Hats off to fans of the late Johnny Maestro for their overwhelming response and thanks to everyone who participated in our Rock Hall Nominations discussion. Judging from your responses, there is a strong feeling that progressive and glam rock are overdue for recognition by the Hall.
Here are your nominations:
Johnny Maestro – Maestro, lead singer for vocal and doo-wop group The Brooklyn Bridge, passed away last week. The group was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2005.
New York Dolls – the legendary rock band were mainstays in the 1970’s New York punk scene and were an inspiration to many rock bands that became successful in the 1980’s and later.
Yes – the British rock group has gone through various incarnations since its founding in 1968. The one constant has been a reputation for stellar musicianship, one of the reasons that members have achieved success outside Yes in bands ranging from Asia to King Crimson.
The Moody Blues – In 1967 the British progressive rock group made their mark by mixing symphonic sounds into their music. I could have easily just written “Knights In White Satin,†but that doesn’t do the band’s full catalogue justice.
Kiss – the legendary rock band is perhaps known as much for their showmanship as for their music. They were nominated for the Hall in 2009 but were not selected.
Rush – the Canadian progressive rock trio has been playing with the same line-up for over 35 years. They were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1994.
Red Hot Chili Peppers – this California rock band’s distinctive sound is a blend of funk and hard rock.
And, as promised, here are a few of my picks:
The Neville Brothers – can anyone speak of New Orleans music without mentioning this musical dynasty? Me thinks not.
Marc Bolan/T Rex – Given the Hall’s classic rock tendencies, I don’t understand how this glam rock legend hasn’t made the cut.
Alex Chilton/Big Star – from the Box Tops to Big Star to his solo work, Chilton has blazed his own trail while inspiring others to do the same. Of course, Big Star are equally worthy of induction on their own merits.
The Replacements/Paul Westerberg – Taking just a bit of inspiration from Chilton, the Replacements started as a drunken garage band but soon found a lyrical and musical voice. The band proved that sloppy (in a good way) rock and roll can still be intelligent.
Gram Parsons – I’ll admit that I’ve never been a huge fan but it is hard to deny his impact on the Southern California, if not American, alt-country sound.
Congratulations to Tony Kuzminski of Chicago, Illinois for winning this give-away. Tony’s prize is the first and latest releases from one of my favorite new bands, The Right Ons. This young band from Spain rips it up live with a sound that recalls the heydey of Detroit garage rock. Tony will be receiving a signed copy of the band’s first 45, a cover of the Velvet Underground’s “I’m Waiting For the Man,” and their latest release Look Inside, Now!
And for your viewing pleasure, here is a collection of videos from our nominees: Big Star, Replacements, Kiss, New York Dolls, T Rex, the Neville Brothers, Gram Parsons and Johnny Maestro. Plus a bonus video from the Right Ons.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.