The class of 2023 for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was recently announced. Since it began in 1986 there has always been controversy about artists being inducted and those being left out or waiting way too long before getting inducted. A lot of that is because there are several committees aside from fans, who do the nominating and voting. That has left dozens of artists from every decade that have been snubbed. Unfortunately, the one thing that has always stuck out is their obvious ignorance towards female artists, as they make up less than 20% of all those inducted. It also holds true for many who fronted groups and then had successful solo careers, but have also been ignored because the group was voted into the hall.
Here are just 10 of those who have been snubbed over the years and deserve their place in the hall with their brothers and sisters. I have added my comments and feelings with each along with the year they became eligible. This list is in no particular order, and as you will notice, the majority are female.
- Connie Francis – Eligible since 1987. How do you, after all these years, totally ignore the first female superstar of rock and roll? It is totally ludicrous. Yes, she did ballads and other styles, but she also had some immense rock and roll hits and a long track record of Top 40 hits and best selling albums, sold out concerts, etc. and her omission frankly, is a joke.
- Patsy Cline – Eligible since 1988. When it comes to singers who could do it all, she was it. Yes, she was country, but she also was a major chart topper on the rock and roll charts and opened up the door for many females of all styles to become major stars. It is unfortunate that her death caused her to get lost in the shuffle. If a jazz singer from the 40’s, Billie Holiday, is in then Ms. Cline definitely deserves her place in the hall.
- Ben E. King – Eligible since 1987. Another head scratcher for sure. Yes, the group he fronted, the Drifters, are in the hall and deservedly so. However, King’s solo career after he left continued to score hit after hit, while the Drifters went in the other direction. This is another omission that needs to be fixed.
- Diana Ross – Eligible since 1996. Here is another situation where the group is in, but the singer who made the group what it became isn’t. In addition, Ms. Ross’ career as a solo artist was a blockbuster with chart topping singles, albums, concerts, movies and a fan base that to this day remains loyal to all she brought to the rock and roll and pop music scene.
- Kool and the Gang – Eligible since 1995. Kool & the Gang is like the funk version of Chicago. The band began with a very credible funk sound that helped make the genre as popular and as danceable as it had ever been. Then they went on to gain bigger fame by switching to a more adult contemporary style that kept people dancing and enjoying them. Maybe one day?
- Cher – Eligible since 1991. Without Cher there was no Sonny and Cher, who are in as a duo. Still, over all the years Cher has continued to chart records, have number one’s, became a movie star, TV star and never lost her fans after she and Sonny broke up. If anything, her career really blossomed and got much bigger as a solo artist and her place in the hall should be a no brainer.
- Patti Labelle – Eligible since 1988. Another artist being shortchanged by the hall. From her great days as lead singer of the Bluebelles and Labelle, to a solid solo career with hit after hit, sold out shows, this incredible talent is not in the hall and deserves to be. Almost eighty now she is still performing, still a main attraction, but ignored by the hall. Why?
- Jan & Dean – Eligible since 1986. Apparently, the Hall wants us to believe surf rock begins and ends with The Beach Boys, but it doesn’t. Jan & Dean were just as responsible for the genre’s popularity, releasing “Surf City” in 1963, which became the first surf song to top the Billboard Hot 100. They followed that with more surfer hits and drew huge crowds and sold millions of records. Maybe one day they will get their due.
- Emmylou Harris – Eligible since 1994. This lady has done it all and in many forms. She’s well respected as a solo artist, songwriter and backing vocalist. It was her take on country, folk, rock and bluegrass that laid the blueprint for many artists that critics gush over like Parton, Ronstadt. etc. Joan Baez finally got in a while back, so maybe Ms. Harris day will eventually come her way.
- Glen Campbell – Eligible since 1998. Campbell checks all the boxes as a talented, influential musician who sold millions of records to both rock and country fans. He topped the charts with singles and albums and was also was a fantastic guitar player and gifted artist in rock, pop and country. The Hall has always had an aversion to country, with the exception of Johnny Cash. However, with Willie Nelson and Dolly finally being accepted, maybe, just maybe Campbell’s accomplishments will be noted and respected with an induction to the hall.
I had the pleasure of working with several of these artists during my many years in radio and they are all very deserving. I could have made this list a lot longer, and maybe one day I will do a “Part 2”. I congratulate all those being inducted in the class of 2023. Now let’s hope the various voting committees open their eyes a little wider for the next class.
Art Koch, National Features & DVD Editor, NightMoves Magazine and ANN
