The Farr Side: Who would you like to see in Rock Hall of Fame?

So my newfound love for vinyl has allowed many new and interesting conversations with friends, readers and fellow music lovers. I’ve been on a quest now to acquire certain albums from my youth on vinyl, again. Man, what I wouldn’t give to have some of those from the '80s I used to have. Who knew this would come back like this?

Over the weekend, I came across a music store with a lot of used albums that were in amazing condition. It was pretty cool filing through the multiple rows of oldies but goodies. In doing so, the conversations with other record browsers proved almost as interesting as finding some of the albums I was wanting for my own collection.

I’ve been amazed over the years at just how close-minded people are when it comes to music, particularly those artists who are in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. Everybody appears to be an expert. I have found over the years that this is a touchy subject.

Everybody seems to have their own idea as to just what rock and roll really is. And, that can be OK, too. However, tastes, trends and styles change.

Rock and Roll music is a combination of everything. There is no such one style or sound that defines the genre. That is what makes it so awesome. For a minute there I felt like an advocate for the Hall of Fame, if not for the artists some of these people were dissing on for being in the Hall.

This was all it took to get my gears turning. All I could even begin to think about were some of my favorites from my time and why they should be in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

If you’ve never visited the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame you wouldn’t understand. I have visited the Rock Hall and it’s clear to see that every artist has the potential to shape the musical landscape. History has shown that to be true from the moment Elvis Presley entered the picture. I think Ice Cube stated it best when N.W.A. was inducted in 2016.

“Rock 'n' Roll is not an instrument: rock 'n' roll is not even a style of music. Rock 'n' roll is a spirit. It’s been going since the blues, jazz, bebop, soul, R&B, rock 'n' roll, heavy metal, punk rock and, yes, hip-hop. And what connects us all is that spirit. Rock & roll is not conforming to the people who came before you, but creating your own path in music and in life,” he said.

To be nominated and inducted, artists become eligible 25 years after the release of their first commercial recording. Besides demonstrating unquestionable musical excellence and talent, inductees will have had a significant impact on the development, evolution and preservation of rock 'n' roll.

Keep in mind, this means artists like Mariah Carey are now eligible. And, guess what folks she is very worthy of inclusion.

Through out the coming year I’m going to be highlighting several artists whom I believe are eligible for induction into the Rock Hall and plead their case as to why they should be in.

Like you, I’m sometimes miffed by the nominees each year and wonder why some go in much earlier than others who maybe even paved the way for those already inducted. It amazes me that artists like Phil Collins, George Michael, Olivia Newton-John, Toto, Foreigner, Cher, Sting or the B-52s are not in. Or, what about Sade, Kool & The Gang, REO Speedwagon, Tears For Fears, BoyzIIMen, INXS, Huey Lewis & The News, Billy Idol and Culture Club? Even Kenny Rogers is worthy in my book.

I know what you’re thinking — Cher, Sting and Phil Collins are already in the Hall of Fame. And, you’d be right. However, they are not in as solo artists and their solo work warrants inclusion. Case in point: Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac or Tina Turner and Ike and Tina Turner.

According to a recent poll, Phil Collins, Cher, Cyndi Lauper and George Michael are a few of the artists fans would like to see inducted.

Who would you like see inducted in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame? Shoot me an email and I’ll add them to my list. Perhaps you’ll see them featured this year in The Farr Side.

— David T. Farr is a Journal correspondent. Email him at farrboy@hotmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: The Farr Side: Who would you like to see in Rock Hall of Fame?