Tired of seeing Eric Clapton sing the blues at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony? Judging from the list of nominees the so-called "experts" are being asked to choose for induction this year, things might at last get a little
heavier.
According to the Associated Press, the ballots sent out to an assortment of artists, music executives, and rock writers carried the names AC/DC, Aerosmith, Black Sabbath, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Queen, Lou Reed, Bob Seger, Patti Smith, and even the legendary New York Dolls. Now that's an all-star jam we'd like to see.
The more sensitive side was also represented in the list of finalists. They include Paul Simon for his solo work, Steely Dan, and vocalist Brenda Lee ("I'm Sorry"). R&B's flag is flown by '60s Philadelphia soul singer Solomon Burke, Chicago group the Flamingos - winners of this year's "Who?" award for obscurity - and Michael "King of Pop" Jackson.
Jackson, Reed, and Simon have already been inducted once for work with their old groups. However, that hasn't stopped the Hall of Fame from inducting Eric Clapton three times, for the Yardbirds, Cream, and his solo career. Hey, he was in Blind Faith, too, you know.
This year the tastemakers may finally see fit to induct Ritchie Valens, best known for his 1959 hit "La Bamba." Although Valens was the first Latino rock superstar, his name has languished as a finalist for more than 10 years. Yet support for his entry into the Hall of Fame seems to be nonexistent.
The voters have until mid-October to mull over who they want to eat a big dinner with in March 2001, and whether the New York Dolls would actually show up if inducted. VH1.com bids them to do the right thing and make artist-actor-folkie David Johansen a happy man.
Artists are eligible for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25 years after they released their first recording. It's quite an honor to be inducted. The Hall is located in Cleveland.
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