Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame?

Question

As a long time fan of music, I see the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a way of recognizing an artists' excellence in the field of musical sound. I also noticed that several performers have yet to be inducted into this prestigious honor. Among my many choices would be - Pat Benatar, Stray Cats, Journey, Chicago, The Fifth Dimension, Badfinger, The Knack, Neil Diamond, Cheech And Chong, Barry Manilow, REO Speedwagon, The Fleetwoods, Chubby Checker, Blondie, Dave Clark Five, and Ringo Starr. However- my definitive choice would be The Monkees. I mean; let's face it. Any group of guys that would want to make their own music gets my vote. Name another group with their very own Emmy Award-winning television sitcom, that also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and also records more than 200 songs within a five year time period (including the Number One song of the year 1966), as well as appears in a feature film that has since gone on to become a cult classic. The Monkees rule!

Answer 1

The Rock-n-Roll HOF is a terrible joke. There is nothing to be found on who decides on who will be getting in. It seems that the only criteria is that an artists first commercial release must have been 25 years ago. It's painfully obvious that the powers that be ("rock snobs") go by personal taste more than anything. The list is long of the artists deserving to get in. For example, I can't understand why ELO isn't in (actually I do understand, it's because rock snobs hate Jeff Lynne, however millions of non-snobs love his work). Their 1st album was in 1972, they had 17 top 20 hits, they were inarguably among the most successful bands of the 70's/early 80's. Yet some obscure doo wop act from the 50's with 1 top 20 hit that doesn't even get played on golden oldie stations anymore got in, because they were somehow SOOO influential on rock music. Whaaaat???? It should be called the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Who We Like, since the word "Fame" apparently has nothing to do with it. Also, I'm pretty surprised at how many r & b and soul artists are in. That's NOT rock-n-roll! Don't get me wrong here, I love r & b and soul, but if there were to be a Rhythm and Blues hall of fame, do you think the Kinks would be in it, or even the Beatles? No, and they should't be, because their music is a different genre. If the R&RHOF was legitimate, they would post the names of who decides on the web site. Several years ago I was trying to find a way to petition for artists to get in, but then decided my time would be better spent on other things, since the R&RHOF is such a joke. The best thing to do is not watch the inductions or go to the HOF. If we ignore it maybe it will go away! lol

Answer 2

Geez, I love music and know my stuff pretty well, but I don't some of the artists you mentioned... However, I'm not sure about Barry Manilow and Neil Diamond - they're not exactly "rockers", are they? If it were called the "Music Hall of Fame" then I would agree. As for Badfinger, I'm not sure their career output would justify their inclusion (though I may be wrong as I don't know how many records they've sold). I definitely agree about Chubby Checkers and the Fleetwoods. The Monkees? I love them personally and never missed a show when I was a kid, but maybe they don't qualify exactly for the reasons you mention.

Thought I'd I'd give you my 2 cents on the topic! lol :o)

Answer 3

Niknud: Interesting point..but I think you are being just as subjective as the "rock snobs" you object to.

Sure, ELO were commercially succesful, but that fact alone shouldn't justify a place in the HoF. The Archies sold a hell of a lot of copies of "Sugar, Sugar" but would you also have them in the HoF??!!

The whole point of a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is that inclusion in it is INEVITABLY subjective to some extent...there are a few artists, like Elvis, that everyone can agree on, but far more artists
that some people will love and others hate. You love ELO, but personally they leave me cold..and my opinion is as valid as yours, and the fact that they sold lots of records is really pretty irrelevant. All those modern crappy boy bands sell in huge quantities..does that fact alone make them music greats?

Also, if you object to anything that ain't strictly in your own narrow definition of "rock & roll"..then that certainly leaves ELO out in the cold. And if the Beatles and the Kinks didnt start their careers by playing old r&b covers..then I dont know what the hell they played!

Answer 4

Umm..yeah...the Monkees were actually put together by a group of Producers inspired by the Beatles Movie " A Hard Days Night". They didn't actually know how to play their instruments nor did they write any of their own songs. (Years and years later they accomplished these things) but they were pretty much bought, wrapped packaged and sold like the current Boy Bands of today. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame recognizes musicians with talent...real talent.

Answer 5

nicely the R&RHofF is in mattress with Rolling Stone magazine in the experience of Jann Wenner being in mattress with himself (what a image) in view that he co-based that magazine and is on the board of the R&RHofF. I lost pastime whilst the museum became equipped in Cleveland. If Cleveland is so great, why are the ceremonies held in ny? till inexpensive Trick is inducted I have not have been given any use for them!!! Yahoo may be a great extra healthful!!

Answer 6

blondie was inducted already.