a way to supplant the Soft Machine as the premiere Canterbury band that they may have had more notoriety, but fact is neither band seems to be Cleveland bound anyway.
One of the pioneers of the Industrial genre, Throbbing Gristle may have been more interested in the visual medium than that of anything on vinyl. Deliberately strange and determined to break any taboo, they definitely made their mark on the music industry; though many listeners were perplexed as to just what that mark was.
When the United States grew tired of the girl group formula, Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles found themselves without a record deal and an American audience to perform to. They reinvented themselves as LaBelle, a Rock infused Funk /Proto-Disco group with Space Age costumes and a “new attitude”. Their iconic hit, Lady Marmalade still resonates today and it has been said that this group was the prototype for the En Vogue and Destiny’s Child that followed. Patti LaBelle is the ace in the hole here, as she has had a complete career that was Hall of Fame worthy, but it in this 70’s incarnation where she was at her best.
Billy Preston should be able to enter the Hall in the Sideman category in the future which is probably how he should enter. This isn’t to say that his solo work wasn’t good, because it certainly was. His 70’s Soul Pop work was very good and infectious. It may not have been substantial enough to get him in as a solo performer, but the Sideman wing of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will probably house Billy Preston one day.