This year’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominees have been announced, and they include a bona fide country legend: Willie Nelson. Also nominated are two artists who have dabbled in country music: Sheryl Crow and Cyndi Lauper.
Finally acknowledging the tiresome complaints that only white guys with guitars make rock and roll, the Hall has made its most clarifying statement to date about the criteria for inclusion:
“Born from the collision of rhythm & blues, country and gospel, rock ‘n’ roll is a spirit that is inclusive and ever-changing. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame celebrates the sound of youth culture and honors the artists whose music connects us all.”
Here is the full list of nominees:
- Kate Bush
- Sheryl Crow
- Missy Elliott
- Iron Maiden
- Joy Division/New Order
- Cyndi Lauper
- George Michael
- Willie Nelson
- Rage Against the Machine
- Soundgarden
- The Spinners
- A Tribe Called Quest
- The White Stripes
- Warren Zevon
Let us know in the comments who you think who is this year’s most worthy nominee and why it’s Kate Bush.
Willie should at least be considered, not only because he helped bridge the worlds of outlaw country and hippie rock from the 1970’s forward, but also because of his own body of songs, including “Crazy”, “Night Life”, and “Funny How Time Slips Away”, becoming standards on either side of the fence. And of course there’s his huge 1982 crossover cover of “Always On My Mind” (which Elvis first recorded in 1972).
Sheryl Crow also should be considered for her roots-rock recordings, including “All I Wanna Do”, and “If It Makes You Happy”, to name just a few.
I would also pick The Spinners (the Detroit-turned-Philadelphia 1970’s R&B vocal group known for hits like “It’s A Shame”, “Games People Play [They Just Can’t Stop It]”), and “Rubberband Man”; Kate Bush (“Running Up That Hill”, anyone?); and the never-a-dull-moment Warren Zevon (for such ghoulish songs as “Excitable Boy” and “Poor, Poor, Pitifull Me”).
Honestly Iron Maiden not being in yet is a joke. So them for sure would be my first pick. Kate would be easily my second choice. Then the field is pretty wide open.
Willie I can see but there’s others not even nominated who I think should go in first.
No offense to Willie (or Kate Bush) but my 5 choices would be Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliott, George Michael (why isn’t he already in?), Soundgarden, and The Spinners. Crow especially should be inducted. She’s amazing.