What is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame thinking?!

Robiin Sun, Mar 23, 2008 at 06:25 PM EST

Why Madonna who is a bad singer and a bad actress makes it to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? The answer is popularity and influence! I am shocked that better deserving singers like Donnas Summer should have been inducted years earlier. Shame on you Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! Your credibility is down the toilet!

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Sun, Dec 30, 2007 at 11:48 AM EST

I feel John Mellencamp definently deserves a place in the Hall of Fame, maybe more so than Madonna, who i feel is more pop than rock. Have you not noticed that Jack and Diane and Hurts so Good are still FM standards today.

Jim C. Wed, Dec 19, 2007 at 03:03 PM EST

As far as KISS, I think if Gene Simmons had not exposed himself to be such a schmuck over the last fewyears, i think they would have a far better chance.

Jim C. Wed, Dec 19, 2007 at 03:01 PM EST

Mellencamp grew on me and his covers of Americana tunes a few years ago surprised me as to how great it was. He is still borderline for the Hall, though.

A lot of Peope still don't get how huge and influential the Beastie Boys were even long after their iconic debut and throughout the 90s and even (to a lesser degree) today. Who else is revered by hardcore punks, old school rappers, new rappers, alt rockers, metal heads, funkmeisters, etc., etc. They do it all.

Mike in Moncton Sat, Dec 15, 2007 at 05:28 PM EST

KISS is ignored again. John Cougar Mellenhead OPENED for KISS at the dawn of his career. One of the two is still thriving, and it's the dirty four letter word in the R&R HOF.

aron Sat, Dec 15, 2007 at 04:19 PM EST

yes, but not yet..25 years after her first single!!
If that question was meant to be sarcastic, wrc, then you fail miserably!

wrc Sat, Dec 15, 2007 at 12:45 AM EST

Madonna? Who's next, Britney Spears?

Zod Fri, Dec 14, 2007 at 07:04 PM EST

A very popular (un)funny joke around here when I was growing up.

Q- Where do the parents of honeydews and cantaloupes send their kids for the summer?

A- John Cougar's Mellencamp

Hohoheeheehaha....ahhh..
Anyway, Mellencamp totally deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. Much more than Donna Summer and certainly much more than those hacks - The Beastie Boys. I'm not really a fan of JCM but I certainly can respect what he has done for the last 20+ years.
I'm echoing a lot of the posters here when I say that the RRHOF is defintely not about R&R.

aron Fri, Dec 14, 2007 at 05:12 PM EST

Stephanie, i know what you mean..but i was talking about the US as a whole. What i meant was that less rock, but mostly hip/ hop and r & b are played on radio stations. not that there is no pop at all, just that it is not played enough...and there is some very good creative pop out there that you in america don't know or hear about due to this lack of airplay.

Stephanie Fri, Dec 14, 2007 at 03:46 PM EST

Aron, In New York City Rock is not played as much. We only have two stations, and as much as I love Foo-Fighters, I also like a little variety and I don't believe that groups such as "The Academy is" count as rock, maybe Pop.

aron Fri, Dec 14, 2007 at 03:09 PM EST

First of all it's called the rocka and roll hall of fame, but it does not mean it covers only rock...do some research before posting people!!!!

Secondly, Orville...you have absolutely no idea what you're talking about, so zip it!

Thirdly, they don't play madonna on the radio in america because they only play rock or hip-hop/r and b...or have you not noticed..yet????

jeff Fri, Dec 14, 2007 at 02:05 PM EST

dear lala go fa la la...most of these people in the rock hall of fame aren't rock..so why should country music be excluded. alex, i'll take narrow minded retard for 1,000

Stephanie Fri, Dec 14, 2007 at 01:53 PM EST

La,La,
Not true. Jackson Browne and The Eagles are inducted. Both were huge influences on Country music.

And there should be non-performers mentioned as well. I mean the guy who established Island Records was inducted so Miles Copeland (founder of IRS records) and Robert Moog should be inducted hopefully soon.

Kate Fri, Dec 14, 2007 at 01:30 PM EST

I've always liked John Mellencamp, though I wasn't aware he did a Chevy commercial. Still he's strong in that he contributed to the early development of the benefit concert with Farm Aid and also was one of the first to make it cool to use a dobro in popular music. I'm disappointed about the Beastie Boys not getting in, too. If they are going to put in Madonna in the ROCK Hall of Fame, the Beasties deserve it too, maybe even more so.

La La Love You Fri, Dec 14, 2007 at 01:26 PM EST

>>I feel country music always gets snubbed...and i dont understand why.

Alex, I'll say what is "Because it's not The Country Music Hall of Fame?"

Chris Fri, Dec 14, 2007 at 01:14 PM EST

Since when is Madonna rock? I am not a Mellencamp fan but he's def more worthy then the no talent Madonna.

sdr Fri, Dec 14, 2007 at 12:56 PM EST

i'm no mellencamp fan by any means, but seriously are people deaf? madonna CANNOT SING. has never been able to. look, i'm not a pop fan so i'll admit i am biased and i do think the hall should be focused more on actual rock n roll. but even if you are ok with letting pop/dance acts in, you have to admit madonna's success has little to nothing to do with her voice. she should be in the wig hall of fame, costume hall of fame, or pretentious anal control freak hall of fame (first ballot along with barbra streisand). but NOT in cleveland. this is the first time i have no desire to see the induction ceremony.

D.R. Mosby Fri, Dec 14, 2007 at 12:36 PM EST

John Mellencamp and the DC5 may have put out some decent rock records, but they didn't do anything to blaze new trails in rock music. You can draw a line from Woody Guthrie to Dylan to Springsteen to JCM, but that's where it ends. What did JCM do that was really new? The RRHOF nominating committee is leaning too far in the direction of sales figures and not enough in the direction of influence and innovation.

noledawg Fri, Dec 14, 2007 at 12:24 PM EST

Mellencamp completely deserves his spot in the R&R Hall of Fame. The Springsteen comparison is pulled out all the time and it's a blatant example of East Coast bias. Bruce has earned every single accolade that's come his way, but Mellencamp worked his butt off to become a well-rounded artist. At his peak (from 82-89 or something like that), he was huge. he also helped start Farm Aid, while never as prominent as Live Aid ... it's had a lot more staying power (it's been going on for more than 20 years). It's a consistent, underrated performer. Just like Mellencamp himself. In baseball terms, if Springsteen is Cal Ripken, Mellencamp is Robin Yount. And those two guys are both in the Hall of Fame.

garciamomma Fri, Dec 14, 2007 at 12:14 PM EST

The Rock Hall is a joke.....too many artists passed over (Moody Blues, Cooper, etc) for artists who's "rock" influence is quesionable at best. And WTF why arent the ceremonies in the same freakin city as the hall?????

Scott Fri, Dec 14, 2007 at 12:13 PM EST

Cheap Trick should've been in years ago, but as usual, they keep getting passed up. Have they sold lots of records? Yes. Did they capture the zeitgeist at some point in their career? Yes, Budokhan obviously. Do they have career longevity on their side? Yes, 30 years in and they're still making records and touring. Were they influential? Yes, John Lennon, Kurt Cobain, and Billy Corgan are among many who have sung their praises. Did they offer something unique to rock and roll? Not many bands have a more distinctive style and personality. And most importantly, have they made great music? Yes, period. Does any of this warrant inclusion in the so-called Hall of Fame? Apparently not.

trigrrrcut Fri, Dec 14, 2007 at 11:58 AM EST

Moog would have to be inducted as a non-performer, which seems to be less inclusive than the regular categories.

Stephanie T. Fri, Dec 14, 2007 at 11:47 AM EST

Joe, that is exactly why the name of the hall of fame should be changed to represent all types of musicians. True, it would be a huge #$% list but it would be a fair name.

And as much as I love Kraftwork and Brian Eno I have two words: Robert Moog! This dude was the father of the synthesizer! Was he ever inducted?

Ben Fri, Dec 14, 2007 at 11:19 AM EST

Come on, Orville... Do you know anything about Madonna's catalogue? She's about more than image, and while I think was certainly more popular because of her use of image and video, she also writes and produces nearly all her work, and her music (moreso than her image) has influenced more artists since she came out than any other singer/performer of her era. She tackles serious topics in her music -- women's rights, sexuality, spirituality, the trappings of materialsim (while also sending them up in her image). She's more than a painted pop tart like Britney or Rihanna than you seem to think. And I agree that Donna Summer needs to be there. She revolutionized music with her disco era hits, chaniging pop and rock forever. Finally, what defines rock? R&B and country and folk are all in the hall of fame. I think Rock and Roll here is to mean other than classical music.

trigrrrcut Fri, Dec 14, 2007 at 11:18 AM EST

The top 10 artists that should be in the Hall but aren't:

1) Iggy and the Stooges
2) Abba
3) Tom Waits
4) Run DMC
5) Metallica
6) Brian Eno
7) Gram Parsons/The Flying Burrito Bros.
8) Kraftwerk
9) The Modern Lovers
10) Afrika Bambaataa

BrandonK Fri, Dec 14, 2007 at 10:59 AM EST

I think John Mellencamp absolutely deserves to be in the hall of fame. I actually think I've listened to more of his songs than Bruce Springsteen's.

jeff Fri, Dec 14, 2007 at 10:33 AM EST

i feel country music always gets snubbed...and i dont understand why. but i'm not sure if they have been inducted but what about dolly parton, willie nelson, kris kristofferson. have they been inducted. cause they should be. probably three of the most influential singer/songwriters in country music history.

Joe C Fri, Dec 14, 2007 at 10:20 AM EST

Another typo by me: I meant to say Same year. Gotta use that spellcheck(lol)

Joe C Fri, Dec 14, 2007 at 10:19 AM EST

You know, Amah, that's a good point: When WAS the last year that more than one female artist was inducted the smae year? Anyone know? WITHOUT LOOKING IT UP????????

Joe C Fri, Dec 14, 2007 at 10:17 AM EST

Regarding the argument that Madonna is not a rock act(again, I hate defending her) come on, gang, it's a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in name only. It includes all genres. If we only included 'rock' acts, then people like Jackie Wilson, Paul Simon, James Taylor, Gladys Knight, Earth Wind and Fire, Jackson Browne, and other past inductees would never have made it.

amah Fri, Dec 14, 2007 at 10:07 AM EST

I guess they didn't pick Donna Summer b/c they had their token female inductee for the year (do they even have a woman/ women every year?). Donna Summer has done so much more than be a disco queen, including create protogenic techno music. *sigh*

P.S. Ep Sato, if you're from DC, do you also comment on the WaPo Celebritology blog as "ep"?

hot in fla Fri, Dec 14, 2007 at 10:04 AM EST

The classic rock and soft rock stations here in Central Florida play Mellencamp (as well as Springsteen, Seger and Petty). I never hear Madonna on the radio.

orville Fri, Dec 14, 2007 at 09:45 AM EST

What exactly has Madonna contributed to music to deserve a place in the Rock Hall? She has always been more about image than actual music. Sure, some of her songs are catchy, but she really hasn't had much to do with all of that. Practically everything she's done has been produced and spit-shined and polished up to a shiny sheen so we don't really notice her lack of any real vocal talent. Do you really think that the music is what will be remembered of her in the future? Or will it be the husbands, boyfriends, cone bras, controversial videos, Kabbalah, and the fake British accent? All she's really done is pave the way for future generations of pop tarts who figure that a skimpy wardrobe and passable choreography are what make good music.

Stephanie T. Fri, Dec 14, 2007 at 09:35 AM EST

Actually, I think that the Venture's biggest feet was that Hawaii Five-0 Ran from 1968-1980. Can you imagine how much money they made off that song? Now it's just played at weddings and other celebrations.

Joe C Fri, Dec 14, 2007 at 09:18 AM EST

Okay, first of all, I am NOT a Madonna fan, but she absolutely deserved to be in. Leonard Cohen is one of those critics faves who doesn't sell a single record (Sex Pistols, Velvet Underground) but you knew he was getting in!
My pet peeve is Donna Summer not getting in. I remember in the late 70's/early 80's, she was the bomb, and you KNOW Madonna listened closely; her early(and best) records all have that Donna sound.
And Simon, we're on the same page with the Beastie Boys as well. I hated them at one point, but now I think they were one of the most important acts of the 80's.
And sorry, but I am an 80's child, and I do not think Mellencamp should be in. I don't think his music has aged as well as the other 'American' acts(Springsteen, Seger, Petty), of that era.
And one last complaint: Where's Alice Cooper?!?!?!!? He's only one of the most important acts in rock history; perhaps as influential as Led Zep. Wake up, Jann Wenner and Co!

Mona Fri, Dec 14, 2007 at 09:18 AM EST

I agree that the Hall Of Fame is essentially irrelevant, especially based on the acts who are NOT in the hall. So, based on that, what's the difference who gets in? And who made Jann Wenner the arbiter of who gets nominated in the first place?

GingerCat Fri, Dec 14, 2007 at 09:04 AM EST

John Mellencamp deserves to make it in. Some of his songs are classics, and he's had a very long career. As for him being a "Springsteen knockoff"--give me a break. A mere knockoff doesn't have that kind of longevity.
I agree the Beastie Boys should be in there, but I don't agree about Donna Summer. Her career was dead by the late 1980s.
Simon, we all know you prefer rap to anything else. Don't worry, rap artists will have their day. In a few years it's probably all we'll hear at the HoF induction ceremony.

Ally Fri, Dec 14, 2007 at 08:48 AM EST

The Moody Blues - ARE NOT IN THERE. It is sad...

Ogre Fri, Dec 14, 2007 at 08:03 AM EST

Please, the "Rock & Roll" Hall of Fame is a complete joke to begin with. It's been well documented that from the very beginning of the HOF's life that certain artists were just NEVER going to get in based on public comments from Jann Werner from Rolling Stone magazine. Rock & Roll is supposed to be anti-establishment. The "Rock & Roll" Hall of Fame IS the establishment pure and simple.

BlueCarp Fri, Dec 14, 2007 at 02:21 AM EST

This is OUR country!

Jk Fri, Dec 14, 2007 at 02:16 AM EST

Come on! Madonna? In The Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame? She might have done some rock-flavored pop music, but she is a pop singer.
Maybe the writer doesn't know much about rock music. If he did some research, he'd know that the Dave Clark Five was the second group of the British Invasion period to have an American chart hit, had 8 hits in the Billboard top ten, and was one of the few bands of that type and period to not have an exclusively guitar-based sound. I think that's enough to make a band legendary.
And don't even get me started on John Mellencamp.He probably gets more radio airplay from his earlier work that Madonna has had in the past couple of years.
Plus, how can the Ventures not be legendary. They practically defined "surf rock", which is a genre all to itself.

Carrie Fri, Dec 14, 2007 at 12:32 AM EST

Mellencamp absolutely deserves to be in the hall of fame. He has had a long line of hits and has made some very important political statements,against racism(one of the first rockers to include african-americans in his music and videos)as well as the importance of family, farmers and just straight up rock and roll.Madonna is not rock and roll, she is and has always been pop.Do people even remember what rock and roll is any more? Its so sad. Is rock becoming a thing of the past?Anyway if you doubt Mellencamp search his music, you will see a whole cache of not only hits but really awesome down to earth music.Check out the song with him and Indie Arie, video too its beatiful. He is to rock what Lyle Lovett is to country. Not into the fame and glory, just quality and what he believes in.

jason Fri, Dec 14, 2007 at 12:24 AM EST

simon, i agree with you most of the time and i am a HUGE fan of Madge, but i believe john mellencamp deserves to be there. he wrote, in my opinion, some of the best "small town" rock songs around. "paper and fire", "jack & diane", "cherry bomb" and "pink houses" were great rock songs, so try not to hate so much. good news for madonna though, she is the queen.

emily Fri, Dec 14, 2007 at 12:11 AM EST

but Like a Virigin is probably her weakest album. I am so glad that Leonard Cohen is inducted. He is such a great songwriter who cares if he can't sing. I rather listen to great songs sung with conviction then some singing robot like Josh Gorban.

Curtis Thu, Dec 13, 2007 at 07:49 PM EST

Uh...John Mellencamp not a legend!! Now, yes Madonna is more popular and definitely influenced more pop tarts, but Mellencamp is rock and deserves to be in there. You're not a music critic, I hope?

Thad Thu, Dec 13, 2007 at 07:19 PM EST

Has Cougar even had a hit since Paper And Fire? Don't count Wild Night with Meshell either. He has been DOA for years. Tom Petty? Peter Frampton?

Tim Thu, Dec 13, 2007 at 07:18 PM EST

To Jill - I love John Mellencamp, but he has in no way been as popular or as influential as Madonna. For decades, Madonna has defined fame and had a major impact on the world of music, pop culture, fashion, etc. There's not enough space here for me to even begin telling you how much of an impact she's made.

Dave Thu, Dec 13, 2007 at 06:54 PM EST

At first, I thought John Cougar Mellencamp was a hack, but he's hung in and delivered some classics. and I think it's ridiculous that Neil Diamond is not in the RRHOF.

stephen to phil Thu, Dec 13, 2007 at 06:38 PM EST

Yes, Slezak is on vacation. Otherwise he'd be raising hell for Vanessa Williams' GG snub.

DanOregon Thu, Dec 13, 2007 at 06:31 PM EST

My problem with Donna Summer and the Beastie Boys is that they are singers, not artists. Put Giorgio Moroder in, put Rick Rubin in, they were the real talent behind Summer and the Boys.
And Mellencamp? I think he did a lot in the eighties to help steer the decade away from synth pop. And if you're going to knock Mellencamp for being a Bruce knock-off, isn't Bruce a Dylan knock-off?

suzanne Thu, Dec 13, 2007 at 06:17 PM EST

Are you joking me about the Mellencamp comments? Here in the Midwest he is to us as Springsteen is to Jersey. While I agree Springsteens great and all and I am a huge fan, they are looking at different social situations, Springsteen just doesn't always resonate as much as Mellencamp does with the people here.

maya Thu, Dec 13, 2007 at 05:42 PM EST

C'mon, Small Town is a classic, as is Jack and Diane. Until he sold his soul, um, song rights to Chevy, JCM was all about small farmers and rural America and the common man, and his music is still great. Why the hate, dude?

Jakeem Thu, Dec 13, 2007 at 05:27 PM EST

Mellencamp is a worthy inductee because he's somehow evolved into "America's Balladeer" during the past two decades. Plus he's been a champion of beleaguered farmers everywhere, which only adds to his stature.

mrland Thu, Dec 13, 2007 at 05:26 PM EST

The most egregious omissions remain Roy Brown, who was the first rock and roll shouter with "Good Rockin' Tonight" and numerous others, Lee Dorsey who had dozens of influential hits and recordings, and Leon Russell, who aside from his illustrious solo career, played on hundreds of rock and roll classics from the 60s. Until these people get in, there's no point in recognizing anyone else. Leonard Cohen: great folk artist, but give me a break! I am happy for The Ventures though.

ChadronJames Thu, Dec 13, 2007 at 05:23 PM EST

I consider myself to be a harsh music critic. I have music training and I have seen many of the greats. Mellencamp is one of the best of his generation. He is a gifted artist and a great performer. Play his Greatest Hits CD and you will realize that you know almost all of the songs. He is one of those, "I didn't know he sang that! That song is awesome!" artists. You show your ignorance by not recognizing that he deserves a place in the hall of fame. I was actually shocked to see that you had such a bad opinion of him.

Ames Thu, Dec 13, 2007 at 04:50 PM EST

I'm not John Mellencamp's biggest fan, I don't even own any of his music. But I think he is really taken for granted, especially among music elitists. The hall of fame has more than its fair share of one-hit wonders enlisted, so I don't see how anyone could possibly argue that JCM doesn't have the breadth and weight to be considered one of America's great musicians.

Green Gummi Bear Thu, Dec 13, 2007 at 04:49 PM EST

Nope, Sorry Ma came out in 1981, so they are eligable. Now Let it Be came out in 1984, their last on TwinTone, but their first major label debut (Sire, division of Warner Brothers) was with Tim in 1985, but I don't think that matters if it was TwinTone or Sire, it's still a release.

Stephanie T. Thu, Dec 13, 2007 at 04:27 PM EST

I think that The Replacements released their 1st album in 1984 so they are not eligible yet.

La La Love You Thu, Dec 13, 2007 at 04:27 PM EST

No the Mats didn't get in last year, and will most likely continue to get the shaft every year.

Regarding this:

"Chic, Donna Summer, the Beastie Boys, and Afrika Bambaataa — were hugely influential, each and every one of them. But hey, disco and rap didn't play any important role in the last 25 years of popular music, right?"

But it's not called the Popular Music Hall of Fame. (It probably should be, but it isn't). So assuming we buy into the name "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame", what in hell's bells would Donna Summer being doing in there?

Kel Thu, Dec 13, 2007 at 04:23 PM EST

Mellencamp totally deserves to get Hall of Fame recognition. This may just be because I'm from Indiana and live in Bloomington currently, but around here he is a legend. Not a football game goes by without everyone in the stadium singing a Mellencamp song. Don't hate!

Green Gummi Bear Thu, Dec 13, 2007 at 04:14 PM EST

Sorry, the Hall is irrelevant so I haven't been paying attention, did The Replacements get in last year? Because if not, then why the hell aren't they up for it this year?!?

Phil Thu, Dec 13, 2007 at 04:12 PM EST

Is Slezak on vacation or something? I thought for sure he'd have a Snap Judgement on the new Janet Jackson single, "Feedback" since the MOST exciting thing on the charts the past few weeks has been Josh Groban's sales...*SIGH* I'm interested to see what others think since personally, not her best, but probably her best since "All For You". Its an uptempo pop gem, that sadly has been missing from her last few releases. Oh, and while I'm here, the Rock n Holl Hall of Fame induction should serve Warner Bros a LOVELY promotional tool to kick off the bells & whistles around Madonna's last album for them, "Licorice" since its scheduled to be released the last week of April!

Stephanie T. Thu, Dec 13, 2007 at 04:10 PM EST

Mellencamp combined pop with country rock, I'll admit that. But you have to admit that there are other bands and musicians that have waited in line for a long time like The Kinks and Badfinger, and I have to agree The Cars have to be inducted only because they helped put a staple into early eighties rock. Moreover, Benjamin Orr was really never given a proper tribute. He died of a horrible disease.

Mon Thu, Dec 13, 2007 at 04:09 PM EST

I'm glad i'm not the only one happy for Mellencamp. I've liked him since I was a little girl. i'd give it to him for Jack and Diane alone. Granted, color me naive for not realizing that many critics(i've read disses of him on other sites today) didn't like him all that much. Oops. Yay John Cougar!

D Thu, Dec 13, 2007 at 04:02 PM EST

If someone gives you 10,000 to 1 odds, you take it. If John Mellencamp ever wins an Oscar, I'll be one rich dude.

Amanda Thu, Dec 13, 2007 at 03:58 PM EST

Ack you are so right. Mellencrap does not have a place in the Hall of fame, especially after seeing the ones who didn't make it. Donna Summer was totally influential in the disco era and The Beasties are still some of the most influential artists to this day. And if you want to argue that someone was influential to Farm Aid- it had better be Willie Nelson.

Cracker Thu, Dec 13, 2007 at 03:56 PM EST

I always think it's pointless to argue the ones they vote it, but it always shocks me the ones they ignore.

10 artists left out that are eligible that I think should be in:

Metallica
Billy Idol
Ozzy Osbourne
INXS
Iron Maiden
The Cars
Cheap Trick
Judas Priest
KISS
Sweet

Eh, go ahead and give me Styx, Motorhead, Motley Crue, Genesis and Electric Light Orchestra while you're at it.

Heather Thu, Dec 13, 2007 at 03:49 PM EST

John Mellencamp has been very influential in the area of rock given the length of his career, the number of hit songs he has had and the huge impact of his Farm Aid concerts. I agree that the other nominees also are influential and I believe they will get their turn in the future but don't knock Johnny Cougar for getting his moment in the sun!

alison Thu, Dec 13, 2007 at 03:48 PM EST

I love Mellancamp! STFU

Stephanie T. Thu, Dec 13, 2007 at 03:46 PM EST

You know, by now the name should be changed to the MUSIC Hall of Fame. This way Pop, Rap, Metal/Rock, etc. can all be in one unified category. Some of these artists influenced rock and roll artists but were not neccessarily what defines Rock and Roll. I can understand The Dave Clark Five because they helped break ground for what became Punk Rock.

If there is no unification then please, PLEASE just stick to the category and just put in rock and roll and rock and roll branched (blues, new wave, metal,punk, goth,etc.)artists.

BTW: The Cure got screwed big time.

Ep Sato Thu, Dec 13, 2007 at 03:46 PM EST

No worse than when Blender puts "obla di obla da" on its worst rock songs list and then calls it a reggae track. Why's that wrong with that? Reggae as a genre didn't exist when the song was written! Obla Di is either a ska track written during the rocksteady era, which both preceeded reggae. You'd expect people who write about music to have SOME sense of history. Stupid Blender.

That said, I think Mellencamp deserves his spot. I'm not a huge fan of his music, but his down-home stylings and willingness to go beyond his original genre are reasons enough to give him some props.

Dave Clark 5? I'm Glad all over for them, but don't think they are legendary enough to earn a spot in the hall of fame.

But what the heck do I know? I'm an overweight gen-exer who lives in DC and who hasn't been in a band since 1993.

peach Thu, Dec 13, 2007 at 03:40 PM EST

I agree LC and Madonna are a good fit but no freakin' Beastie Boys or Chic?!?
It's a little ironic/retarded that Chic's Nile Rodgers produced Madonna's biggest selling album (Like A Virgin) and can't get into the darn Hall of Fame. Stupid.

And Donna Summer has influenced everyone from Beyonce to Madonna but the disco queen label somehow makes her less important?!? Crazy.

Jill Thu, Dec 13, 2007 at 03:39 PM EST

Gosh Simon, how old are you? Mr. Mellencamp became popular when I was in high school and I've been listening to him ever since. Plus I'm from Indiana so naturally I think he deserves this honor. It's all a matter of opinion here......I dislike rap so I couldn't tell you any songs by the Beastie Boys but that doesn't mean I feel they shouldn't be inducted someday. John Mellencamp has been just as popular and influential as Madonna so what's the problem?