E-Rockracy readers, please welcome guest columnist and Hall Watchers co-host Mary, offering her 2020 Rock Hall ballot picks.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! NFL preseason has begun (go Saints and Bills) and so has our Rock Hall preseason — ballot predictions! Eric has posted his picks, and is now kindly allowing me to guest post with what we’ve dubbed the “Idealist Ballot.”
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! NFL preseason has begun (go Saints and Bills) and so has our Rock Hall preseason — ballot predictions! Eric has posted his picks, and is now kindly allowing me to guest post with what we’ve dubbed the “Idealist Ballot.”
Eric
will tell you that I refuse to ascribe to the “Rock Hall won’t ever nominate so
and so” philosophy. It’s a negative, self-fulfilling prophecy, and I would much
rather work toward fighting for the people who should be in the
Rock Hall rather than predicting what the nominating committee will do this
year. I don’t like trying to predict what the Rock Hall will do, because it
means thinking like the nominating committee and also giving credence to
whoever is at the top of the kiosk. Thinking like that usually means omitting
legacy artists, women, and people of color. It means bowing to pressure to sell
ceremony tickets instead of honoring music history and educating people. I
won’t do it, even if it means I’m “wrong” when it comes to predicting what
artists will end up on a ballot.
I
am an idealist to my core and firmly believe that we have the power to change
the Rock Hall, even if it's small and incremental changes. More women and
people of color are being discussed, and I know that’s due to us. Janet Jackson
was inducted, and I know that was due to us. The Texas Playboys will rightfully
be restored to the Bob Wills plaque, and that’s due to us too. I think more
people are watching and listening than we think they are, so why not use our
voices for change? I believe that if we continue to respectfully put out names
of people who we know deserve to be in, and we continue to make a case for
those people, then eventually someone will hear us. And you know, maybe it's
all for nothing and we’re just screaming into the void, but at least we’re
screaming the right things.
This
was a really difficult ballot to put together. I had to make some really hard
cuts, but I think this would be a ballot most anyone could find 5 boxes they
would be happy to check. Also
note that out of 15 slots, there are 8 amazing women on this ballot, including
Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth. Shockingly the world is still managing to spin on
its axis, and I hope the Rock Hall takes note of that.
Without
further delay, here are the 15 artists I would put on a ballot:
Black
Flag - Punk has been woefully ignored for the last few years, so gimmie
gimmie gimmie a Rock Hall nomination for this legendary punk band! They're the very essence of rock n' roll. They truly suffered for their art and the story of their perseverance and grit would make one hell of a ceremony video package. With their name recognition, Black Flag may be able to succeed on a ballot where MC5 and Bad Brains couldn’t, which could help grease the wheels for the rest of the punk bands from the late 70's to 80's who have been snubbed for far too long. And let's be honest, wouldn't it be awesome to hear "Rise Above" being snarled at some of those in the audience who have likely snubbed our favorite artists? I'm already getting in the van for that. (Discussed
on Hall Watchers Episode 5)
Carole
King - She’s
been rightfully honored as a non-performer for helping countless artists
achieve hits, now it’s Carole’s turn to be honored as a performer for her own
singing career. Tapestry is obviously enough to get her in, but let’s not
forget she made a total of 17 studio albums including Music and Wrap Around
Joy, both of which went to number one. For heaven’s sake, when it comes to
albums this woman has more gold, platinum and diamonds than Elizabeth Taylor,
can we just get her inducted? (Discussed in Episodes 2 and 6)
Dolly
Parton - Whether
it’s teasing a possible collaboration with Lil Nas X or surprising fans at the
Newport Folk Festival by joining an all-female collaboration with Amanda
Shires, Maren Morris, Brandi Carlile and Natalie Hemby, Dolly Parton is having
a moment this year, and it’s one of many over her incredible career. In a
world that often feels dark and divisive, a Dolly induction would not
only be a well-deserved honor for this inspirational woman, but perhaps a light
in the darkness. I can already feel the breath of fresh air she would bring to
a ceremony. (Discussed on Episode 8)
Glen
Campbell - With
both a staggering session musician portfolio and a successful solo career, Glen
Campbell has more than enough credits to warrant a place on a Rock Hall ballot.
Don’t think he’s rock and roll enough? Glen was such an incredible guitarist
that Eddie Van Halen once asked Alice Cooper, one of Glen’s closest friends, if
he’d be able to get Glen to give him a lesson. He gave the finger to
Alzheimer's disease by touring and making one last album for his fans. He was
just that much of a bad-ass. (Discussed on Episode 8)
Link
Wray - "(Greg)
Harris also confirmed that just because an artist’s song is honored, it doesn’t
mean they can’t be nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame moving
forward. Meaning, previous nominees like Link Wray and Procol Harum are still
eligible for induction." - Troy Smith of Cleveland.com
I
feel like this is the year where the Rock Hall watcher community will either
have their faith restored or their worst fears about the Singles category
confirmed. I think I speak for most of us when I say we’d be thrilled to be
proven wrong. It’s your move Rock Hall. Do you stand by your words, or will we
have to continue to rumble to get this legendary man in the hall where he
rightfully belongs? He was so rock n' roll that the instrumental "Rumble" was banned in 1958 over fears that it would cause teenage gang violence, and influenced everyone from Iggy Pop to Neil Young. If you listen to Link, you hear the birth of punk and metal. Rock Hall, this is a ridiculous snub and a long overdue induction. (Discussed in Episodes 4, 5 and 6)
Mary
Wells - At
this point, the exclusion of Mary Wells feels like a mistake the Rock Hall is
hoping no one will notice, and it’s really a damn shame given her legacy. Her
story would provide inspiration to many young women and let them know that with
tenacity and hard work, they can accomplish anything at any age. The Rock Hall
needs to rip off the Band-Aid and admit her not being inducted is outrageous
and finally honor this Motown legend the way she deserves. (Discussed in
Episode 2)
The
Monkees - Despite
increasing public clamor for their inclusion, the Rock Hall has missed
opportunity after opportunity to induct The Monkees, including in 2016 after
the release of their fantastic album Good Times! and the 50th anniversary tour
that followed. Now with both Davy and Peter gone, time is of the essence. Mickey
and Mike were just out touring together, and would likely show up to the
ceremony. Artists like Rivers Cuomo would probably be thrilled to participate
in their induction since The Monkees were the stepping stone for bands like
Weezer. (Discussed in Episode 6)
MC
Lyte - There
isn’t a single female hip-hop artist in the Rock Hall, and it’s an injustice we
need to remedy immediately. I can’t think of any better woman for the job of
“first” than MC Lyte given the many firsts she accomplished and the barriers
she broke for women in hip-hop. If you’re in the Smithsonian for being a
hip-hop pioneer, then you belong in the Rock Hall, period. (Discussed in Episode
2)
Motörhead - “With
the passing of Lemmy, it’s really, really important for me to see Motörhead
acknowledged in (the Rock Hall), cause there’s no more rock and roll person on
this planet than Lemmy and Motörhead.” - James Hetfield
It
will be bittersweet without Lemmy here to deliver what surely would have been a
delightfully snarky acceptance speech, but it’s time once and for all to put
Motörhead on the ballot. They are the pioneers of thrash metal, and clearly mean
so much to so many metal and hard rock fans. I can only imagine that James
Hetfield and/or Dave Grohl would be all too delighted to induct them. (Discussed
in Episode 3)
New
York Dolls - The
Rock Hall is an institution that is supposed to honor pioneers and
trailblazers, but somehow they haven't inducted the New York Dolls. Talk
about a personality crisis! While the Doll's career was limited, their
influence and impact on music is lasting. They are critical to glam, and drew up
a blueprint for punk that makes them well overdue for the Rock Hall.
Pat
Benatar - With
four consecutive Grammy awards three American Music Awards, two multi-platinum
albums, five platinum albums, three gold albums and 15 Billboard Top 40
singles, Pat Benatar is well overdue for Rock Hall nomination. No one can tell
us we’re wrong. We’ve been searching Rock Hall ballot for so long, just waiting
for this incredible woman to be nominated. (Discussed on Episode 2)
Patsy
Cline - The
Rock Hall can't ignore country forever, and they definitely shouldn't ignore the
great Patsy Cline, who I am convinced would be the ballot dark horse that would
run away with a 2020 class spot. Her ability to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with
her male peers is an inspiration, and the way she mentored her female peers is
a reminder to us ladies to uplift your fellow woman instead of tearing her
down. She's influenced everyone from Loretta Lynn to LeAnn Rimes, and her
timeless music makes her more than worthy for the Hall.
Sonic
Youth - Hey,
Kool Thing, come here, sit down/There's something I go to ask you/I just want
to know, what are you gonna do for me?/I mean, are you gonna liberate us
girls/From male white corporate oppression? - "Kool Thing" from the 1990 Sonic Youth album Goo
With
16 studio albums, three compilation albums, seven video releases, 21 singles
and 46 music videos, how in the world has Sonic Youth never been nominated? Their
experimental sound defines "alternative" and influenced a generation
to play outside of the box. They've influenced Beck, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, My Bloody
Valentine, Dinosaur Jr. and oh yeah... NIRVANA. Bassist Krist Novoselic even
said Nirvana's initial goal was simply “to do as good as Sonic Youth.” Kim
Gordon is such an incredible frontwoman on her own, she even had Carrie Underwood
headbanging during her brilliant performance of Nirvana's "Aneurysm"
at the 2014 ceremony.
Suzi
Quatro -"I
just don't like being ignored because that's not correct. It's a big fault. I
hear from a lot of people -- they say, 'What? You're not in it?!' No -- and my
biggest fan is, and that's not right. You can't rewrite history just to suit
your organization." - Suzi Quatro
Full
disclosure, I originally had The Runaways in this spot but then realized I was
wrong and I'm woman enough to admit that! Suzi majorly influenced my beloved
Runaways and she should rightfully be in first, and her significance of being a
pioneering woman in the glam rock scene is undeniable. She is critical to
paving the way for not only The Runaways, but also Heart, The Pretenders,
Siouxsie and the Banshees and countless others. She's one of the many women the
Rock Hall should be ashamed for excluding, and I think she’d do well on a
ballot.
Warren
Zevon - "One
day I hope to come back here for the induction for my friend Warren
Zevon." - David Letterman during the 2017 Pearl Jam induction.
Warren
enjoyed every sandwich, but critics and fans have never been able to enjoy his
inclusion into the Rock Hall because of the mind-boggling fact this revered
singer songwriter has never even been nominated. While perhaps he didn't enjoy
the populist chart success of some of the bands inducted in recent years, there
is no denying that his body of work is extensive, exemplary and beloved. Bruce
Springsteen called him the greatest songwriter, and Warren's fans also include
Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt, R.E.M. and Fleetwood Mac. With fans like that,
I can't imagine he'd languish long on a ballot.
So
those are my 15 ballot picks, but wait...there’s more.
Trying
to limit my picks to a certain number of artists is agonizing for me and I will
always find a way to bend the rules. In that spirit, I have also chosen picks
for Early Influences, the Ahmet Ertegun Award and the Award for Musical Excellence. I
know many people don’t like these categories because they feel they are a
lesser induction, especially the Award for Musical Excellence. I understand
that viewpoint but I personally don’t see it that way, though I’m moderately
more forgiving towards the Rock Hall than most.
The
long and short of it is, the Rock Hall has a backlog of artists who need to be
inducted, and while having more inductees per year would be a simple solution
to the problem, it seems for whatever reason that the Rock Hall is not going to
deploy it anytime soon. I don’t understand it either; if Eric and I had our
druthers, we would support the Rock Hall doing two nights of inductions and
inducting 10-15 artists per class. As much as an idealist as I am, I never,
ever see that happening. It’s not ideal, but our best chance at chipping away
at the backlog is utilizing Musical Excellence. At the end of the day if it’s a
choice between a worthy artist never getting in, or them being inducted via a
backdoor manner, I will pick the “lesser” option every time unless it’s the
Singles category. We cannot complain about people being left out, but then also
complain when an effort is made to induct them.
Lastly,
let’s face it, we’re the only group of people who care this much about the
minute details with the Rock Hall. The public at large isn’t going to care or
understand the difference of an artist being inducted as a performer or as a
Musical Excellence pick, they will just see them as a Rock hall inductee. And
you know what, I think there is credence sometimes to simply letting go of the
labels and being happy that the artists we love are being celebrated. With that
said, let’s talk categories!
Early
Influences: The Carter Family
This
was a no-brainer pick for me and frankly, it's shocking that the Carters are
not already in as Early Influence. When you’ve influenced every country artist
alive, including Johnny Cash, and acts such as The Grateful Dead then you
belong in the Rock Hall. (Discussed on Episode 8)
Ahmet
Ertegun Award: Rick Rubin
He
created Def Jam Records, has worked with a staggering amount of musical acts
(many of them Rock Hall inductees), and even helped Aerosmith revitalize their
career with their collaboration with Run D.M.C. on “Walk This Way”. He is
critical to hip-hop and metal, and I can only imagine the talent who would
raise their hands to be the one to induct Rick or perform a set in his honor. Maybe
we’d even get a Slayer performance at a Rock Hall ceremony after all!
Award
for Musical Excellence: Tina Turner
This
might but controversial, but if I had to pick a “backdoor” person for
induction, then I think I would have to go with Tina Turner. She is already in
as a performer, so it doesn’t seem as egregious to use this category to honor
her solo career and shine a spotlight on the fact that she is pretty damn excellent. One might even
say, she’s simply the best. (Discussed on Episode 2)
So
that’s my idealist ballot. I guess now we wait and see if this year maybe there
is an idealist or two on the nominating committee! Thank you guys so much for
indulging me, thanks Eric for letting me invade E-Rockracy, and finally, thanks to
everyone who has supported the Hall Watchers podcast! Happy Rock Hall season!
Make sure you don't miss our podcast episode on Monday, September 2nd, where we will recap all 33 artists we picked for the 2020 Rock Hall season!
Make sure you don't miss our podcast episode on Monday, September 2nd, where we will recap all 33 artists we picked for the 2020 Rock Hall season!
