The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame fan vote for 2023 is steaming to an end. The finale is April 28th.
So far, three of the top five vote getters are dead, more or less. They George Michael, the top candidate so far, at number 1. Warren Zevon is number 3, and Soundgarden — which is really Chris Cornell — is at number 5.
Number 2 so far is Cyndi Lauper, who must be inducted this year. Number 4 is Iron Maiden, which is ridiculous.
Hip hop has been rejected so far. Both Missy Elliott and A Tribe Called Quest are at the bottom of the list.
If the Hall wants to honor Seymour Stein, a founder, this year, they must induct The Spinners. They’re R&B royalty with tons of hits. Their classic sounds resonate today with “I’ll Be Around” and “Could it Be I’m Falling in Love” heard every day on satellite and terrestrial radio.
The number 6 vote getter is Willie Nelson, who’s turning 90 this year. You think of him as country music, but Willie could still rock most of these people under the table. I’d go with him. And he’ll come to the ceremony, memorably.
Most of the other nominees were bad ideas. It’s a little early for Sheryl Crow, who will get in one day soon. Ditto Jack White. Kate Bush is too much on the fringe. Rage Against the Machine, also too early, although Tom Morello will get something someday. Joy Division/New Order– I always liked them a lot, but not going to happen.
There are plenty of living people who are still not in the Rock Hall including Judy Collins, Cher, Dionne Warwick, and Chaka Khan. Also Chubby Checker. In memoriam, Mary Wells, a Motown superstar. The Monkees should have gone in already. Sting as a solo artist is a sore spot at this point. Paul Rodgers isn’t in despite having hits as Free and Bad Company. And Rufus and Carla Thomas, the linchpins of Stax Records.
