t's a shame Joey Ramone won't be there when the Ramones are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year.
The trailblazing quartet rightfully leads the Class of 2002, joined by the Talking Heads, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, Isaac Hayes, Chet Atkins, Brenda Lee, Gene Pitney and Stax Records co-founder Jim Stewart.
Joey Ramone died last year, unable to see a landmark Rock Hall moment: The Ramones are the first punk group to get an invitation to Cleveland.
Each artist is worthy of induction - particularly the Ramones, Talking Heads and Petty - but if induction is based on an artist's body of work and influence on others, Rock Hall voters continue to miss the mark. Can they honestly say that Brenda Lee and Gene Pitney have inspired more artists than Pause & Play's Top 10 most Rock Hall-overlooked artists:
1) AC/DC
2) Jackson Browne
3) Patti Smith
4) Patsy Cline
5) George Harrison (as a solo artist)
6) KISS
7) Todd Rundgren
8) War
9) Black Sabbath
10) T. Rex
There are several others going unnoticed, as well-documented in past P&P columns - The Should-Be's, Vol. 1, Vol. 2 and Vol. 3 - and now P&P has more to point out.
(In keeping with Rock Hall rules for Class of 2002 induction, this alphabetical list is limited to artists who have recorded before 1977.)
BURT BACHARACH & HAL DAVID - What P&P says: Everyone from Elvis Costello to Prefab Sprout has cited this preeminent American pop songwriting team as a major influence. Listing their resume could take up a whole Web site, but here's just a smattering of the hits they created - "Don't Make Me Over," "Alfie," "I'll Never Fall in Love Again," "I Say a Little Prayer," "Promises, Promises," "Walk On By," "One Less Bell to Answer," "(They Long to Be) Close to You," "What the World Needs Now," "Do You Know the Way to San Jose?" What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: We made Pitney wait this long, surely Burt and Hal can hang a tad longer. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 9.
JOE COCKER - What P&P says: Many consider him the best white soul singer that Britain has ever produced. No argument here. His performances, notably at Woodstock, are stuff of legend. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: Yeah, but c'mon, "You Are So Beautiful" and "Up Where We Belong" are so damn commercial. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 7. Best song: "With a Little Help From My Friends" (A&M, 1970); best album: "Mad Dogs & Englishmen" (A&M, 1970).
JIM CROCE - What P&P says: If a plane crash hadn't cut his life short at age 30 in 1973, we might not be having this discussion. He potentially could have been the biggest-selling American male artist of that decade. A very talented singer, songwriter and guitarist that shouldn't be overlooked simply because he only cut three albums before his untimely death. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: Oh, yeah, I remember him ... I think. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 7. Best song: "I Got a Name" (ABC, 1973); best album: "You Don't Mess Around With Jim" (1972).
THE CRUSADERS - The group: Joe Sample, Wilton Felder, Nesbert "Stix" Hooper, Wayne Henderson, Larry Carlton (1972-77). Formed: late 1950s. What P&P says: Originally known as the Jazz Crusaders, this instrumental group was a who's who of jazz. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: The who? On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 5. Best song: "Put It Where You Want It" (Blue Thumb, 1972); best album: "Crusaders 1" (1972).
BRIAN ENO - What P&P says: A founding member of Roxy Music, he's a solo artist and has produced and collaborated with the likes of David Bowie, Talking Heads, Devo, Robert Fripp, Ultravox, U2 (with Daniel Lanois). He's the epitome of avant-garde composers and a forefather of ambient music. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: I like him, but what has he done for me lately? On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 6. Best song: "King's Lead Hat" (Island, 1978); best album: "My Life in the Bush of Ghosts," with David Byrne (Sire, 1981).
FANNY - The group: June and Jean Millington, Nicole Barclay, Alice DeBuhr. Formed: 1970. What P&P says: Selecting this rock quartet might be a real stretch, but hear us out. When they were signed by Warner Brothers, they were touted as "the first all-female rock group." Can you name any before them that sang, played their own instruments and wrote their own songs? We didn't think so. Give them their just due. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: You're serious, right? Next! On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 3. Best song: "Charity Ball" (Reprise, 1971); best album: "Charity Ball" (1971).
THE FIVE SATINS - The group: Fred Parris, Al Denby, Jim Freeman, Eddie Martin, Jessie Murphy (with Bill Baker replacing Parris from 1956-58). Formed: 1956. What P&P says: Before Parris was shipped out to Japan for military duty, the doo-wop legends recorded his "In the Still of the Nite" in the basement of a New Haven, Conn., church. It charted three times and sold millions. They went on to become a staple in rock-revival shows. There's something to be said for longevity. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: We love doo-wop, and they'll get their day. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 8. Best song: "In the Still of the Nite" (Ember, 1956).
HERBIE HANCOCK - What P&P says: After a stint in Miles Davis' mid-'60s quintet and making a name for himself when Mongo Santamaria had a hit with his "Watermelon Man," this keyboardist pioneered jazz-funk-fusion. He also performed and acted in the Oscar-winning "Round Midnight" in 1986 and scored "Colors" in 1988. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: Isn't he that guy who's hawking a stereo system in TV infomercials? On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 7. Best song: "Rockit" (Columbia, 1983); best album: "Head Hunters" (1974).
HEART - The group: Ann and Nancy Wilson, Roger and Mike Fisher, Steve Fossen, Mike DeRosier (and several others). Formed: 1972. What P&P says: The best sister combination of the rock era, bar none. Ann had that undeniably powerful voice, and Nancy carved it up on guitar. "Crazy On You," "Magic Man," "Barracuda" - what more do you need? What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: Just two words: Ron Nevison. He overproduced their sappy 1980s material, i.e. "These Dreams." 'Nuff said. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 6. Best song: "Magic Man" (Mushroom, 1976); best album: "Dreamboat Annie" (1976).
IGGY AND THE STOOGES - The group: Iggy Pop, Ron Asheton, Dave Alexander, Scott Asheton. Formed: 1967. What P&P says: The Ramones may have shaped punk rock, but the Stooges helped define it in the late 1960s. Their raw, abrasive sound was unlike anything up to that point in rock. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: Normally, we wouldn't go near anyone who gouged their skin with broken glass, but there's no denying that the Stooges were the godfathers of punk. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 8. Best song: "I Wanna Be Your Dog" (Elektra, 1969); best album: "Raw Power" (Columbia, 1973).
JETHRO TULL - The group: Ian Anderson, Mick Abrahams, Glenn Cornick, Clive Bunker (with several lineup changes). Formed: 1968. What P&P says: The progressive-rock group has had a nice, solid career spanning three full decades and still going strong. Anderson and company touched on all sorts of styles - classical, jazz, folk, rock, blues - and staged some of the most theatrical live performances in rock. They have charted 26 albums, 14 of which sold more than 1 million copies apiece. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: We've said it before, and we'll say it again, pooey to prog-rock. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 6. Best song: "Living in the Past" (Chrysalis, 1972); best album: "Aqualung" (Reprise, 1971).
QUINCY JONES - What P&P says: He has done it all. He's a composer, producer, conductor, arranger, label owner. He was a trumpeter with Lionel Hampton; he was the music director for Mercury Records in the early 1960s; he has scored many TV and movie themes, including "Roots." He produced Michael Jackson's "Off the Wall," "Thriller" and "Bad." He has more Grammys than he knows what to do with. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: I voted for Gene Pitney over this guy? Oh, man; I shouldn't be trusted with a Rock Hall ballot. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 10. Best song: "Soul Bossa Nova" (Mercury, 1962); best album: "Back on the Block" (Qwest, 1989).
HILLY KRISTAL - What P&P says: Okay, he's not an artist, but few have had a bigger impact on the music industry. In 1963, he founded CBGB's, what became the seminal new-wave venue, in New York. The 300-seat nightclub introduced the world to the Ramones, Talking Heads, Patti Smith, Blondie, Television, Richard Hell, Dead Boys and the Cramps - to name a few. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: Oh, yeah, I forgot about him - he's definitely someone to consider as an early influence. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 6.
NEW YORK DOLLS - The group: David Johansen, Johnny "Thunders" Genzale, Sylvain Sylvain, Arthur Harold Kane, Jerry Nolan. Formed: 1971. What P&P says: In the early 1970s, Britain had glitter-rock pioneers David Bowie and T. Rex; America had the Dolls. They were commercial failures (even with their Todd Rundgren-produced debut LP), but they made their mark. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: We rarely vote in female groups, why would we want to induct men who dressed like women? On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 5. Best song: "New York Dolls" (Mercury, 1973); best album: "Personality Crisis" (1973).
LEE "SCRATCH" PERRY - What P&P says: The Jamaican-born DJ/producer/songwriter/singer is considered a guiding force of reggae and dub and a master at spaghetti-Westernlike instrumentals. He also worked closely with the Wailers and produced The Clash, Gregory Isaacs, the Heptones, Max Romeo and many others. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: A definite early-influence candidate. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 7. Best song: "Clint Eastwood" (Upsetter, 1969); best album: "Roast Fish, Collie Weed and Corn Bread" (Lion of Jonah, 1976).
THE RUNAWAYS - The group: Joan Jett, Cherie Currie, Lita Ford, Micki Steele, Sandy West (and several others along the way). Formed: 1975. What P&P says: This all-female rock band was ahead of its time, its raucous form of sex 'n' roll oddly out of place in the disco era. It was the springboard for successful solo careers for Jett and Ford. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: First Fanny, and now this? On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 4. Best song: "The Runaways" (Mercury, 1976); best album: "Cherry Bomb" (1976).
SEX PISTOLS - The group: Johnny "Rotten" Lydon, Steve Jones, Sid Vicious, Paul Cook, Glen Matlock. What P&P says: We were surprised when the Pistols' name didn't surface with the Class of 2002, but it's very appropriate that the Ramones went in first. Few groups, though, have had a more odious but incandescent career. Their debut album was a milestone in rock history, spawning such riveting punk hits as "Anarchy in the U.K." and "God Save the Queen." What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: Bang on, they'll get in! On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 8. Best song: "God Save the Queen" (1977); best album: "Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols" (Warner, 1977).
CARLY SIMON - What P&P says: One of the most successful female singers of the 1970s, she was also one of the decade's most prominent songwriters. The 1971 Grammy winner for best new artist also composed several movie themes. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: She's no Carole King, but we like her - but we'd prefer an invitation to her estate in Martha's Vineyard. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 7. Best song: "You're So Vain" (Elektra, 1972); best album: "No Secrets" (1972).
PERCY SLEDGE - What P&P says: Perhaps no one in rock history has gotten more mileage out of one song than this R&B legend. He had several chart hits, but none compared to the No. 1 "When a Man Loves a Woman." Just like Otis Redding did consistently, Sledge poured every ounce of emotion into that instant classic. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: One song, even one as memorable as that, just doesn't cut it. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 7. Best song: "When a Man Loves a Woman" (Atlantic, 1966); best album: "When a Man Loves a Woman" (1966).
CHUCK WILLIS - What P&P says: The "King of the Stroll" was cut down in his prime in 1958 at age 30 from a perforated ulcer. Before his death, he had inspired the "stroll" dance craze with his breakthrough hit, "C.C. Rider." The Atlanta R&B singer-songwriter, also known as the "Sheik of the Shake" because he wore a turban on stage, died a few weeks before his biggest hit, "What Am I Living For," cracked the Top 10 and sold more than 1 million copies. The flip side, ironically enough, was titled "Hang Up My Rock and Roll Shoes." Here's just a sample of the songs he wrote - "Oh, What a Dream" (a hit for Patti Page), "Close Your Eyes" (The Five Keys), "Let Me Explain" (Cadillacs), "From the Bottom of My Heart" (Clovers), "The Door Is Still Open" (Dean Martin), "I Feel So Bad" (later recorded by Foghat and Delbert McClinton). He's so overdue. Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: He's on my list, believe me. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 9. Best song: "C.C. Rider" (Atlantic, 1957); best album: "Chuck Willis - My Story" best-of (Okeh/Columbia, 1980).
BILL WITHERS - What P&P says: What's not to like about Bill Withers? In his 30s, while working as a mechanic at Lockheed Aircraft in Los Angeles, he taught himself how to play the guitar and put together demos of songs he had written. Just when he was about to give up, he was introduced to Booker T. Jones, who liked what he heard and eventually produced his first album, "Just As I Am." That album included the stunning "Ain't No Sunshine," his gold-selling debut hit. The rest, as they say, is history. His catalog of hits has been covered and sampled from here to eternity - "Grandma's Hands," "Lean On Me," "Use," "Lovely Day." What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: He's a great American success story all right, but it may take a while before we get around to him. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 7. Best song: "Ain't No Sunshine" (Sussex, 1971); best album: "Still Bill" (1972).
YES - The group: Jon Anderson, Peter Banks, Chris Squire, Bill Bruford, Tony Kaye, Steve Howe, Rick Wakeman (and a host of others). Formed: 1968. What P&P says: Okay, the old arguments about prog-rock just don't cut it here. Yes had virtuosic musicianship, immensely complex song structures and three-high harmonies. Yep, it was pomp-rock, but fans (many fans!) loved it and still love it to this day - 23 chart albums (13 of them either gold or platinum) and a No. 1 song ("Owner of a Lonely Heart") tell it all. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: We say no to Yes. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 6. Best song: "Roundabout" (Atlantic, 1972); best album: "Fragile" (1972).
