Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announces 2024 inductees
The latest class of inductees has some interesting additions...
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has revealed the names of 16 artists or other musical figures who will be inducted in 2024. It’s a diverse list that stretches from R&B/rock pioneer Big Mama Thornton to pop superstars Cher and Dionne Warwick, and from ’70s-rooted rockers like Peter Frampton, Foreigner and Ozzy Osbourne to ’90s icons the Dave Matthews Band, Mary J. Blige and A Tribe Called Quest…
Now, I truly believe the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame should be renamed to the Music Hall of Fame. Since it’s inception, the Rock Hall has been inducting acts and artists outside the realm of rock and roll. Which is all fine and good, I am all for inclusion and diversity, but if you are going to induct acts and artists that do not identify themselves as rock and rollers, then it is time we change the name of the place. Don’t get me wrong, I love love love A Tribe Called Quest. They pioneered New York hip hop and portrayed positive messaging in their songs. Great stuff. But do they belong in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
Below you will find the list of inductees, and some of my thoughts on the individual acts.
Performer Category:
Mary J. Blige
The Queen of Hip Hop starts out the list. She is totally deserving of induction into the Hip Hop hall of fame, but the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
Cher
Not my favorite artist… I think the closest thing Cher got to rock and roll was her marriage to Gregg Allman…
Dave Matthews Band
C’mon now. Absolutely not. I understand that Dave Matthews Band was the top selling act of the 2000’s in terms of ticket sales. But Dave makes noise that I cannot seem to grasp. Although I do like his cover of Along the Watchtower (Bob Dylan) that contains bits of Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin.
Foreigner
About time. Foreigner was and is one of the better acts of the 70’s. Becoming one of the best selling acts of all time. Foreigner knows how to make hits, and great hits at that.
Peter Frampton
Again, about time. Peter Frampton waited 26 years to see induction. That’s almost longer then I have been alive. I personally am touched to see Peter be inducted, a big Frampton fan myself - he had one of the biggest and best live albums of all time with Frampton Comes Alive.
Kool & The Gang
Love to see it! Kool & The Gang brings a lot to the table. I grew up listening to artists like Kool… and Dionne Warwick. It is so awesome to read that they sang their signature hit “Celebration” when they heard they were inducted. I caught Kool & The Gang open for Van Halen once and was absolutely blown away.
Ozzy Osbourne
The Prince of Darkness makes it into the Rock Hall. Ozzy, despite his antics, is deserving of induction. His solo career has inspired countless acts.
A Tribe Called Quest
I LOVE A Tribe Called Quest. One of my favorite 90’s groups, let alone on my Mount Rushmore of hip hop groups. Check out the other Native Tongues acts, their ideals are eye opening and poignant, to this day.
Musical Influence Award:
Alexis Korner
John Mayall
The blues God and pioneer in England. John Mayall inspired three of the “Big Four” English guitarists: Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck.
Big Mama Thornton
Arguably, there is no one more influential then Big Mama Thornton. She oozed the blues, and learned it all her own. Thornton's talent was self taught. She said “My singing comes from my experience... My own experience.” Check out her stuff, you won’t be disappointed.
Musical Excellence Award:
Jimmy Buffett
In complete honesty, this feels like a “gimmie” to me. Awarding the induction to Jimmy because of his passing, not because of his game changing yacht rock music. Jimmy created a counterculture around his music, worthy of inclusion.
MC5
LOVE TO SEE IT. The MC5 are a pioneer in the world of punk rock and protest songs. The sheer rawness of the compositions make the hair on your neck stand at attention. I am elated to see the MC5 inducted into the Rock Hall, I wish Wayne Kramer was alive to witness it. Although, if I were a betting man, he would not attend the induction out of protest - but definitely worthy of induction.
Dionne Warwick
I love Dionne Warwick and you should too. 60’s and 70’s soul played at nauseum in my house growing up, and her music was on heavy rotation. Warwick ranks among the 40 biggest U.S. hit makers between 1955 and 1999.
Norman Whitfield
Ahmet Ertegun Award:
Suzanne de Passe
All that being said, there are a number of worthy bands or artists that are still not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. My snub list is below:
Thin Lizzy
Pixies
King Crimson
Jane’s Addiction
Grand Funk Railroad
America
Blue Oyster Cult
Boston
Canned Heat
Foghat
J. Giles Band
Huey Lewis & The News
Harry Nilsson
Phish
Ted Nugent/The Amboy Dukes
Steppenwolf
Stephen Stills
Ten Years After
Weezer
The White Stripes
Warren Zevon
What do all these bands/artists have in common? They rock and roll. Period. Yet they are not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Let’s keep the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to rock and roll.