The Rock Hall’s 50(ish) Biggest Snubs

This is a list of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s fifty-three biggest snubs to date. These artists should have been inducted long ago.

Check out our larger series on the Rock Hall’s backlog of artists deserving of induction. This list contains the most egregious of the snubs. They are listed in alphabetical order (by last name for solo artists who use their real name). Only five artists to begin their careers after 1981 made this list, as a large factor in determining the biggest snubs is length of wait (Surefire hall-of-famers like The White Stripes and Lauryn Hill simply have not had to wait very long, while many others who should have been locks to get in are still waiting). This, combined with top-notch credentials based on the Rock Hall’s requirements of induction, led to the following 53 artists.

For reference, artists are eligible after their first commercial release turns 25 years old, so an artist who released music in 1999 becomes eligible this year.

The only other criterion for induction “include the influence and significance of the artists’ contributions to the development and perpetuation of rock and roll.”

Factors that voters might consider when evaluating “influence and significance” might include
a) influence (by clear mimicry, adaption, and/or use of style and sound; or by an artist or those close to them stating said artist’s influences),
b) career longevity and consistent output,
c) popularity (as measured by charting singles, record sales, awards, etc.),
d) critical praise and awards,
e) invention or ingenuity (of rock music styles [which I call musicality], instrumentation, performing, fashion, etc.), and
d) a voter’s own subjective aural attraction to an artist’s work.

Without further ado, here are the 53 biggest snubs, in alphabetical order:

America   Genre(s): Rock, Pop Rock, Soft Rock
America released their first album in 1971. Scoring a number-one hit with their first single, “A Horse with No Name,” America is also known for number-one hit “Sister Golden Hair.” Originally a trio, the band was one of the most popular artists in the 1970s and helped define the soft rock subgenre. With an extensive discography, longevity, and success, America are likely to be enshrined in the Rock Hall.

Bad Company   Genre(s): Hard Rock, Blues Rock
Bad Company released their first music in 1974. One of the most critically and commercially popular rock bands from the mid-1970s to early 1990s, Bad Company had six albums certified platinum or higher, plus another three gold albums. With great success and popularity, longevity, and an extensive discography, Bad Company should be in the Rock Hall.

Big Mama Thornton (real name Willie Mae Thornton)  Genre(s): Blues, R&B
Big Mama Thornton released her first recording, the famous tune “Hound Dog” – that most think is an Elvis original – in 1952, making her eligible for the Hall in 1978. An influential figure in the realm of blues, many of her songs have become staples of the genre. She also influenced Janis Joplin, among others. Her lack of recognition has been well-documented and her induction into the Rock Hall is well past-due.

Big Star   Genre(s): Rock, Power Pop
Big Star released their first album in 1972. Regarded as one of the most important cult artists in rock history, Big Star initially released three albums their record labels poorly marketed but that eventually found their way to influence many other artists. With catchy hooks and later development of darker lyrics to their power pop sound, Big Star influenced many alternative rock groups including R.E.M., The Replacements, as well as KISS and others. Their power pop/alternative influence also later extended to pop punk. Critical acclaim and extensive influence should land Big Star in the Rock Hall.

Mary J. Blige  Genre(s): R&B, Hip-Hop  Odds of Induction: Should Be In Already
Mary J. Blige released her first music in 1992. Called the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, six of her first seven albums have been certified multi-platinum, and she has another two platinum albums and seven gold albums (including compilations). She has been credited with melding hip-hop and R&B and with starting the trend of having rappers as featured artists on songs. A host of other artists have cited her as an influence and she has also been recognized as one of the greatest singers in music history. Her musicality, success, longevity, influence, and legacy make her a lock for induction.

blink-182   Genre(s): Punk Pop, Alternative Rock
The only artist on this list to start their careers post-1990, blink-182 released their first music in 1994, though their first studio album came in 1995. Credited with popularizing punk pop music, the band has released six albums certified gold, platinum, or multi-platinum in several countries, among their international success. Influencing practically every punk pop or indie rock artist to come after them, including Avril Lavigne, Owl City, Best Coast, Good Charlotte, Panic! At the Disco, and more, the band is known for their catchy melodies and lead singer Mark Hoppus’ vocal intonations. Their musicality, success, solid discography, and influence should have made them first-ballot hall-of-famers, but they have yet to be nominated in four years of eligibility.

Blue Öyster Cult   Genre(s): Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Psychedelic Rock
Blue Öyster Cult released their first music in 1972. Known for their hit song “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” the band is one of the most influential artists on the heavy metal subgenre. With a near thirty-year original run, Blue Öyster Cult has influenced countless other artists, including 2021 Rock Hall nominee Iron Maiden, Metallica, Ratt, Twisted Sister, Alice in Chains, Minutemen, Queens of the Stone Age, and more. Longevity and influence should make the case for Blue Öyster Cult’s induction to the Rock Hall.

Bob Marley and the Wailers   Genre(s): Reggae, Ska, Rocksteady
Bob Marley and the Wailers released their first single in 1962. They are one of the pioneering groups of reggae music – they helped popularize reggae music around the world and influenced their contemporaries, plus reggae, ska, and reggae-adjacent groups to come after them. Bob Marley was inducted to the Rock Hall as a solo artist in 1994 and it’s unclear why the whole band was not nominated and inducted along with him.

Boston   Genre(s): Hard Rock, Arena Rock
Boston released their first music in 1976. Their debut, self-titled album is considered one of the greatest rock albums of all time and is one of the highest-selling albums in music history. In addition to four other platinum or multi-platinum albums and number-one hit “Amanda,” Boston is noted for their guitar harmonies and layering, as well as original lead singer Brad Delp’s vocal ability. Their debut album also changed the course of rock history, leading labels to seek more bands with a similar sound as Boston. With musicality, influence, and incredible popularity and success, Boston is missing from the Rock Hall.

Bread   Genre(s): Soft Rock
Bread released their first music in 1969. Masters of songwriting, all but their first of six albums are certified gold. Despite only being active between 1969 and 1977, with a break in the middle, the group charted ten top-15 singles, including number-one hit “Make It with You.” Friction between bandmates ultimately shortened the lifespan of Bread. The standard for soft rock, Bread should be in the Rock Hall.

Roy Brown   Genre(s): Blues, R&B, Rock n’ Roll
Roy Brown appears to have had his first commercial releases in 1947, making him technically eligible for the Hall in 1973 (the first inductions were in 1986). Best known for his songs “Butcher Pete, part 1” and “Good Rockin Tonight” (Wynonie Harris’ version is one of the Songs That Shaped Rock n’ Roll), Brown’s singing style influenced B.B. King, Elvis Presley, James Brown, Jackie Wilson, and Little Richard – among others. Brown also had career longevity in addition to popular songs and influence, releasing music consistently until 1972. Already in the Blues Hall of Fame, Brown deserves induction in the Rock Hall.

B’z   Genre(s): Hard Rock, Rock, Pop Rock, Pop, New Wave
B’z released their first music in 1988. One of the highest-selling artists of all time and the highest-selling artist from Japan, the duo have released certified albums almost exclusively. Known for their blending of styles, B’z have influenced the development of rock music in Southeast Asia, and especially in their native Japan. If the Rock Hall wishes to be inclusive of rock from around the world, they need to induct B’z ASAP.

Captain Beefheart (real name Don Van Vliet) Genre(s): Rock, Avant-Rock
Captain Beefheart, who performed with a rotating ensemble called the Magic Band, released his first single in 1966. Not a success in charting music, Captain Beefheart is nevertheless one of the most influential artists to ever make rock music through his creativity, imagination, and unconventionality. Though he was known to be volatile and sometimes insufferable, with both critical acclaim for his music and a near-endless list of artists he has influenced, it’s a wonder he is not already in the Rock Hall.

Mariah Carey  Genre(s): Pop, R&B
Mariah Carey released her first music in 1991. Eight of her first twelve albums have been certified multi-platinum in multiple countries, with the other four being certified platinum in multiple countries. She is one of the best-selling artists of all time, is considered an icon, and is recognized for her incredible voice and vocal range. A fun fact, she was the first artist to have a number-one single in the physical, digital, and streaming ages of music. Vocally and musically, she has influenced a great number of artists. Like Mary J. Blige above her, her musicality, success, longevity, influence, and legacy make her a lock for induction (she’s also already had most of the other highest honors achievable for American artists).

The Carpenters   Genre(s): Pop, Soft Rock
The Carpenters released their first music in 1969. The brother-sister duo is one of the highest-selling artists of all time, and while their music is more pop than rock, their music has influenced rock music as much as any. Artist they influenced include Michael Jackson, Sonic Youth, and The Cranberries. Karen Carpenter’s story is also important in bringing awareness to eating disorders. With an extensive and popular discography, and substantial influence, The Carpenters are overdue for Rock Hall induction.

Cher  Genre(s): Pop, Rock, Disco, Dance
Cher released her first music in 1965 (both solo and with her then partner Sonny), having her greatest solo success from the late 1980s through the early 2000s. Known as the Goddess of Pop, her accolades are too numerous to mention. One example: she is the only solo artist to have a number-one hit in seven consecutive decades. her music is recognized around the world, and like the two women mentioned above her, her musicality, success, longevity, influence, and legacy make her a lock for induction.

Chubby Checker (real name Ernest Evans)  Genre(s): Rock n’ Roll, R&B
Chubby Checker’s first commercial release came in 1959, making him eligible for the Hall in 1985. He is best known for top hits “The Twist,” “Pony Time,” and “Limbo Rock” along with the dances that went with each song. Evans’ influence on Rock n’ Roll culture is substantial for his popularization of Rock n’ Roll dances. He protested outside the 2002 Rock Hall induction for believing he had been snubbed for the Hall up to that point – a snub which continues through today.

Phil Collins   Genre(s): Pop Rock, Pop
Phil Collins released his first solo music in 1981. Already in the hall as a member of Genesis, Collins has also had an immensely successful solo career. Known for international hit “In the Air Tonight” and the greatest Disney soundtrack of all time (Tarzan, for those of you under a rock), all eight of his studio albums have been certified gold, platinum, and multi-platinum in multiple countries, along with that Tarzan soundtrack, a live album, and two of his compilation albums. One of the most influential drummers of all time, Collins is also one of the most divisive pop artists of all time. His incredible popularity has earned him many haters, similar to how many sports fans root against Tom Brady because he wins a lot. However, he has also influenced many artists outside of drummers, including Kanye West, Alicia Keys, Beyoncé, Lorde, and The 1975, among others. Already in the Songwriters Hall of Fame, his massive success and influence should have him in the Rock Hall.

Jim Croce   Genre(s): Folk, Soft Rock
Jim Croce released his first album in 1966. He does not have the longevity typically seen in Rock Hall inductees due to a plane crash that ended his life at 30 years old. Best known for his number-one hits “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” and “Time In A Bottle,” the latter a song about mortality released posthumously, Croce was only just coming into the prime of his career and was already a popular figure. Already inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Croce deserves enshrinement in the Rock Hall, which would help fill a gap of soft rock and folk rock artists in the Hall.

Dick Dale   Genre(s): Surf Rock
Dick Dale released his first single in 1958, making him eligible for the Hall in 1984. Dale is regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, influencing the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Pete Townshend, Eddie Van Halen and Brian May, along with contemporaries the Beach Boys and Jan & Dean through his use of reverberation, amplification, and tremolo picking technique. Though “Let’s Go Trippin’” is already one of the Songs That Shaped Rock n’ Roll, Dale’s recording of “Miserlou” should be on that list as well. It’s shocking Dale is not already in the Rock Hall.

Nick Drake   Genre(s): Folk, Folk Rock
Nick Drake released his first of three albums in 1969. Drake died at just 26, and though his music was hardly successful in his lifetime, it has achieved widespread posthumous acclaim. With a unique guitar technique and vocal style, and regarded as an excellent lyricist, Drake has influenced many artists, including The Cure, R.E.M., Aimee Mann, Beck, The Black Crowes, and Kate Bush. Despite a limited discography, his progression of folk rock, popularity, critical acclaim, and influence should lead him to the Rock Hall.

Foreigner   Genre(s): Hard Rock, Arena Rock
Foreigner released their first music in 1977. One of the most popular artists of the late 1970s and 1980s, Foreigner released six straight albums certified platinum or higher, along with nine top-ten singles among sixteen top-40 hits. They are one of the highest-selling artists of all time and defined arena rock for fifteen years. Success, popularity, and expanding the popularity of rock music should have Foreigner in the Rock Hall.

Connie Francis   Genre(s): Rock n’ Roll, Country, Pop, many more
Connie Francis released her first single in 1955, making her eligible for the Hall in 1981. Connie Francis became one of the world’s biggest pop stars, recording many musical styles in several languages. Gloria Estefan has advocated for her induction, calling her “the first female pop star worldwide.” With many recognizable songs, an extensive discography, and influence on many artists, Francis should be in the Rock Hall.

Guitar Slim (real name Eddie Jones)   Genre(s): Blues, Rock n’ Roll
Guitar Slim appears to have his first commercial release circa 1951 or 1952, making him eligible for the Hall well before it was formed. Jones’ career lacks longevity, as he died at just 32, but his influence is undeniable – a list that includes Ray Charles, Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, Frank Zappa, Jimi Hendrix, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Most notably, these artists were influenced by Jones’ experimentation with guitar distortion, which has shaped Rock music beyond measure. Guitar Slim’s song “The Things That I Used to Do” is one of the Hall’s Songs That Shaped Rock n’ Roll.

Wynonie Harris  Genre(s): R&B, Rock n’ Roll
Wynonie Harris had his first commercial release with Lucky Millinder and His Orchestra in 1944 and his first solo release in 1948. Best known for “Who Threw the Whiskey in the Well” with the aforementioned orchestra, his cover of “Good Rockin’ Tonight” (the first solo release), and “All She Wants to Do Is Rock,” Harris is considered a Founding-Father-type figure in Rock n’ Roll music. He influenced many artists with his voice and stage gyrations, but none more so than Elvis Presley, whom Harris’ manager called “a mild version of Wynonie.” There is no reason, outside of extraordinary controversy (of which none exist), that one of the founders of the genre should not be in the Hall.

Donny Hathaway   Genre(s): R&B, Soul, Gospel, Jazz
Donny Hathaway released his first solo single and first album in 1970. Renowned as one of the greatest soul singers of all time, Hathaway was the standard for R&B and soul in the 1970s. His success would likely have continued if not for not for his death. Despite a shortened career, Hathaway has influenced an array of artists including Alicia Keys, Aaliyah, Common, and Amy Winehouse. With success and influence, Donny Hathaway is likely for induction to the Rock Hall.

INXS   Genre(s): New Wave
INXS released their first music in 1980. One of the highest-selling artists of all time, the band has released many gold, platinum, and multi-platinum albums in multiple countries, including Kick, which is considered a top-tier rock album. As the face of New Wave, they have also influenced artists like Maroon 5 and The 1975, among others. With incredible success, longevity, an extensive discography, musicality, and influence, INXS is missing from the Rock Hall.

Iron Maiden   Genre(s): Heavy Metal
Iron Maiden released their first EP in 1979. Known for their dual guitar work, rangy vocals, and live concerts, the band is one of the highest-selling artists of all time. All but two of their sixteen studio albums have been certified gold or higher in multiple countries, among incredible international success. The group has also influenced many artists, including Metallica, Avenged Sevenfold, and Slipknot, and they are oft-referenced in other bands’ songs. Nominated for the Hall this year, Iron Maiden should be in already.

Jan & Dean   Genre(s): Surf Rock, Punk Rock
Jan & Dean had their first commercial release in 1958, making them eligible for the Hall in 1984. The duo consistently charted for a decade, were part of what many critics and historians consider the first rock music video, and are often credited with laying the groundwork for punk music. The Rock Hall has a history of excluding punk music, which might explain Jan & Dean’s current absence from enshrinement.

King Crimson   Genre(s): Progressive Rock, Avant-Rock
King Crimson released their first music in 1969. One of the earliest and most influential progressive rock artists, King Crimson have an extensive discography known for incorporating a variety of styles and genres into rock music and constantly experimenting with the genre. King Crimson have influenced many artists including Rush, Genesis, Yes, Tool, and more. They have also influenced other artists to push the boundaries of rock music and form other subgenres, like progressive metal.

Kraftwerk   Genre(s): Electronic, Synth-Pop, Electro-pop
German group Kraftwerk released their first album in 1970. One of the first electronic music groups, Kraftwerk are the first group to have major success in the genre. Their sound, precision, and instrumentation have had an incredible influence on the evolution of pop music. Aside from general influence, they have influenced artists such as Joy Division, New Order, Blondie, LCD Soundsystem, and more. With helping establish and popularize a genre, and with incredible influence, Kraftwerk should be a lock for the Hall, and would help expand its non-English-speaking inductees.

Fela Kuti (real name Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti)   Genre(s): Afrobeat
Fela Kuti released his first album in 1969. Kuti, along with drummer Tony Allen and others, invented the genre of Afrobeat, which combines or fuses a variety of genres including rock, jazz, salsa, funk, highlife, and others. His music was also fused with political activism against the oppressive, corrupt, and violent Nigerian government, for which he was often jailed. He also advocated for human rights and criticized other groups and countries, including the U.S., for corruption, oppression, and other human rights violations. An incredible influence on the progression and expansion of rock music in both sound and message, Kuti is long overdue for induction into the Rock Hall.

Love   Genre(s): Psychedelic Rock, Folk
Love had their first releases in 1966. With an album consistently ranked one of the greatest of all time (Forever Changes), and an influence on many artists, ranging from Led Zeppelin, Echo and the Bunnymen, The Doors, The Rolling Stones, and Siouxsie and the Banshees, it’s surprising Love is not already in the Rock Hall. One of the first multiracial rock groups, and a group that promoted peace and love in true counterculture fashion, Love provided an example of harmony in a strenuous period in America. Love’s music and cultural importance should make them a lock for the Hall.

MC5   Genre(s): Hard Rock, Garage Rock, Punk
MC5 released their first single in 1966. One of the foremost hard rock groups of the 1970s, MC5 helped to establish punk rock with their radical politics and style of play. Known for their energetic performing and garage rock sound, MC5 have been nominated for the Rock Hall five times. With influence, rock progression, and critical support, MC5 are likely headed to the Hall.

The Meters   Genre(s): Funk
The Meters released their first album in 1969. The group is considered one of the founders of the funk genre and have been nominated for the Rock Hall four times already. Best known for their hit song “Cissy Strut,” The Meters deserve induction to the Rock Hall for their development of funk music and influence on a wide variety of artists.

The Monkees   Genre(s): Rock, Pop, Power Pop
The Monkees started their careers with two number-one hits in 1966. One of the most-mentioned bands for snubs from Rock Hall induction, The Monkees formed as part of a television show to capitalize on Beatlemania. They influenced many early punk groups (including the Sex Pistols), set the stage for the music-video industry, and gave an example for most every boy-band type of group to have come since. So far blocked from the Rock Hall likely due to their origins as a ready-made product (Glenn A. Baker, author of Monkeemania: The True Story of the Monkees, wrote that many musicians and rock critics were jealous or annoyed that The Monkees “had success handed to them on a silver plate”) or because many viewed them as just a Beatles knock-off, the Monkees’ popularity and influence cannot be ignored forever.

Morrissey (full name Steven Patrick Morrissey)   Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Indie Rock
Morrissey released his first solo music in 1988. Known for his vocal style and lyrical themes, Morrissey is regarded as one of the most influential British musicians of all time, with popularity and influence extending around the globe. He has influenced artists like Oasis, Blur, Suede, Jeff Buckley, The Killers, and more. Morissey is also an LGBTQ icon and has near-universal critical acclaim. His success, influence, and longevity (with The Smiths and solo) make him a perfect match for the Rock Hall, sometimes controversial comments aside.

New York Dolls   Genre(s): Hard Rock, Punk
New York Dolls released their first music in 1973. While not commercially successful in their original run, the band is regarded as one of the most influential cult artists in rock history, especially on the development of punk music. Their first three albums are highly-regarded by critics and influenced artists like Sex Pistols, KISS, The Ramones, Guns N’ Roses, and The Smiths, among others. The band has influenced rock culture as much as rock music, as their style heavily influenced punk and glam-rock artists. On the 2021 ballot, New York Dolls should be inducted to the Rock Hall.

Harry Nilsson   Genre(s): Rock, Pop
Harry Nilsson released his first singles in 1964. Regarded highly by his contemporaries, especially The Beatles, Nilsson is credited as one of the artists to bridge the psychedelic rock sound to the more singer-songwriter style of rock in the 1970s. One of the first artists to overdub vocals, and someone who experimented with sounds and melodies from other styles of music, Nilsson is considered an elite songwriter. Nilsson was also popular to listeners, despite rarely touring or having large performances.

Ozzy Osbourne (real name John Michael Osbourne)   Genre(s): Heavy Metal, Hard Rock
Ozzy Osbourne released his first solo music in 1980. After being fired from Black Sabbath (with whom he was inducted to the Rock Hall), Osbourne has gone on to be one of the most successful heavy metal artists of all time as a solo artist. Having released an incredible number of gold, platinum, and multi-platinum albums, along with his work with Black Sabbath, he is said to be the “Godfather of Heavy Metal.” An iconic figure in rock music, Osbourne should already be in the Rock Hall as a solo artist.

REO Speedwagon   Genre(s): Rock
REO Speedwagon released their first music in 1971. One of the most successful artists of the 1970s and 1980s, the band has five albums certified platinum at least once and had 13 top-40 hits, including number-one hits “Keep on Loving You” and Can’t Fight This Feeling.” With incredible combined success and longevity, it’s surprising REO Speedwagon is not already in the Rock Hall.

Scorpions   Genre(s): Hard Rock, Heavy Metal
Scorpions released their first album in 1972. One of the most popular heavy metal groups of all time, Scorpions have found critical and commercial international success and longevity, including their number-one hit “Wind of Change” among many platinum and gold albums. Along with an embrace of music videos as a means of marketing their music and style, the band has influenced many artists including Guns N’ Roses, Mötley Crüe, Def Leppard, Metallica, Megadeth, and others. Their immense success, longevity and extensive discography, and influence should make Scorpions a lock for the Rock Hall.

The Shangri-Las   Genre(s): Pop, Punk
The Shangri-Las released their first single in 1963. A cross between bubblegum pop and an early melodramatic punk sound (with use of non-musical sound mixed in), the all-girl group was one of the most popular artists in the U.S. in the 1960s, especially for teens. The group had incredible influence on future artists, a list that includes The New York Dolls, Blondie, The Go-Gos, Pink Floyd, Amy Winehouse, Lana Del Rey, and others. With chart success and influence, and the ability to help alleviate the Hall’s current lack of women and women-led groups, The Shangri-Las should be a lock for the Hall.

The Sonics   Genre(s): Garage Rock, Rock, Punk
The Sonics released their first single in 1964. Best known for their song “Have Love Will Travel,” many consider The Sonics to be one of the originators of punk music with their raw sound, simple chord progressions, tonal aggression, and distortion. Influencing early punk groups and later artists like The White Stripes, The Sonics deserve enshrinement in the Rock Hall.

Sparks   Genre(s): Pop, Avant-Rock, Synth-Pop, more
Sparks released their first album in 1971. Known for their international hit “This Town Ain’t Big Enough for the Both of Us,” two-brother band Sparks have an immense discography and incredible longevity. Noted for their experimentation with timing, interesting lyrics, lead singer Russel Mael’s rangy vocals, and progression of what is considered pop music, the duo have influenced the creation of many subgenres. Artists they have influenced also include Joy Division, New Order, Depeche Mode, The Smiths, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Sonic Youth, Def Leppard, Nirvana, Björk, and more. With extensive longevity, influence, and musical progression and style, Sparks are a lock for the Rock Hall.

Styx   Genre(s): Progressive Rock, Hard Rock, Pop Rock
Styx released their first music in 1972. One of the most popular rock groups of the 1970s and early 1980s, Styx released five straight platinum (or better) albums, among several other gold albums, as well as eight top-ten hits and sixteen top-40 hits. Great critical and commercial popularity and a solid discography should lead Styx to Rock Hall induction.

Sweet   Genre(s): Bubblegum Pop, Glam Rock, Hard Rock
Sweet released their first single in 1968. One of the most successful groups of the 1970s, stringing together 13 top-20 hits, Sweet evolved from Bubblegum pop to hard rock. The group is best known for their international hits “Little Willy,” “Ballroom Blitz,” and “Fox on the Run.” With great success and a unique sound, Sweet are likely for induction to the Rock Hall.

Thin Lizzy   Genre(s): Hard Rock, Blues Rock, Heavy Metal
Thin Lizzy released their first single in 1970. Known for their hit “The Boys Are Back in Town,” Thin Lizzy are one of the earliest and most influential heavy metal groups. The list of bands they have influenced includes Judas Priest, Def Leppard, 2021 Rock Hall nominee Iron Maiden, Metallica, Alice In Chains, and others. With international success, renowned guitar work, and heavy influence, Thin Lizzy deserve to be in the Rock Hall.

Three Dog Night   Genre(s): Rock
Three Dog night released their first music in 1968. The band is one of the most successful rock artists in music history: They had twenty-one straight top-40 hits from 1969 to 1975, and all but one of their thirteen albums in that time frame is certified gold (including one platinum). Their 20^th Century Masters collection also went platinum in 1999. One knock on the group is that they did not write most of their songs, though that’s true of many artists. Already in the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, Three Dog Night deserve a spot in the Rock Hall.

Tommy James and the Shondells   Genre(s): Psychedelic Rock, Rock, Power Pop
Tommy James and the Shondells released their first single in 1964. Known for their hit songs “Hanky Panky,” “Crimson and Clover,” and “I Think We’re Alone Now,” the group had fourteen top-40 singles in their career. A popular group for other musicians to cover as well, many artists have turned their songs into their own massive hits, including “I Think We’re Alone Now” for Tiffany and “Mony Mony” for Billy Idol.

War   Genre(s): Funk, Soul, Rock, Jazz
War released their first music in 1970. A preeminent funk-soul group known for moving through and mixing multiple genres, and their multi-ethnic makeup, War had a long and successful run in the 1970s and 1980s. Perhaps best known to millennials for their hit “Low Rider,” which was used as the theme song for the TV show George Lopez, War’s musicality, longevity, and discography make them a good candidate for Rock Hall induction.

Mary Wells   Genre(s): R&B, Pop, Soul
Mary Wells released her first single in 1960. Wells was an immensely influential figure in popularizing R&B and Motown, and blurring the color lines on popular radio in the 1960s. Wells scored a number-one hit with “My Guy” and consistently charted through 1970, including a string of top-40 hits. Wells was nominated for the Hall on its inaugural ballot in 1986 and again in 1987, testifying to her influence. Wells should be in the Hall already.

“Weird Al” Yankovich (real name Alfred Matthew Yankovic)   Genre(s): Parody, Comedy
Weird Al released his first single in 1979. In reinventing other artist’s songs, Yankovich has influenced a wide variety of artists, both in music and in other pop culture, including The Lonely Island, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and many of the artists he has parodied. Known for working directly with artists for permission to parody their songs, he has released numerous gold, platinum, and multi-platinum albums in his 40-plus-year career. He is also credited with continuing to popularize music videos – on MTV and later for their transition to social media sites, especially YouTube. Yankovich’s musicality, incredible success, influence, extensive discography, and longevity should guarantee him a spot in the Rock Hall.

Honorable Mentions

Joy Division and New Order have recently been nominated as one combined artist, despite being two separate projects with different sounds. I support their separate nominations over a joint nomination. Recently inducted artists for awards or early influence categories like Judas Priest, LL Cool J, and Link Wray also deserve to be inducted as performers. It is unclear if the awards categories are more prestigious than being inducted as a performer.

Just missing the list (with bolded artist with priority over the others) were Chic, Patti LaBelle, Meat Loaf, XTC, Bryan Adams, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Toto, Bauhaus, Black Flag, Discharge, Bad Religion, Mötley Crüe, Cyndi Lauper, The Smiths, Sade, Faith No More, Megadeth, Salt-N-Pepa, Sting, The Offspring, Goo Goo Dolls, Indigo Girls, Jane’s Addiction, Pixies, Fugazi, A Tribe Called Quest, Lenny Kravitz, Alice In Chains, The Cranberries, Smashing Pumpkins, Alanis Morissette, Sublime, Tool, Beck, Snoop Dogg, Wu-Tang Clan, Aaliyah, Dave Matthews Band, Korn, Nas, Brandy, Oasis, Usher, Weezer, Garbage, Incubus, Erykah Badu, Matchbox Twenty, The White Stripes, New Found Glory, Death Cab for Cutie, DMX, Lauryn Hill, Muse, Snow Patrol, System of A Down, and Train.