From the ashes of the Proto Grunge band, Green River, Mudhoney was formed and in a few ways was Grunge’s first success story. The Seattle band picked up the local sound and was the first to have any real taste of success for the burgeoning Sub Pop label. With an influx of ears turning to College and Underground music, Mudhoney was a band that helped crack open doors that their Seattle brethren crashed open. Time has shone a solid light on this band, and though they are not likely Cleveland bound, their place in music history is entrenched.

We can’t imagine that anyone would doubt that should Morrissey crack the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, it should be with the Smiths before his own solo career. Despite that statement, Morrisey’s solo efforts generated multiple hit singles (in England) and spawned critically acclaimed albums. His lyrics remained poignant, and with a voice as unique and as powerful as his, gaining attention was never a problem. Again we state, that his candidacy for the Hall really should only begin (once or if) the Smiths get inducted.

Though they may have despised the term “Trip Hop”, there is little doubt that the English duo which comprised England’s Massive Attack was the originator of that genre.  With a Hip Hop, Soul, Dub mix a hypnotic Dance sound was created that was amongst the most influential of its time.  The Trip Hop sound exploded through the 90’s and its effect is widely heard in lounges and clubs today.  Their influence is undeniable but the question is whether or not the Hall feels that the music they pioneered is worthy of their establishment. 

While many white artists were blurring the racial line across many musical genres, the traditional platform of Rock and Roll seemed to be a “whites only” club; at least that was the perception among many in the late 80’s. Virtually anyone who thought that had their opinion change when they saw Living Colour perform epically on Saturday Night Live; which was the first time that many people ever came to know who they were. Subsequently, their debut album would not only bring them acclaim, but helped to start a Funk Metal genre, and to a lesser extent, Alternative Metal. Their future albums did not do as well (and were not as good frankly), but they do have an origin that the Hall of Fame respects. That might be enough.