Current Rock and Roll Inductees (240)
Once again, we are faced with a group that may not belong on this list as they may be better placed in the Early Influences category and could very well get into the Hall under that umbrella. For now we will discuss the merits of The “5” Royales, a group that may have been one of the first vital cogs…
Considered pure Pop perfection by their fans, the Swedish foursome truly mastered Pop hooks and has a discography that continually gains new fans. They are considered a controversial selection as they lack Rock and Roll credibility among many music fans and the internet is littered with criticism of their induction. Inducted in 2010. From Stockholm, Sweden Agnetha Fältskog (vocals), Benny…
Historically one of the premier Hard Rock bands and perhaps the best to come from Australia, AC/DC continues to sell out arenas and rock millions. There is little doubt among anyone that the Aussie powerhouses are worthy of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Inducted in 2003. From Sydney, Australia
Although Steven Tyler may look like an aging transvestite, there was no doubt that Aerosmith was one of the top Rock acts of the 70’s. With a successful comeback in the 80’s that lasted well over a decade, the band cemented their legacy as one of the most well known Rock bands in American history. Inducted in 2001. From Boston,…
The heart of the Mississippi Delta has brought the world a lot of great musicians, and one of its best has to be the left handed Blues guitarist, Albert King. Normally it isn’t a big deal to be left handed, but when you didn’t restring your guitar and essentially played it upside down, it is definitely worth mentioning.
As popular music grew, television made it a visual medium. Landmark moments were created; as anyone alive could tell you about the first time they saw the grinding hips of Elvis Presley or waiting in anticipation to see the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show. Viewing these icons made fans want to see them more and the era of concerts…
One of the first and most important Southern Rock bands, The Allman Brothers were one of the most talented and respected bands ever. Their improvisational ability also garnered them as one of the legendary “jam” bands as well. Their work paved the way for many bands that followed.
Led by the gruff voiced Eric Burdon, the Animals were a key part of the British Invasion. They had a grittier and more Bluesy sound that some of their English contemporaries. They left behind some of the great hits of the 60’s and it is difficult to find anyone who has not heard their version of the “House of the…
Dubbed “the Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin might possess the most powerful voice in music history. Thankfully, she used that gift for some of the most iconic recordings of the 60’s cementing her as an undisputed legend. Inducted in 1987. From Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A.
As one of the most widely known Blues Men, B.B. King was a major influence on a plethora of artists. When people say they “sung with their guitar” it is often an exaggeration, but with B.B. King it was the truth. Inducted in 1987. From Itta Bena, Mississippi, U.S.A.
Originally the backing group for Ronnie Hawkins, than Bob Dylan, the Band came by their name naturally as they were often the band that was backing up other stars. When they struck out on their own they created the best Roots Rock of their day (or any other day) and their first two albums (Music Form Big Pink & The…
With rich vocal harmonies and a sound rooted in California surf music, the Beach Boys were easily among the most successful American bands of the 1960’s. Their basic formula has been copied endlessly and there seems to be no evidence of this changing. Should anyone ever dismiss them as fluff a listen to their masterpiece, Pet Sounds should put that…
Far more than just the group that brought Hip Hop to the suburbs (which was impressive in its own right), the Beastie Boys were actually a very accomplished group that utilized Punk influences and a cunning wit to create a deceptively diverse musical discography. This group makes the influence criteria far better than most of the Rock and Roll Hall…
If this band has to be explained, then this is not the website for you. Inducted in 1988. From Liverpool, England George Harrison (guitar, sitar, vocals), John Lennon (guitar, keyboards, vocals), Paul McCartney (bass, guitar, keyboards, vocals), Ringo Starr (drums, percussion, vocals)
Though they were best known as the Disco superstars behind the Saturday Night Fever Soundtrack, the Bee Gees were Pop superstars who constantly reinvented themselves running the Pop gamut of Psychedelic, Folk and Blue Eyed Soul. Through out it all, the brothers Gibb were always showcasing rich harmonies that showcased their exceptional singing ability. Their pre Saturday Night Fever career…
An early figure in Jump Blues and Rock and Roll’s early progression, Big Joe Turner should be in the Hall, but perhaps it should be in the Early Influences category instead. Inducted in 1987. From Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.A.
One of the first true stars of Rock and Roll, Bill Haley could have made a case for entry just on the strength of “Rock Around the Clock”. There can be much debate as to whether Haley was Rock’s first star (which some have called him) but his impact can not be debated. Inducted in 1987. From Highland Park, Michigan,…
One of the top Soul artists during the first half of the 70’s, Bill Withers wrote and sang many songs that have stood time’s ultimate test. His heartfelt music was among its genre’s best but barring a couple of minor hits his run seemed to evaporate after 1974. Having said this, the somewhat controversial induction of Percy Sledge can easily…
Billy Joel may be among the most revered Rock singer and songwriters of all time. With a blend of classical, R&B, and Roots Rock, Joel has a very broad appeal and a huge amount of hits to his credit. Inducted in 1999. From Long Island, New York, U.S.A.
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…