Hello, once again! Seems like only yesterday - actually it was 16 months ago I did something like this, for obvious reasons of course. But, like the others I'm definitely not used to doing an inductees list in the Spring! I almost didn't even do a write-up, since I'm very much on the same page as most of the Rock Hall watchers. A lot have written them very well, stating their reasons (sometimes obvious) as well as mixing it with trivia and all. So, really...I can't compete. But here goes....
There are three that could be in line for the Clyde McPhatter award (2-time inductees). Gonna start with six predictions, and the usual "should there be a 7th..."
JAY-Z - For sure he will be a 1st ballot inductee. I've said it before, he's arguably the most influential/impacting rap/hip-hop star in the last 25 years - and maybe the biggest in the industry as a performer. Along with a straight catalog of hit albums, live shows, business interests (he's the first billionaire hip-hop musician), and connections, he can't go wrong. Oh and I don't want to leave out him being married to Beyoncé, making them the power couple in music at the moment. As Alex Voltaire pointed out, he doesn't seem to be enthused or excited about getting in the Rock Hall. Still, I can picture one heck of a performance coming from him if there was an induction ceremony (and of course if he showed up!).
TINA TURNER - I'm not going to get into why she should be inducted, or rather, why she should've been in a long time ago as a solo artist. Trivia: did you know that she attended the same high school as Chuck Berry, Arthur Ashe, Dick Gregory and Robert Guiallme?
CAROLE KING - It would be very perfect to get her in on the 50th anniversary year of her legendary album, Tapestry. And her great career as a performer. I'm sure her Kennedy Center performance from a few years ago is still fresh in the voters' heads.
DIONNE WARWICK - This is pretty much where it all stops as to where the RHWs agree on. Most of us, if not all, want Dionne in. But a lot of us are not sure (myself included) if she'll get in on her first ballot appearance. When I first saw the ballot, I knew for sure I was going to include her on my inductees list. Usually I don't keep my word on sayings like that ("I'm going to put them on my final inductee predictions list when that time comes!"). Voters may see her as a female legend who is long overdue like Carole and Tina, or they'll look at her as that "Psychic Friends" lady. Or they'll just vote for somebody who they feel is more worthy. And we all agree - this is a very competitive all-star ballot, which makes things fun yet challenging.
FELA KUTI - I'm taking a big gamble on this one. A big part of me says he's going in right away, and that's because of the huge support he's getting on the Fan Poll. Honestly, I haven't kept up real well on the polls as good as FRL and the other RHWs, and I'm well aware the DMB broke the streak last year (hopefully you know what I'm talking about 😏). I don't even know how many Rock Hall voters actually keep up with it either, but I'm thinking this kind of thing may draw more attention towards the late Fela. We'll have to see...
THE GO-GO'S - As you're probably already aware, I've definitely included a lot of women on this predictions list, and I'm very confident that these five ladies will get in now that they're on the board. As Nick pointed out, they are the most outspoken of the nominees. That could hurt them or help them. Either way, I think they have a lot of support.
-Should there be a 7th inductee-
FOO FIGHTERS - Two first-ballot inductees going in at once are rare no matter when. Unlike some of the RHWs, I don't think Dave Grohl & Co. will get in right away. Part of me says they will, part of me says they won't. In other words, I'm not so sure - so that's why I'm playing it safe, leaving them in the imaginary 7th spot. I'm actually feeling the same about Rage Against the Machine, though they've been nominated before. There's a lot of reasons that mark Dave an easy two-time inductee. Which I won't get into. The Foo Fighters are arguably the most successful post-grunge era rock band, and as somebody (forget whom) said, they are like Boyz II Men - the last great act of their genre.
There you go. Agree, disagree, don't care? Let's hear it in the comments
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