ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME 2024 NOMINATED INDUCTEES. Continues tomorrow.

Caffè Lattè examines this year’s 15 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame contenders:

THE CLASS OF

2024

We argue the case for each of 2024’s 15 nominees for induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame…

- FOREIGNER -

 

With the one-two punch of Mick Jones’ songwriting and Lou Gramm’s powerful vocals, Foreigner became one of the leading rock bands in the 1970s and 1980s. Among its hit songs are the rockers: “Cold As Ice”, “Feels Like The First Time”, “Hot Blooded”, “Urgent” and the power ballads “Waiting For A Girl Like You” and “I Want To Know What Love Is”. Nominated in 2024, the group is a worthy candidate for the Hall Of Fame.

 

WHO IS STILL NOT IN THE HALL OF FAME?*

               *Excludes acts nominated for induction in 2024.

Despite being eligible, the following acts are 60 glaring omissions that are yet to be inducted:

INXS

INXS emerged with a sound that was so unique, its origins could have been anywhere in the world. The band formed in Australia and achieved success far beyond its homeland, particularly in the U.S.A. Its sound was a fusion of pop, rock, dance and funk. This was best exemplified in singles that included “Stay Young”, “The One Thing”, “Don’t Change”, “What You Need”, “Devil Inside”, “Need You Tonight” and “Original Sin”. This is one Australian act that should be a no-brainer for Hall Of Fame Inclusion.

TAMMI TERRELL

The Hall Of Fame acknowledged the immense contribution of Marvin Gaye. Motown’s Prince accumulated many solo hits, but also recorded numerous duets with female singers such as Kim Weston and Diana Ross. The best duet partner Gaye had was Tammi Terrell. Together, these two Motown soloists created a magical chemistry that was genuine and enduring. Marvin and Tammi applied their combined skill to songs such as “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”, “Your Precious Love”, “Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Thing” and “You’re All I Need To Get By”. The two recorded and toured together till the fateful night that Terrell collapsed into Gaye’s arms on stage in 1967. After enduring eight gruelling operations to treat her brain tumour, Terrell died in 1970. She was only 24 years of age. That she packed in so many timeless R&B gems in her brief career should make her an obvious addition to the Hall Of Fame.

 

 

BECK

Beck emerged in the 1990s with an eclectic sound that has continued to set him apart from his contemporaries. Therein lies his strength. He is anything but mainstream, but Beck’s music has cut through on its own merits. In 1994, he was all over radio airwaves with “Loser”. Album ‘Odelay’ maintained the momentum. Successive releases have seen Beck retain his status as one of the leaders in alternative / indie rock. His effort surely deserves recognition by means of induction into the Hall Of Fame.

 

KENNY ROGERS

Rogers remains one of the leaders in Country music and especially the genre’s crossover artists. He recorded some of the country’s best and popular tracks, including “Lucille”, “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love To Town” and “The Gambler”. Other standouts were his duets with Dolly Parton (“Islands In The Stream”), Kim Carnes (“Don’t Fall In Love With A Dreamer”) and Dottie West (“What Are We Doin’ In Love”). Perhaps he strayed too long into syrupy ballads such as “She Believes In Me” and “You Decorated My Life” which overshadowed his country credentials. Nevertheless, Rogers should be in the Hall Of Fame, alongside the recently inducted Parton.