xactly a year ago, Pause & Play paid homage to the Should-Be's, artists that should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame but aren't.
Let's assess the situation. First, the good news.
Several overlooked artists spotlighted last year recently were given notice that they would join the 2001 class of inductees: Aerosmith, Michael Jackson, Queen and Steely Dan.
Three cheers.
And we can't quibble with the other selectees - Solomon Burke, The Flamingos, Paul Simon, Ritchie Valens, Chris Blackwell, James Burton and Johnnie Johnson.
Three more cheers.
Now, the bad news.
Where are the women? No Patti Smith? For shame.
And there still are so many worthy artists waiting for their invitation to join in the reindeer games in Cleveland - ABBA, Joan Baez, Tony Bennett, Black Sabbath, Patsy Cline, Deep Purple, The Hollies, George Jones, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Willie Nelson, The O'Jays, the Righteous Brothers, Frank Sinatra, War, Tammy Wynette.
After careful consideration, P&P has come up with a few more forgotten souls that Rock Hall voters should keep in mind for the next balloting.
(In keeping with Rock Hall rules for Class of 2001 induction, this alphabetical list is limited to artists who have recorded before 1975.)
AC/DC - The group: brothers Angus and Malcolm Young, Bon Scott, Phil Rudd and Mark Evans. Replacements included: Cliff Williams, Brian Johnson, Simon Wright and Chris Slade. Formed: 1974 in Sydney, Australia. What P&P says: Courtney Love reportedly wants to pull all the Kurt Cobain memorabilia from the Hall of Fame to protest the stiff-arming of these heavy-metal legends. We would to, if we had anything of value. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: Somebody twisted my arm - I think it was Jann Wenner - and told me to get Paul Simon in first; they'll get in next year, I swear. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 10 ... for those about to rock, we salute you! Best song: "Back in Black" (Atlantic, 1980); best album: "Back in Black" (Atlantic, 1980).
BROOK BENTON - What P&P says: The career of this silky-smooth R&B singer-songwriter, who died in 1988, dates back to 1948, when he joined Bill Langford's Langfordaires. After a stint with the Jerusalem Stars, he went solo in 1953. From 1958 to 1970, he had 50 pop chart hits, including the gold-selling "Rainy Night in Georgia." What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: It's just a matter of time before he gets in with early-influence status. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 8 ... Brook, you've got what it takes. Best song: "Rainy Night in Georgia" (Cotillion, 1970); best album: "Brook Benton Today" (Cotillion, 1970).
JACKSON BROWNE - What P&P says: One of the most influential of the many California singer-songwriters of the 1970s, Browne has written for or collaborated with the likes of Linda Ronstadt, the Eagles, the Byrds, Joe Cocker, Johnny Rivers, Bonnie Raitt and Tom Rush. His catalog of solo albums is impressive; he produced Warren Zevon's first LP, and he championed many social and political causes. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: Umm ... sorry for the oversight; I'll write his name on a sticky-note to remind me next time around. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 8 ... he's not running on empty. Best song: "Doctor My Eyes" (Asylum, 1972); best album: "Late For the Sky" (Asylum, 1974).
HARRY CHAPIN - What P&P says: This New York native was one of the greatest storytellers to ever grace the airwaves. He averaged more than 200 concerts a year from 1972 to 1980, donating millions of dollars in proceeds to benefit such humanitarian projects as the World Hunger Year. He was killed in a car crash on the Long Island Expressway in July 1981 while on his way to another charity performance. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: There's no denying his body of work is formidable, but you know how we feel about folk-rock balladeers. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 5 ... stop singing these sad songs. Best song: "Cat's in the Cradle" (Elektra, 1974); best album: "Verities & Balderdash" (Elektra, 1974).
PETULA CLARK - What P&P says: C'mon, don't laugh. She was the definitive British pop female singer of the 1960s, and she has several Grammys to show for it. Listen carefully to some of her more than 20 U.S. pop hits and see if you don't agree that Madonna owes a lot vocally to "Pet." She also has had a successful stage and screen career. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: Yeah, right, she'll get into my mom's Hall of Fame, but that's about it. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 4 ... it's a sign of the times. Best song: "Don't Sleep in the Subway" (Warner, 1967); best album: "Downtown" (Warner, 1965).
JOHN COLTRANE - What P&P says: Rock and jazz musicians have consistently cited this legendary tenor saxophonist as having a major impact on their styles of play. The North Carolina native, who died in 1967 from liver cancer at age 40, worked with Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk, among others. He was given the Grammy's Lifetime Achievement Award in 1982. So why isn't he in? What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: I have at least six of his albums and yet I still forget about him. (Hitting self in the head) Stupid, stupid, stupid! On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 9 ... he's some of our favorite things. Best song: Four movements - "Acknowledgement," "Resolution," "Pursuance" and "Psalm" (Impulse!, 1967); best album: "A Love Supreme" (Impulse!, 1967).
DICK DALE - What P&P says: The man singlehandedly invented surf rock, which begat Jan & Dean which begat the Beach Boys, etc. The guitar pioneer is in a class by himself. His career was revived in 1988 with his Grammy-nominated duet with Stevie Ray Vaughan ("Pipeline," for the "Back to the Beach" soundtrack) and again in 1994 when his music was heard in the film "Pulp Fiction." What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: Don't worry, he's on my short list of early influences. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 8 ... let's go trippin'. Best song: "Misirlou" (Deltone, 1962); best album: "King of the Surf Guitar: The Best of Dick Dale & the Del-Tones" (Rhino, 1992).
MILES DAVIS - What P&P says: This innovative jazz trumpeter, who inspired the fusion movement, doesn't already have a Rock Hall seat? He played with cool perfection throughout his storied career, particularly on his classic "Kind of Blue," considered in many circles the greatest jazz album of all time. He worked with Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, Bill Evans and Coleman Hawkins, and his past band members included Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter. (He died of a stroke in September 1991.) What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: Oh, jeez, I really screwed up; I don't deserve to be a card-carrying member. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 10 ... Miles ahead of the game. Best song: "So What" (Columbia, 1960); best album: "Kind of Blue" (Columbia, 1960).
NICK DRAKE - What P&P says: It took a Volkswagen ad last year to introduce the melancholic brilliance of this late British singer-songwriter to America. Regardless of whether you heard his wistful masterpiece, "Bryter Layter," for the first time in 1970 or on an NPR segment in 2000, there's no doubt about it: It's one of the most beautiful recordings ever committed to vinyl. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: I admit it, I just bought "Bryter Layter" at Barnes & Noble last summer. So sue me. Still, I don't know enough about this guy to vote for him. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 4 ... but as the years go by, and more people discover Drake's back catalog, the voters may come around. Best song: "Northern Sky" (Island, 1970); best album: "Bryter Layter" (Island, 1970).
DUKE ELLINGTON - What P&P says: Bessie Smith, Louis Armstrong, Mahalia Jackson, Jelly Roll Morton, Nat "King" Cole and Billie Holiday are in as early influences. The king of them all, Sir Duke, deserves his rightful place alongside them. (He died in May 1974 at age 75). What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: Jazz's preeminent bandleader and composer gets my vote. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 9 ... I'm beginning to see the light. Best song: "Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me" (Victor, 1944); best album: "The Blanton-Webster Years" (recorded 1940-42, released in 1987).
ELLA FITZGERALD - What P&P says: Yet another ignored great, she was - according to Billboard - the most-honored jazz singer of all time. Her career spanned from 1935 to the 1980s. "The First Lady of Jazz's" distinctive vocal phrasings can be found in recordings well into the new millennium. The 1967 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winner died in June 1996 at age 77. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: Of course, she's one of the best, but this isn't the Jazz Hall of Fame, for chrissake. Have you been watching too much of "Ken Burns' Jazz"? On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 9 ... just because. Best song: "Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall/I'm Making Believe" with the Ink Spots (Decca, 1944); best album: "Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Cole Porter Song Book" (Verve, 1956).
GEORGE HARRISON - What P&P says: By all accounts, he has had a sporadic career. He had his shining moments, such as "My Sweet Lord," and organized two huge benefits at New York's Madison Square Garden for the people of Bangladesh. But he lost a lawsuit claiming he "unknowingly" plagiarized the Chiffons' "He's So Fine" for "My Sweet Lord," and some of his later albums were uneven. However, he is, after all, a former Beatle and alone should be honored for writing "Something," "Here Comes the Sun," "Taxman" and "While My Guitar Gently Weeps." What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: Yeah, but he's no Lennon or McCartney. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 7 ... we've got our mind set on you. Best song: "My Sweet Lord" (Apple, 1970); best album: "All Things Must Pass" (Apple, 1970).
LIGHTNIN' HOPKINS - What P&P says: This prolific blues singer-guitarist went from playing on Houston street corners to recording for more than 20 record companies over 30-plus years. His call-and-response style between his voice and guitar resonated across the blues scene. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: An early influence, for sure. On the scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 8 ... Lightnin' strikes! Best song: "Shotgun Blues" (Aladdin, 1950); best album: "Down Home Blues" (Prestige, 1965).
CASEY KASEM - What P&P says: If Dick Clark can get in for hosting a TV dance show, the voice of "American Top 40" should, too. And, don't forget, back in the 1980s when most Americans couldn't get MTV, his "America's Top 10" was their only source for music videos. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: Wasn't he also the voice of Shaggy on "Scooby Doo, Where Are You"? One thing going in his favor, he didn't embarrass himself by recording like Rick Dees. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 7 ... still keeping his eyes to the sky and reaching for the stars.
BEN E. KING - What P&P says: The former Drifter sang lead on "There Goes My Baby," "Save the Last Dance For Me" and "This Magic Moment," then came into his own right as a solo artist, churning out such flawless hits as "Spanish Harlem" and "Stand By Me." What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: He's already in as a Drifter, what more do you want? On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 6 ... c'mon, stand by him. Best song: "Spanish Harlem" (Atco, 1961); best album: "Spanish Harlem" (Atco, 1961).
THE KINGSMEN - The group: Jack Ely, Mike Mitchell, Don Gallucci, Bob Nordby and Lynn Easton. Formed: 1957 in Portland, Ore. What P&P says: One of the premier garage bands of the 1960s, they opened the doors for other raunchy rock 'n' rollers. The band's signature hit, "Louie Louie," was perhaps the most notorious hit of the rock era. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: Quick, name another song they did ... see, you can't think of one either. One unintelligible smash hit doesn't cut it. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 4 ... at least the "Animal House" crowd still loves you. Best song: "Louie Louie" (Wand, 1963); best album: "The Kingsmen in Person" (Wand, 1964).
KRAFTWERK - The group: Ralf Hutter and Florian Schneider. Formed: 1970 in Dusseldorf, Germany. What P&P says: These synthesizer pioneers are so highly regarded for their marriage of electronic music and man-machine imagery, they influenced even David Bowie (for his "Low" and "Heroes" albums) and Afrika Bambaataa ("Planet Rock"). What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: There would be no electronica without them. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 8 ... They're riding the kometenmelodie. Best song: "Autobahn" (Vertigo, 1975); best album: "Trans-Europe Express" (Capitol, 1977).
JOHN MAYALL - What P&P says: The father of the British blues movement is one of the rock era's best judges of talent. Through his Bluesbreakers band, he discovered Eric Clapton, Mick Taylor, Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Jack Bruce, Aynsley Dunbar, Peter Green, Andy Fraser, Jon Mark and Johnny Almond, to name a few. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: In due time. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 7 ... counting the days. Best song: "Don't Waste My Time" (Polydor, 1970); best album: "The Turning Point" (Polydor, 1969).
LAURA NYRO - What P&P says: Though many of her gospel- and R&B-inflected albums were critical triumphs, they weren't big sellers and she preferred to stay out of the limelight. Her greatest success came in her late teens and early 20s when she penned such hits as the 5th Dimension's "Stoned Soul Picnic," "Sweet Blindness," "Save the Country" and "Wedding Bell Blues," Three Dog Night's "Eli's Coming," Blood, Sweat & Tears' "And When I Die" and Barbra Streisand's "Stoney End." She died in 1997. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: There will come a time. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 7 ... she was underrated and ahead of her time. Best song: "And When I Die" (Verve, 1966); best album: "New York Tendaberry" (Columbia, 1969).
GRAM PARSONS - What P&P says: In his short life (only 26 years), this country-rock legend - who was weaned on Hank Williams - was briefly a member of the Byrds and formed the Flying Burrito Brothers with Chris Hillman. He died in 1973 of a heroin overdose. His legacy lives on through his songs, still covered by artists today, and the songs of his last love, Emmylou Harris. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: Who doesn't appreciate his music? On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 8 ... the hickory wind still blows. Best song: "Return of the Grievous Angel" (Reprise, 1974); best album: "Grievous Angel" (Reprise, 1974).
DIANA ROSS - What P&P says: Aside from last year's disastrous Supremes tour and her diva-ish manner, there are too many facts to ignore ... six No. 1 pop hits, several gold and platinum albums, a movie career (including an Oscar nomination for portraying Billie Holiday in "Lady Sings the Blues"). What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: She's already in as a Supreme and, besides, how can you explain "The Wiz" and "Endless Love"? On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 6 ... she's still waiting. Best song: "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" (Motown, 1970); best album: "Diana Ross" (Motown, 1976).
ROXY MUSIC - The group: Nucleus included Bryan Ferry, Phil Manzanera and Andy MacKay. Formed: 1971 in London. What P&P says: We shouldn't be having this conversation; they should be in the Hall of Fame now. This wildly inventive English art-rock band helped pave the way for new wave. 'Nuff said. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: I, uh, umm, well ... I'm speechless. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 9 ... Viva, Roxy Music! Best song: "Love Is the Drug" (Atco, 1975); best album: "Avalon" (Warner, 1982).
RUSH - The group: Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, John Rutsey (replaced by Neil Peart in 1974). Formed: 1969 in Toronto. What P&P says: You either love or hate Lee's piercing voice and their epic, apocalyptic songs. There obviously are more fans who love them, otherwise how can you explain more than 20 gold or platinum albums? Rush rules! What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: All is forgiven for them appearing on Doug and Bob McKenzie's "Take Off." On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 8 ... They have the spirit of radio. Best song: "Tom Sawyer" (Mercury, 1981); best album: "Moving Pictures" (Mercury, 1981).
PATTI SMITH - What P&P says: Not including her in the Class of 2001 was the biggest mistake by the lake in Cleveland besides the Browns. This poet/journalist/playwright dared to tread in an area reserved for males, carving a niche for all future female punk rockers. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: Man, we goofed up big time. We could've waited another year to induct Michael Jackson. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 10 ... make room for her, like now. Best song: "Because the Night" (Arista, 1978); best album: "Horses" (Arista, 1975).
RINGO STARR - What P&P says: Could it be that the drummer of the most successful group of all time is also the most underrated? We think so. As a solo artist, he certainly had his moments of glory in the 1970s. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: He's influential as a Beatle, and nothing more. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 5 ... don't wrack your brain over it. Best song: "Photograph" (Apple, 1973); best album: "Ringo" (Apple, 1973).
STEPPENWOLF - The group: John Kay, Michael Monarch, Goldy McJohn, Nick St. Nicholas and Dennis and Jerry Edmonton. Formed: 1967 in Los Angeles. What P&P says: Where would heavy metal be without "Born to Be Wild," the quintessential road anthem? They could be psychedelic ("Magic Carpet Ride"), overtly political ("Monster") and socially conscious ("The Pusher"). What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: You know how we feel about hard rock. If it's not Led Zeppelin, it doesn't matter. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 4 ... move over. Best song: "Born to Be Wild" (Dunhill, 1968); best album: "The Second" (Dunhill, 1968).
CAT STEVENS - What P&P says: There wasn't a more successful "sensitive" male singer-songwriter in the early 1970s than this London native. He had nine straight gold-selling albums; his "Greatest Hits" sold more than 3 million in the United States alone. Even though he disappeared from pop, converted to the Muslim religion and offended many by advocating the death warrant issued against "The Satanic Verses" writer Salman Rushdie, Stevens still leaves his mark. His songs continually are covered, and a best-of sold briskly last year through a TV ad. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: I'm still not sure about him; he burned a lot of bridges. And what makes you think he'd want to be inducted?On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 6 ... the first cut is the deepest. Best song: "Peace Train" (A&M, 1971); best album: "Teaser and the Firecat" (A&M, 1971).
TRAFFIC - The group: Steve Winwood, Dave Mason, Jim Capaldi and Chris Wood (with ever-changing personnel). Formed: 1967 in England. They had two careers - the psychedelic mixture of folk, rock, blues and R&B (as in "Paper Sun" and "Dear Mr. Fantasy"), and the jazz-soul excursions of "The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys." It was all atmospheric and illuminating. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: These guys splintered so many times, they didn't know what they wanted to do. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 6 ... supergroups get no respect. Best song: "Low Spark of High Heeled Boys" (Island, 1971); best album: "The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys" (Island, 1971).
