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…

- SINEAD O’CONNOR -

 

With her striking look, Sinead O’Connor made an impression from the start. “Mandinka” and “Troy” demonstrated that this Irish rising talent was unique. Her crowning moment was a heartfelt interpretation of a Prince song. “Nothing Compares 2 U” topped charts all over the planet. The controversy and outrage she attracted often overshadowed her artistry, but no one managed to pigeon-hole O’Connor. Her death last year reminded us of what was important: her talent as a singer / songwriter and interpreter of others’ songs. It would be a timely way to recognize O’Connor for her to be inducted this year.

 

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:

MEAT LOAF

Some musicians become legendary because of one recording. Such is the case of Meat Loaf. His magnum opus ‘Bat Out Of Hell’ remains one of the cherished classic albums of the 1970s. With cuts such as “You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth”, “Paradise By The Dashboard Light”, “Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad” and the title track, the rocker amassed massive sales. He recorded other strong tracks, but Meat Loaf deserves recognition from the Hall of Fame for his watershed album.

RICK JAMES

Rick James’ music was coined “punk funk”. He became one of the major stars on Motown during the late 1970s-early 1980s. Along with his own hits such as “Sper Freak”, “You And I” and “Give It To Me Baby”, James helmed other acts. The best remembered of these are The Mary Jane Girls and “In My House” as well as Eddie Murphy’s “Party All The Time”.  

 

JOE COCKER

Born in Sheffield, England, Joe Cocker made his mark at Woodstock. With his gravel voice, he became one of the best interpreters of songs such as “With A Little Help Of My Friends”, “Delta Lady”, “The Letter” and “Unchain My Heart”. His body of work spans several decades and amount to an impressive legacy that is worthy of Hall of Fame recognition.

 

 

SUZI QUATRO

The Hall Of Fame has been inconsistent in its recognition of female rockers. On the one hand, it has inducted Pat Benatar, The Go-Go’s, Sheryl Crow, Joan Jett (& The Blackhearts) and Janis Joplin. For some reason, it has seen fit to exclude others such as Sinead O’Connor, Siouxsie Sioux & The Banshees and Alanis Morissette. Few female rockers matched the success of early 1970s icon Suzi Quatro. She topped charts with a trio consisting of “Devil Gate Drive”, “48 Crash” and “Can The Can”. Her absence may be due to her success being largely outside of America, but this should not be an impediment.