At long last, here are my thoughts on the class of 1984 (Good flick, BTW).

Annette Funicello: R.I.P., Annette. The Hall doesn't exactly embrace late 1950s/early 1960s teen pop, so Annette's chances are zilch.

Brook Benton: He scored several hits and was a prolific songwriter, but doesn't have the star power of Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, or Ray Charles. I'll say maybe. Rainy Night in Georgia is required listening for soul fans. I certainly enjoy Benton's work.

Buck Owens: A significant figure in country-and-western, no doubt. His songs have been covered The Beatles, Ray Charles, and Chuck Berry, so he's had some influence on rock 'n roll. If the Hall ever creates an Outside Influence category (which they should), I'd say Owens would have a chance.

Carole King: The Hall has a strange fetish for weepy '70s singer-songwriters, as evidence by their inductions for James Taylor, Jackson Browne, and other unmentionables. She's already been inducted as a non-performer with Gerry Goffin, and that's as close as she deserves to be in the Hall. No.

Conway Twitty: He did record at Sun Records and cut some rockabilly numbers, but he is more renowned for his country-western songs. Possible Outside Influence, but not a particularly strong one.

Eric Dolphy: Primarily influential in jazz, but Dolphy had some influence on Frank Zappa and Jimi Hendrix, so maybe.

Frankie Avalon: One of the most obvious "teen pop being passed off as rock 'n roll" singers of the 1959-1963 period. No!

Freddy Cannon: Proof that rock 'n roll didn't rolle over and die during the 1959-1963 period. I don't think Cannon is a huge influence, but he's a fantastic singer nonetheless. Unfortunately, I'll have to say no.

Huey "Piano" Smith and the Clowns: They epitomized the hard-driving sounds of New Orleans R&B and recorded some of the classics of that era (Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu and Don't You Just Know It both come to mind). It's a possibility.

Jerry Butler: He's already been inducted as a member of The Impressions, but his solo career is significant enough to merit induction. Make that a resounding yes!

John Fahey: Acclaimed folk guitarist and known for mixing some eclectic styles, but he might be too left-field for the Hall. Possible Outside Influence.

Johnny Kidd and the Pirates: One of the first significant British rock 'n roll bands, pioneers in on-stage theatrics, and influences on Led Zeppelin and The Who. Let 'em in.

Lightnin' Hopkins: I can't believe he's not in yet. By all means, Hopkins should be inducted as an Early Influence.

Major Lance: Enjoyed a successful career and was an influence on the Northern Soul style. I think he has a chance.

Marv Johnson: He'll forever be known as the first recording artists for Motown, but not as one of their premiere acts. Johnson did enjoy some success in Australia. I'll have to say no, although his music is worth checking out.

Neil Sedaka: Didn't I just talk about him? Oh wait, that was Frankie Avalon.

The Penguins: Their recording of Earth Angel is an all-time classic, but their career isn't HOF worthy. No.

Rolf Harris: Even moreso than John Fahey and Eric Dolphy, Harris might be the most left-field candidate from this list of potential inductees. I'd have to say no, as Harris's music is about as far away from rock 'n roll as you can get, even if he did cover Stairway to Heaven and Bohemian Rhapsody. Absolutely not.

Ronnie Hawkins: He was important in getting The Band started and is considered significant in the development of Canadian rock 'n roll. Slight possibility. His cousin Dale is also worth considering.

The Shadows: They deserve to go in with Cliff Richard.

The Skyliners: One big hit (Since I Don't Have You), not to mention that the string arrangement influenced Phil Spector, but The Skyliners weren't the first doo-wop group to showcase lush string arranagements (I know that The Platters beat them to the punch with their recording of Smoke Gets in Your Eyes in 1958). I say no.

Sonny Boy Williamson II: Oh goodness, yes. Induct this seminal bluesman right away as an Early Influence.

Posted by Zach on Friday, 04/12/2013 @ 22:00pm

My picks are:

Buck Owens
Carole King
Jerry Butler
Lightin' Hopkins
Johnny Kidd & The Pirates
Ronnie Hawkins
Sonny Boy Williams

Posted by Andrew on Monday, 08/26/2013 @ 02:02am

Carol has paid her due over and over its a shame she has not been inducted to R& R hall. Please consider her.
Soon while she can appreciate and be around for it.

Posted by Carol King on Monday, 12/5/2016 @ 20:48pm