13 Worst Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees
via JIMBLUESROCK CHANNEL / YouTube
We’re about to unleash some hardcore judgement before Oasis, The Notorious B.I.G., or Weezer have their moment of glory, or whether long-timers Depeche Mode, Doobie Brothers, and Kraftwerk finally nab a place in the limelight. Now, keep your knickers on, this is all in good fun.
Like a good sandwich (or pickles), Rock Halls of Fame can be divisive. To stoke the flame, we ranked 13 dodgy picks for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame that had us saying “Whaaaat?” instead of “Wooah!” Don’t fret; they’re all reasonable artists, but did they really deserve that Rock Hall medal?
Winsome Valens A.K.A Ritchie Valens
View this post on Instagram
Synonymous with “American Pie” after meeting his untimely demise alongside Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper, Valens has etched a distinct mark in music history. However, Casey Kasem would probably scoff at his slim picking of hall-worthy accomplishments. With several alternative rock trailblazers from the 1950s like Link Wray left unnominated, Valens’ selection is questionable.
The Dave Clark Five or The Dave Clark F…arce?
View this post on Instagram
Classic hit “Glad All Over” can still make some old-timers jiggle, but are their 1960s credentials enough to make the cut? It sends one wondering whether Lonnie Donegan, the big-gun before the Beatles’ came around, wouldn’t have been a more apt choice.
Donovan
View this post on Instagram
Often seen as Bob Dylan’s lesser counterpart, Donovan indeed introduced a mystical combination of folk music with psychedelic pop. However, naming a plethora of his state-side hits requires a pair of super strong glasses. Factoring the likes of Phil Ochs, Judy Collins, and Joan Baez, Donovan’s inclusion is tricky.
The Paul Butterfield Blues Band
View this post on Instagram
Fact check – this band’s fame skyrocketed after repeated nominations for the Hall of Fame. The band’s lack of “oomph” and non-nomination of crucial blues artists like Son House leaves one befuddled about who makes the Hall of Fame list.
Laura Nyro
View this post on Instagram
Mentioning her in the list of least-deserving members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame brings many people nodding. The selection of Nyro, talented but fringe, over the likes of Judy Collins raises eyebrows.
Del Shannon
View this post on Instagram
Hall of Fame goodie for tribute-loving fans like Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne, but Shannon’s legacy is essentially hinged on the one-hit wonder “Runaway.” The score could have been earned by the likes of Chubby Checker or Tommy James & The Shondells.
Bobby Darin
View this post on Instagram
While his chart-topping hits like “Splish, Splash” and “Mack the Knife” caused a hullabaloo in the ’50s, their resonance seems rather lost in time. Darin’s entry into the Rock Hall could have been balanced with someone having a more unique sound and style.
The Lovin’ Spoonful
View this post on Instagram
Their Hall of Fame performance was less-than-inspiring for ’60s act. Sure, the band had some tunes, but you could argue that over their impact on the ’60s sound, The Monkees surely take the victor’s crown.
Gene Pitney
View this post on Instagram
While Pitney’s talents as a sound engineer and songwriter are unquestionable, his influence as a singer during the 1960s doesn’t stand tall among contemporary artists not in the Rock Hall.
The Dells
View this post on Instagram
Identifying The Dells’ uniqueness in the R&B/doo-wop genre is a bit like spotting a white horse in a snowstorm. The Dells’ inclusion – despite having maybe one or two momentous hits – compared to non-inductees like The Spinners or The Dramatics is perplexing.
Chicago
View this post on Instagram
The band sold records aplenty during the 1970s but lacked the larger-than-life charisma of other acts. Their move towards soft rock was hardly revolutionary, and other uninducted groups like Electric Flag arguably did it better.
Bon Jovi
View this post on Instagram
While the band scores in fan-following and record sales, its authenticity and influence are up for debate. Would we really miss them if they had never existed? Maybe at weddings or for Goo Goo Dolls’ fans. But over Boston, Thin Lizzy, or Bad Company?
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
View this post on Instagram
The perception of Jett as the poster child of rock goddesses is questionable despite her star power. But did she innovate? Her biggest hits are covers, and her induction over The Shangri-Las – or even with The Runaways – leaves many scratching their heads.
