Raw Thoughts

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland OH

A few weeks ago the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced its 2012 class which includes Joan Jett (whom we blogged about in a prior article).  Congratulations to her again, her entry is well deserved.  There are, however, many instances of seemingly odd inductions and omissions.

For those of you that have been to the hall, as I have, you cannot help but to be impressed with rock and roll’s history and evolution.  That being said, one question does come to mind – is this the rock and roll hall or the pop music hall?  If it is all music genres, then why is it named the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?  I don’t mean to debate the merits of any one act in this blog, but does the following make sense?

In the hall:   Madonna, Neil Diamond, ABBA

Not in the hall:  Deep Purple, Kiss, Rush, Heart, Stevie Ray Vaughan (among others).

Here is a portion of the opening biography for Madonna:

Madonna is one of the most recognizable names in the world – and not just the world of music. She became the first multimedia pop icon, crossing from dance-oriented pop music into movies, television, videos, fashion and books while achieving a level of celebrity comparable to that of a primary inspiration, Marilyn Monroe. Madonna has been a ubiquitous and, at times, controversial figure since erupting on the scene with her debut single, Everybody,” in 1982. No one in the pop realm has manipulated the media with such a savvy sense of self-promotion.

As you can see, I’ve pointed out the hall’s use of pop to describe Madonna’s music.  She’s amazingly successful and sold millions of albums.  She’s influenced a generation of fans.  You know what?  So has Kiss.  And Rush.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame lacks credibility by keeping a closed and suspect voting system for admission.  And for admitting Neil Diamond and not Pat Benatar.  Raw Talent Guitar expects better, and hopes those that pull the strings at the Hall rethink their selection processes and criteria.

To end on a positive note, here is an all-time classic – again, not in the Hall of Fame.  Unbelievable.