10 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Snubs That Still Hurt

Rock and Roll is not just a genre of music; it’s an attitude, a movement, and the voice of several generations. Yet, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the pantheon that celebrates the most influential artists, producers, and engineers in rock, has left out some deserving legends.

These artists have left an indelible mark on rock music, and their absence from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is deeply felt by their fans and fellow musicians alike.

Here’s an expanded look at the 10 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame snubs that still sting for fans:

Blue Öyster Cult

Known for their iconic song “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” Blue Öyster Cult’s absence from the Hall is a mystery, especially given their influence on the heavy metal genre.

Influence: Pioneers of psychedelic and hard rock, Blue Öyster Cult crafted a sound that was both complex and catchy. Their influence extends into metal, and their live shows were legendary.
Key Tracks: “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” “Godzilla,” “Burnin’ for You.”
Legacy: Their music has been featured in countless movies and TV shows, cementing their place in pop culture.

The Guess Who

This Canadian group brought us hits like “American Woman” and “These Eyes,” yet they’ve been overlooked despite their impact on rock music.

Influence: As one of the first Canadian bands to achieve international stardom, they helped put Canadian music on the map.
Key Tracks: “American Woman,” “No Time,” “These Eyes.”
Legacy: Their sound, a mix of rock, blues, and psychedelia, was a significant influence on the rock bands that followed.

Jim Croce

With timeless classics such as “Time in a Bottle” and “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown,” Jim Croce’s songwriting genius is undeniably Hall of Fame-worthy.

Influence: A master storyteller, Croce’s folk-rock style resonated with the working class and made him a beloved figure.
Key Tracks: “Time in a Bottle,” “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown,” “Operator.”
Legacy: His poignant lyrics and timeless melodies continue to inspire songwriters today.

King Crimson

As pioneers of progressive rock, King Crimson’s innovative sound and complex compositions have inspired countless musicians.

Influence: Their debut album, “In the Court of the Crimson King,” is a cornerstone of progressive rock.
Key Tracks: “21st Century Schizoid Man,” “I Talk to the Wind,” “Epitaph.”
Legacy: Their complex compositions and musical virtuosity set a high bar for prog rock.

Steppenwolf

Credited with coining the term “heavy metal” in their hit “Born to Be Wild,” Steppenwolf’s hard-rocking sound is a notable omission from the Hall.

Influence: They brought hard rock into the mainstream with their biker anthem and were one of the first to use the term “heavy metal” in a song.
Key Tracks: “Born to Be Wild,” “Magic Carpet Ride,” “The Pusher.”
Legacy: Their music became synonymous with the counterculture movement of the 1960s.

Bad Company

Fronted by the powerful vocals of Paul Rodgers, Bad Company’s bluesy hard rock has left a lasting legacy.

Influence: With a string of hits in the 1970s, they helped define the sound of hard rock and arena rock.
Key Tracks: “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” “Bad Company,” “Shooting Star.”
Legacy: Their straightforward rock anthems are still radio staples today.

Emerson, Lake & Palmer

This supergroup combined rock and classical music in a way that was both groundbreaking and popular, deserving recognition.

Influence: This supergroup brought a classical sensibility to rock music, with elaborate live shows and intricate musicianship.
Key Tracks: “Lucky Man,” “From the Beginning,” “Karn Evil 9.”
Legacy: They opened the door for other bands to experiment with classical and rock fusion.

Gram Parsons

Often called the father of country-rock, Gram Parsons’ work with The Byrds and his solo career have influenced an entire genre.

Influence: Parsons’ blend of country and rock laid the groundwork for the entire Americana and alt-country genres.
Key Tracks: “Wild Horses,” “Return of the Grievous Angel,” “Love Hurts.”
Legacy: His work with The Byrds and as a solo artist continues to influence musicians across genres.

Jethro Tull

With their unique blend of rock, folk, and classical music, Jethro Tull’s innovative approach to rock music is hall-worthy.

Influence: They stood out with their flute-driven rock, a blend of English folk and hard rock.
Key Tracks: “Aqualung,” “Locomotive Breath,” “Thick as a Brick.”
Legacy: Their theatrical performances and concept albums were groundbreaking.

Procol Harum

Beyond their hit “A Whiter Shade of Pale,” Procol Harum’s contribution to the development of symphonic rock is significant.
Influence: They were among the first to merge rock with classical influences, creating a dramatic and enduring sound.
Key Tracks: “A Whiter Shade of Pale,” “Conquistador,” “Homburg.”
Legacy: Their baroque and classical fusion has been widely imitated but never duplicated.