Just in case anybody cares (in some ways, I do. In others, not so much), here’s the article from Rolling Stone and a few of my own thoughts at the end.
Later this morning, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will announce their 2011 ballot. Rolling Stone can confirm that it includes first-time nominees Bon Jovi, Alice Cooper, Tom Waits, Donovan and Neil Diamond, plus previously nominated acts LL Cool J, J. Geils Band, Beastie Boys, Donna Summer, Chic, Dr. John, Laura Nyro, Joe Tex, Darlene Love and Chuck Willis. Artists must have released their first single in 1985 or earlier to be eligible in 2011. The top vote-getters will be announced in December, and formally inducted on March 14th 2011 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City.
Neil Diamond and Alice Cooper have both been eligible for over fifteen years — and only Rush and KISS fans have been more outspoken about the exclusion of their favorite band. “I think the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame should be calling me,” Cooper said in 2002. “I think I’m being blackballed. But it’s great to be the Pete Rose of rock and roll.” Last year the Hall of Fame inducted other the long-overlooked acts Genesis, the Stooges, the Hollies, Jimmy Cliff and ABBA.
[End of Rolling Stone article]
Bon Jovi- Seriously? Did I miss the news bulletin about hell freezing over?
Alice Cooper- One of the most influential artists around, both musically and otherwise. Should have been in years ago.
Tom Waits- Again a no-brainer
Donovan- Along with Dylan and Phil Ochs, he makes up the holy trinity of ’60s folk songwriters
Neil Diamond- About freakin’ time
LL Cool J- Wouldn’t disagree in terms of influence or even quality of music, but not rock and roll by a long shot
J. Geils Band- Forget “Centerfold” and let them in for all of the quality music they made before it.
Beastie Boys- Some of the thoughts about LL Cool J apply here, but they are a much better fit than him
Donna Summer- Eh…
Chic-In terms of influence, most definitely. In terms of quality music, hell no
Dr. John- Why is he not already in?
Laura Nyro- Great, great songwriter. Surprised by her nomination, but it is a pleasant surprise.
Joe Tex- one of the greatest soul artists of his era
Darlene Love- Obviously belongs
Chuck Willis- If he had released nothing but “Hang Up My Rock ‘n Roll Shoes,” he would still belong. That he was one of the ’50s greatest R&B singers is even more reason to let him in.
Still there are others they missed. Personally, I don’t think it means all that much, but what do you think of this year’s nominees and who else do you think belongs in? I’ll get the ball rolling with Mitch Ryder, Link Wray, and the Steve Miller Band.
