The 2023 nominees for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame were recently announced. It represents diversity in terms of genre, race, and sex which is something the RRHOF has been trying to do lately. Fans can vote for up to 5 nominees daily until April 28th. It doesn't make a big dent in the official voting, but they do pay attention to who is and isn't getting the votes to be in top 5. Fans helped Duran Duran, Dolly Parton, and Judas Priest get in last year. Here's my rundown of the list. Link at the bottom to cast your vote.
Kate Bush - is an English singer, songwriter, record producer and dancer. Interestingly her 1979 Tour of Life is credited with being the first to use a wireless microphone headset. Her 1985 song "Running Up That Hill" was featured on Stranger Things in 2022 which saw its popularity rebound including and AMA nomination for best rock song and numerous cover versions being produced (my favorite coming from a band called Loveless). I honestly don't know much about her body of work, but she has a good chance given the resurgence of this one single alone, and given that Prince, Coldplay, Cher, Elton John and others have been public about admiring her work.Sheryl Crow - first nomination; she's a crossover pop/rock/country star. Her first two albums in the 90's were big hits on the radio and in car rides to go camping in my family. Since then she's had a few other hits and done a lot of collaborations. She's sold 50 Million albums worldwide and won 9 Grammys and been nominated 32 times. I think she deserves it, but not first ballot with so many other deserving candidates.
Missy Elliott - first nomination in first year of eligibility; her solo career started in 1997 with Supa Dupa Fly and hit a peak in the early 2000s with the singles "Get Ur Freak On," "One Minute Man," and "Work It." She has sold 40 million albums and is the top selling female rap artist. Since then she has been a successful writer and producer, largely behind the scenes until the Super Bowl appearance in 2015 that introduced her to a younger audience. Again, I would say that I wouldn't put her in as a first ballot candidate, but being the first female rap/hip-hop artist nominated, I'd say she has a pretty good shot.
Iron Maiden - since 1975 they've released 17 studio albums and sold 130 million albums worldwide and over 200 million counting singles, compilations, and videos. They are one of the most popular metal bands in the world and are hailed as one of the best live acts. They have an iconic mascot, frontman, and catalogue that has influenced hundreds of bands. They should have been in the RRHOF long ago.
Joy Division/New Order - first nomination; The English band Joy Division only released two albums, but were pioneers of post-punk and goth music influencing bands including the Cure and U2. After the suicide of singer Ian Curtis in 1980 the band members formed New Order. Adding keyboard and electronics, they continued to be an influence in the 80's including popular song "Blue Monday" which has been covered and remade many times. They're icons in their scene, but I wouldn't put them in this year's top 5 nominees.
Cyndi Lauper - first nomination; Her debut album She's So Unusual turns 40 this year and since then she has put out 10 more albums and won Grammys, Emmys, Tonys, AMAs, Billboard awards, and VMAs. Today she is an activist, still writing songs, and still performing without much lost of her powerful four octave range. She has my vote and could possibly enter the WWE Hall of Fame this year as well, or they might wait until the 40th anniversary of Wrestlemania next year.
George Michael - between his pop group Wham! and his solo career, George is one of the highest selling artists of all time with over 125 million albums sold (53 million certified as a single artist). He's had 8 number one songs in America and was the top played artist on British radio from 1984-2004. He had some famous arrests, but had largely turned his reputation around and become an LGBTQ+ activist and HIV/AIDS charity fundraiser. He is huge in the pop world, but I wouldn't give him the RRHOF this year.
Willie Nelson - first nomination; How is he not in yet? He recorded his first album in 1962 and is now one of the most recognizable and prolific country artists ever. He's also been in 30 movies and is an iconic activist supporting farmers, animal rights, LGBTQ+, and marijuana rights among other things. You could argue that he's not a rock artist, but as one of the main artists creating outlaw country, and smoking more pot than anyone except maybe Snoop Dogg, he's definitely bad-ass. Put him in yesterday.
Rage Against the Machine - Rage has been nominated several times since their eligibility in 2017, but have so far come up short. At 16 million albums sold they are far short of other nominees, however, they were one of the best bands to fuse rap and rock. They influenced many artists in nu-metal and beyond. They have spawned several successful spinoff bands as well including Audioslave and Prophets of Rage. Last summer there were some reunion shows with Zach, but touring stalled after he ruptured his Achilles tendon. Due to their innovative blend of hip hop and metal, their several notable singles, and their influence politically and stylistically, I would put them in.
Soundgarden - Their sales are similar to Rage, they likewise are synonymous with a subgenre (grunge; alternative metal), and have spawned successful spinoff bands. They had more longevity and two more studio albums. They were one of the first Seattle grunge bands to sign to a major label and their middle albums were their peak with songs like "Jesus Christ Pose," "Outshined," "Spoonman," and "Blackhole Sun." I am probably biased as a fan, but they have been praised for their technical abilities as well as their dynamic song structures. Chris Cornell is also one of the best rock vocalists of all time. I would put them in this year.
The Spinners - Who? They're an American R&B group that was on Motown in the 60's and later Atlantic Records. In the early 70's they charted five top 100 singles including "I'll Be Around" that reached number 3 and "Then Came You" which hit number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. They continued to chart in the 80s and tour for decades. I don't think they are nearly as popular and influential as other Motown artists so I wouldn't give them the spot.
A Tribe Called Quest - QTip, Phife Dawg, Jarobi White, and DJ Ali Shaheed Muhammad. They are undoubtedly talented and seen as pioneers of alternative hip hop. They received the Billboard Founders award in 2005. But are they RRHOF material? They intelligently address social issues and raised awareness of Islam when QTip converted. They fused jazz and hip-hop, helped spark the career of Busta Rhymes, and influenced countless others. However, they are strictly hip-hop and most people wouldn't be able to name one of their songs. I don't see them getting in this year.
The White Stripes - first nomination in first year of eligibility; Emerging out of the garage rock revival of the late 90's out of Detroit, the Duo consisting of Jack and Meg White were a married couple that pretended to be siblings, and then divorced just as their career was taking off. Their music has sold millions and won multiple Grammys including three for Best Alternative Album. Songs like "Seven Nation Army" can be heard in stadiums around the country. Songs like "Blue Orchid," "My Doorbell," and "The Hardest Button to Button" are unique and so catchy. In late 2007 they went on hiatus and never really reunited. Meg didn't have a passion for the music, but Jack has gone on to have a successful solo career and is regarded for his technical knowledge, musical knowledge, and guitar playing talent. I'm a fan of theirs, and they are well known, but I don't think they are big enough for a first ballot entry.
Warren Zevon - first nomination; he studied classical music and then quit high school to become a folk singer. He worked and toured with the Everly Brothers. Later he became friends with Fleetwood Mac and went solo. His third album broke big behind "Werewolves of London." He has released other records and while he often was well received by critics, they didn't see big commercial success. He has written for other artists and been championed by celebrities like David Letterman. I don't think his influence is great enough for induction this year.
So my vote goes to Iron Maiden, Cyndi Lauper, Willie Nelson, Rage Against the Machine and Soundgarden. Make your vote count. You can vote daily from now until April 28 at vote.rockhall.com
