What is it with these halls of fame?
The Baseball Hall of Fame in historic Cooperstown, NY announced last week that not a single player will be inducted into their hallowed halls in 2021. Apparently, no one was worthy from a list that included Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Todd Helton, and Curt Schilling.
Now you can understand the speed bumps being faced by Bonds and Clemons. And Schilling wants no part of any organization that would let him be a member. But no one gets in this year? Embarrassing.
And then there’s the Radio Hall Of Fame. They had the audacity to admit a consultant into their ranks in 2018, a mistake they happily haven’t repeated since. Who knows what they were thinking? 😉
It turns out that one of the consequences of creating these honorary organizations that bestow coveted awards on their participants is that they piss off as many people as they make happy.
Take the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, located in Cleveland since it was established way back in 1983. Over the years, there has been no shortage of controversy surrounding this institution, especially artists and groups included – and excluded.
Sadly, 2021 is no different.
When I saw this year’s list of nominees released earlier this week, I couldn’t help but join the amazed and amused on Twitter who wondered whether the Rock Hall had lost its mind – or at least its compass.
Or whether they enjoy the controversy, the buzz, and the second-guessing that always follows their list of musical candidates.
In case you missed it amidst the news of an impeachment, a pandemic, and an economic recession, here’s the list (artists in bold are first-time nominees):
- LL Cool J
- Todd Rundgren
- Fela Kuti
- Kate Bush
- New York Dolls
- Rage Against the Machine
- Foo Fighters
- Tina Turner
- Carole King
- The Go-Go’s
- Mary J. Blige
- Jay-Z
- Dionne Warwick
- Devo
- Chaka Khan
- Iron Maiden
Two things jump out at me from this list of performers – they are all gifted, talented and worthy of recognition and they are a very diverse group of musicians.
And I’m not even going to go where so many have gone before – questioning who actually belongs in an organization that calls itself “Rock N’ Roll.” That’s an old debate that takes place every year as fans incredulously stare at the nominees list.
I’ve experienced enough of those circular arguments and endless debates over which artists are “Classic Rock” – and which shouldn’t make the cut. My preference is to let the audience decide. (And whatever you do, please don’t ask me whether Nirvana now should be accepted into the classic rock family.)
Trying to second-guess what the nominating committee in Cleveland was thinking is like trying to figure out how U.S. Senators are going to vote. The odds are not in your favor. You will most likely be incorrect.
With any hall of fame or awards program, there are the inevitable snubs, the “What took so longs?”, and the WTFs.
The most (in)famous of these was when the geniuses who run the Grammys finally created a “hard rock/heavy metal” category in 1989, only to give the inaugural award for best performance to Jethro Tull who bested Metallica and their “…And Justice For All” album. James Hetfield is still considering taking up the flute after that landmark decision.
I’m pleased to report this year’s Rock And Roll Hall nominations checked off all these same boxes, as they manage to do every year. There was no social media when the organization was formed, but over the last decade or so, music fans and rock devotees have expended considerable outrage and passion over many of these decisions.
So, let’s get our criteria straight, and then I’ll get to my nagging and annoying questions. On their website’s ABOUT page, here’s how the organization describes itself:
So, here are a few of my questions – from this year’s nominees, and some of the more bizarre decisions that have been made over the years.
1. Tina Turner – what’s taken so long? She was recognized for her work with Ike, so this one is a nomination for her many solo efforts. About time.
2. Devo – not Pat or Dave? I like rock as much as the next guy, but Devo gets nominated and Pat Benatar does not (despite coming in second in the fan vote last year)? The Dave Matthews Band won the fan vote – and got snubbed, too. (Actually, I’m not passionate about either one of these snubs, but on Twitter and other social media outlets, it was Pat Benatar’s omission that was trending.)
@rockhall WHAT Pat Benatar did not make it into the 2021 nominations for the RocknRoll Hall of Fame. PLEASE STOP THE INSANITY!
— Laura Godinho (@ljgodinho) February 11, 2021
3. Fela Kuti?
4. Speaking of Jethro Tull, why have they never been nominated? OK, so they got a gift from the Grammys, but still – this band was as big back in the 70s as so many other bands that have made it into the Hall. Maybe this is the payback from that wrong-headed Grammy.
5. Why is the Rock Hall in Cleveland anyway? When it comes to influential bands from the city on Lake Erie, who are we talking about? Chrissie Hynde, James Gang, Devo, Michael Stanley, Nine Inch Nails, the Black Keys are all rockers that hail from Cleveland (or nearby Akron). It’s not a bad list, but it’s certainly not exactly a cornucopia of rock talent.
For that, you might look to nearby Detroit. Bob Seger, Alice Cooper, Eminem, Jack White, Ted Nugent, Kid Rock, the MC5, Iggy Popp, the Romantics, and so many others. And I haven’t mentioned Motown, Aretha, Bill Haley & the Comets, the Knack or Sonny Bono.
(OK, I feel better now.)
6. Fela Kuti?
7. What about the Guess Who? So, the Rock Hall is achieving global diversity with Fela Kuti’s nomination (he’s a Nigerian), and a truly accomplished Afrobeat beat artist. But what about our neighbors to the north? Once again, the Guess Who get the snub, despite a long portfolio of big hits, including “American Woman.” Hmm…maybe that’s why some people think it’s political:
It was one thing for President Biden to kill the Keystone oil pipeline. Okay, fine. But having the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame snub The Guess Who yet again? Now, THAT’S how you piss off a Canadian. #GuessWho #RockHall2021 #BoycottRockHall #BoycottCleveland #music #Canada
— Canada’s Travel Guy (@JimByersTravel) February 10, 2021
8. The Foo Fighters? Seriously?? Yeah, seriously. I can’t begin to predict whether most of these nominees will end up in the Hall this year or not. But the Foo Fighters are an absolute lock to get inducted. They represent everything that is wonderful about rock n’ roll.
So, here’s the crazy part. Outside of the Foos, only four of the other nominees will make it in this year. The rest may have a shot in later years. Someday, Pat Benatar will get in. The Dave Matthews Band will get in, too. And so will King Crimson, Foreigner, Joe Cocker, and Bad Company. Even a K-Pop group could one day make the cut.
That’s because at the rate the Rock Hall is going, everyone will be admitted at some point. But that won’t stop the finger-pointing, the ranting, the
raving, the bitching, and the Tweet storms.
All that snubbery creates an environment of outraged people, petitioning for their favorites, whipping up their social media followings, and making noise about how lame the Rock Hall truly is.
And isn’t that the point?
Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.
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Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
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I heard years ago that the chief reason Cleveland was selected for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is because that is where the term “Rock & Roll” (as applied to music) was coined. In 1952 Cleveland DJ Alan Freed used the term to describe the American R&B music that was coming out of the south in the late 40’s and early ’50’s. He called his show “Cleveland’s Rock & Roll Moon Dog Show.” This is also my argument for why R&B acts and their descendants should be considered for the Hall of Fame. To those who say, “R&B ain’t Rock & Roll,” I say, “Brush up on your history.”
So it comes down to Alan Freed, does it? Thanks for the comment, Brian, the first of many that will likely suggest my head is up my ass.
I remember the rivalry between Cleveland and San Francisco (my hometown) during the Hall’s decision process for where to build the museum. And, yes, I felt slighted when S.F. wasn’t chosen. My pique even affected my ears: The first time I heard Huey Lewis sing that song, I’d have sworn the lyric was “The heart of rock and roll is in Cleveland,” which of course just aggravated the betrayal.
Sic transit gloria mundi. I’m a charter member and still support them, though.
Detroit never was in the running in the early 80s due in no small part to the auto recession and inept political leadership that probably could not see the value of having the Rock Hall in the Motor City. Good for Cleveland.
Back in the day when a location for the Rock &Roll Hall of Fame was being scoped it was Detroit and Cleveland the top contenders—except Detroit was in a rough decline at the time. Cleveland was too but not as bad as Detroit.
I remember the period well, being in Detroit at that time. It was not one of our better moments.
Come on Fred, let the “Mistake by the Lake” at least have something. Outside of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, what else they got, besides the motto of “Hey, at lest we’re not Detroit.” Honestly, it should have gone to Memphis or Chicago or St Louis. Fela Kuti? Hell, I could make a better case for Ali Farka Touré being inducted.
It’s that Detroit inferiority complex, John. What can I say? 🙂
Ha ha Fred! I didn’t mean to suggest your head was up your ass. Not sure if there is even any truth to the Alan Freed thing but I remember hearing that had something to do with it. Great article as always. Yours is always the must read email of the day. Thanks!
Several other commenters have mentioned the Freed theory. I suspect, Brian, that Cleveland simply worked it harder than Detroit.
It won’t be the first time someone has suggested that, Fred.
Rock (I don’t know where N’ Roll went, but it’s been missing for a while now), is such a catch-all that it encompasses a lot more than it did when the term was first coined. And that’s what I love about it. With an adjective and a hyphen, it can include almost anything.
A Hall Of Fame, is, by definition, an exercise in history. And history, once it’s written down, can be difficult to change.
But everything changes, including our perspective. I was never a big Tina Turner fan, but was working in radio when Private Dancer came out and saw the impact it had. I’ve since read a lot more about her past and can now appreciate how important a figure she is.
My point, if I have one, is that a hall of fame rewards legacy acts. I’ll leave it to others to decide what a legacy act is.
“Why is the Rock Hall in Cleveland anyway? When it comes to influential bands from the city on Lake Erie, who are we talking about? Chrissy Hynde, James Gang, Devo, Michael Stanley, Nine Inch Nails, the Black Keys are all rockers that hail from Cleveland (or nearby Akron). It’s not a bad list, but it’s certainly not exactly a cornucopia of rock talent.”
How could you miss The Raspberries and Eric Carmen? LOL.
Great post! I hope all is well.
That one’s one me! Thanks, as always, Darryl!
Back in the day when they were talking about a Rock Hall of Fame I suggested to the Coleman Young administration that they pitch giving them Ford Auditorium as a home for it, but they suggestion never went any where. Ford is now gone, and the hall of fame is suspect anyway. Mike Watts.
Mike, great to hear from you on this. That’s my recollection, too. It seemed Mayor Young was never a fan of the idea of Detroit being the rock n’ roll capitol. And he usually got his way.
The term “Rock & Roll” being originally coined in Cleveland is not exactly the reason the Hall is in Cleveland. It started with cities having to submit signatures from residents to even get on the ballot. I was working at WMMS at the time and spend a few Sunday’s outside Cleveland Municipal Stadium collecting signatures. Cleveland, Detroit, New York, I believe Memphis and maybe 1-2 other cities made the ballot. Then it was up to a telephone vote. Remember the telephone. I dialed until my finger bled. The Rock Hall Foundation wanted it in New York, but thanks to Cleveland’s Mayor, WMMS and the thousands of voters, Cleveland won the honor.
The induction ceremony was originally held strictly in New York because the Foundation didn’t think artists would go to Cleveland for the ceremony. Now it alternates.
I don’t disagree with some of the choices that have been made inductee wise but if you visit the Hall, it’s a truly magical place where you can see hand written lyrics, artists tour wardrobes, tour props, instruments and more. When you listen to presenters talking about inductees and hear inductees speeches, you learn about artists who influenced them and how music got to where it is today. So many genres of music helped shaped today’s artists. Including Fela Kuti.
Of course, how could we forget “The Buzzard!” When you think of the bands who became nationally known because they were first played on the radio in Cleveland (like Rush, for example), it’s another case for having the Rock Hall there.
They had a huge influence in the market, and undoubtedly on the decision to headquarter the RnRHofF in Cleveland.
When I moved to Cleveland, I was educated about the ongoing “friendly rivalry” with Detroit. Fred, today’s blog post (and specifically Point #5) reminds me that the rivalry is alive and well. Wink! For what it’s worth, I always appreciate your perspectives. 🙂
I appreciate it, Amy, and thanks for your tolerance of this Motor City hot head!
Natalie, thanks for the MMS perspective on this. I know you guys worked your butts off for the Hall – and it was successful.
I’ve been to the Hall three times, and each time, it has amazed and delighted. And I know how important it is for inductees, it is magic.
As or Fela Kuti, I have already started listening!
I gotta give you one thing, MMS was good at stuffing ballots. How many year did they win the Rolling Stone Radio Station of the Year or whatever that thing was called.
Ooh, I sense that the gauntlet has been thrown. Natalie, your serve.
I was at Power 108/107.9 The End when that was “allegedly” happening so I can’t comment on that
I liked the End better. Thanks, Natalie.
As far as why the Hall is in Cleveland, I think that the Alan Freed connection is as good as any to make the case on why it’s there. Cleveland is a blue-collar, “rock ‘n roll” type city anyway so I don’t have a problem with that. (I’m also originally from Northeast Ohio, so I am a bit biased.)
What I do take issue with is how the Hall can snub artists like Todd Rundgren for so many years. Todd is, and has been, a pioneer in music production and engineering. When you think of all the “firsts” in the music business regarding technology, Todd is there. One of the first to record an entire album playing all the instruments, one of the first to do music videos, one of the first in the world of “interactive” music technology, one of the first to offer an online “streaming” service of his music. The list goes on and on.
Then, there’s the albums that he’s produced…
Meatloaf “Bat Out Of Hell”
Grand Funk “We’re An American Band”
Patti Smith “Wave”
Badfinger “Straight Up”
XTC “Skylarking”
The Psychedelic Furs “Forever Now”
I’ll stop there.
The Rock Hall needs to get back to inducting based on merit and contributions to “rock ‘n roll” and stop being political and trying to make news.
But, of course, it’s all subjective anyway, right? 🙂
Don, appreciate your perspective on all counts. And I agree about Todd. But as the post said, that’s the case for other snubbed artists, too.
Urban legend has it that Alan Freed actually first uttered the term “Rock & Roll” on the airwaves of legendary station WAKR-AM in Akron where Freed worked before moving to Cleveland’s WJW where he hosted his Moondog show. You’ll find a picture of Freed in the Rock Hall behind the mic flag of WAKR.
I’m hearing that from other Clevelanders, Biv. Credit where credit’s due.
Great post as always, Fred. At this point I’m so disenfranchised with that absurd Hall. I don’t really care anymore.
I think a lot of rock fans (music fans?) feel that way.
My hope? That the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland is ROCK only. And they open a satellite Hall known as the “Music” hall of fame, which includes ALL genres.(by the way, COUNTRY has it’s OWN hall of fame, and it doesn’t include other genres-except for maybe Charlie Daniels & Elvis, who both had Country roots)
And many agree, JC, the institution ought to be about Rock. And then we get to that discussion about the roots of rock. And we’re right back to where we started. Thanks for weighing in.
I like to stay away from social media on the days when the nominations and the inductees are announced. Intellectually, I understand why the current definition of rock makes people upset when acts like LL Cool J and Whitney Houston get in. Emotionally, though, it just bugs me that people don’t grasp that “rock ‘n’ roll” has never meant only guitar bands. Hell, top 40 stations were called “rock” well into the ’70s, even as they were playing Partridge Family records and AO(um)R was exploding.
Personally, I love it that the HOF is a place that puts acts like Metallica, Hall & Oates, Curtis Mayfield and Rush on equal footing. I’m probably in the minority, though. But as you say, Fred — they get people talking about them, and that ain’t nothing!
Look at the number of comments today, Brian. Proof positive that subjective musical tastes simply cannot be boiled down to a handful of nominations each year. You’re smart to stay away from social media today.
How about Harry Nilsson? He was mentioned as their favorite American artist by The Beatles and later recorded with each one of them after their breakup. I could go on, but I just can’t imagine how some managed to get to the RRHOF without his influence.
Nilsson Schcmilsson I always say. Thanks, Chris.
Personally, I’m pulling most of all for Soda Stereo right now–not just musically, but also in terms of their continued influence and popularity. (Indeed, it looks like the pandemic-delayed reunion/tribute tour is starting to be rescheduled now.)
However, I realize that it opens up another can of worms, in terms of the Hall of Fame’s scope; for starters, there also are still plenty of influential English-language guitar-driven acts that started in the ’80s who haven’t even been nominated (e.g., Dinosaur Jr, Sonic Youth, the Pixies, the Jesus and Mary Chain, My Bloody Valentine, and Hüsker Dü).
Still, I’m definitely not the only one who’d like to see Soda inducted…
https://www.sodastereorockhall.com
As they say, another country heard from. Appreciate you weighing in.
Thanks Eric!
We definitely want to see Soda Stereo in the Rockhall, and we are working hard for it.
Rock exists in the whole planet and it’s done in many languages, it’s time the Rockhall recognize the existence of Rock en Español by opening their door and inducting the most influential band from Ibero America.
Gracias Totales
Joining us at:
http://www.sodastereorockhall.com
PS: In less than 6 months, our petition has nearly 7000 signatures from fans in 48 countries, not just Latin America… So other countries have heard from them.
Including iconic Carlos Alomar, Bono, The Edge, Andy Summers, Chris Martin, Roger Waters, Gene Simmons, Carlos Santana, and others.
Update: our new website is http://www.sodastereorockhalloficial.com.
Gracias Totales!
The Hall of Fame is a joke !!
Bands that should have been in YEARS ago :
Steppenwolf
Bad Company
Foreigner
Boston
Ted Nugent
and there are many more that have been snubbed that had great careers and are legendary !
Lynyrd Skynyrd had to wait 10 years to get in . They should have been in their first year of eligibility!
Elston, I’ve heard from a lot of people who share your emotions. Everyone has favorites they believe have been overlooked. Thanks for the comment.
In 2003, in a BBC poll of the 100 Greatest Britons of all time, a woman whose claims to fame were she married a Prince, was photogenic and died tragically was voted number 3.
Number 3.
Ahead of Horatio Nelson. Ahead of Shakespeare. Ahead of Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton and Steven Hawking. Not to mention John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Julie Andrews.
After that, I stopped putting any credence in polls or organization designed to be the authority on who should be celebrated. It is all personal taste and the discretion of the private organization that runs them.
I expect even less when the organization is headed by someone who runs a publication that was last relevant when Grand Funk was topping the charts.
I will say though to all those baseball writers who don’t believe Barry Bonds should be in the Baseball Hall of Fame for “moral” reasons because he took performance enhancing drugs, I will agree with you if you agree with me that we should boot out Hank Aaron, Mike Schmidt, Willie Mays and all the others who took amphetamines. That would certainly clear out the Hall wouldn’t it?
We must also boot out admitted cheaters like Whitey Ford, Gaylord Perry and Don Sutton. You know, for “moral” reasons.
Ahh – it is perilous thing to sit in judgment isn’t it?
It is indeed, Mike. You’re bound to anger or elate people no matter how hard you try to get it right.
The location of the RRHOF basically came down to a competitve media frenzy. Cities across America were in the running, but it was Cleveland that made the most noise. Cleveland always has been a very competitive radio market. Morning shows and promotion departments across the dial all dove in big as to not be upstaged by the competition. All the television stations got invoilved as well. Eventually local and state politicians all felt the need to fully endorse this initiative. Eventually this led to a critical mass of attention, interest, and big vote tallies via USA Today. (At least that’s how I objectively remember it happening)
And conversely, Detroit dropped the ball. Or never picked it up in the first place. And that’s how I objectively remember it happening. 🙂
I find it regrettable and frustrating that British singer-songwriter, Richard Thompson is excluded from RRHOF discussions. A founding member of British folk rock pioneers, Fairport Convention, Thompson/Fairport did just as much as The Band in re-interpreting traditional folk music into what we call the much beloved Americana. After leaving Fairport, Thompson performed with his wife, Linda Thompson, to produce several highly acclaimed albums, including the masterpiece 1982’s “Shoot Out The Lights”. Still highly active writing and recording, Thompson is mentioned along with Dylan and Cohen as worthy of a songwriting Rushmore.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uBzoccCpgA
Your comment reaffirms the frustrations many fans feel about their favorite artists. Thanks for your support of the Thompsons.
And Thompson is one hell of a fingerstyle guitar player and a great songwriter. Hey, while we’re at it, what about one of my favorite songwriters/guitar players, Canada’s Bruce Cockburn.
To me the HOF should have been in Michigan For
Bill Haley from Highland Park, Michigan, US
Before Alan Freed said, “Rock and Roll” he had to have a Rock artist to play first . Leave it to Ohio to mess it all up …lol JK ( U of M fan )
~screamin
The R&R HOF is irrelevant, except perhaps to those who are allowed entrance and somehow feel validated to be amongst such “rockers” as ABBA, The O’Jays and Madonna. When you see artists such as Todd Rundgren, Emerson, Lake & Palmer & Jethro Tull—the latter two not even nominated, among others—still unworthy of the Hall’s corporate acceptance, you realize the scope of the ruse.
its roger CLEMENS
And here I was thinking about Clarence. Thanks for letting me know – it’s fixed.
Marvin Miller, Derek Jeter, and Ted Simmons were all elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2020. Please correct the opening paragraph.
Done and done. Apologies for the error.
The biggest issue is the RnR HOF is trying to be a de facto pop music HOF…. So which is it? RnR is not Hip Hop, RnB is not RnR, sometimes RnR IS pop music but not al Pop is RnR…. It seems like they simply labeled the Pop music HOF as the Rock n Roll HOF to garner the love, adoration, respect and dollars of baby boomers… but now that generation is fading off into the sunset they are adding rap acts for the Gen X dollars… essentially this turned out to be exactly what most of these so called HOF’s are… tourist traps with no credibility.
That lack of a clear direction is what goes to root of people’s frustrations – whether you believe that music is music and everything fits OR you’re a rock purist. Much of that fuels the fire every year the nominee list is released.
Gen X and rap?
I think you are mistaken.
I will leave the issue of whose head is up whose ass to others. The problem with the RnR HOF is that many of the inductees are neither rock and rollers nor famous. I can live with the “influential but not that well known” but I draw the line at the non- rockers. It’s like the baseball HOF inducting cricketeers.
Also, Pat Benatar? Seriously?
The fact that the man who wrote Cleveland Rocks is not in the rrhof is the biggest travesty of all.
Great article, well done.
But it’s Chrissie Hynde. Not Chrissy. That’s just wrong.
And please, I’m not “that insufferable Internet spelling cop”. The lady deserves her proper name…
Concur. Thank you.
Biggest rock hall of game snub of all time…
Grand Funk