On February 2nd, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced its 2022 nominee class.
As in past years, the fans will also have a chance to get involved in the process. From now through April 29th, fans can vote for their favorite nominees here, or in person at the Hall of Fame museum in Cleveland.
In addition to the fan vote, ballots are sent out to over 1,000 artists, historians and members of the music industry. The top five artists from the fan votes go on a "fan ballot", which combined with the other ballots determine the 2022 inductees, which will be announced in May.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place this fall. The exact date, location and other details will be announced at a later date.
I'm taking a look at all 17 nominees. I'll tell you a little bit about them, and make my best predictions as to who will get in. Who do I think the final inductees will be? Keep reading to find out!
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The 2022 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Nominees
This year's nominee class includes 17 nominees. Seven of them are being nominated for the first time. One is being nominated in their first year of eligibility.
Here are the 17 nominees in alphabetical order, and my thoughts on each.
Beck
Photo Credit: The Guardian
Eligible Since: 2017
Number of Nominations: 1
Why He Should Get In: Throughout Beck's career, he's been known as an innovator and someone who is regularly able to reinvent himself and his music. His albums "Odelay" and "Sea Change" are both listed on Rolling Stone's Top 500 albums of all time. Beck has released 14 albums, four of which have gone platinum.
Will He Get In?: I don't see it happening this year. While his music is innovative, I'm not sure he's enough of a groundbreaker or has had enough of an impact to get in the first time he's nominated.
Pat Benatar/Neil Gerado
Photo Credit: The Big E
Eligible Since: 2000
Number of Nominations: 2
Why They Should Get In: Benatar and Giraldo met in 1979, and have been making amazing music together ever since. Benatar's "You Better Run" music video was the second video ever run on MTV, making Benatar the first woman and Giraldo the first guitarist to appear on the station. Benatar has sold over 35 million records worldwide. She has two multi-platinum albums, five platinum albums, and 15 Billboard Top 40 singles.
Will They Get In: Yes! I actually thought Pat Benatar was going to get in when she was nominated in 2020. She's a pioneer in rock music for women. She needs to be in.
Kate Bush
Photo Credit: The New Yorker
Eligible Since: 2004
Number of Nominations: 3
Why She Should Get In: Bush had her first chart-topping song - "Wuthering Heights" - in 1978 at the age of 19. She was the first female artist to have a UK number one hit with a self-written song. She's produced all of her own studio albums since the 1982 release of "The Dreaming". Her style has influenced a number of other artists. Bush is best known for her 1985 single "Running Up That Hill" as well as her duo with Peter Gabriel - "Don't Give Up".
Will She Get In?: I said it last year and I'll say it again this year... I just don't think Kate Bush is HOF material. But, the Hall of Fame clearly loves her since they've nominated her 2 years in a row.
Devo
Photo Credit: Rolling Stone
Eligible Since: 2003
Number of Nominations: 3
Why The Should Get In: Devo had commercial success with their 1980 hit single "Whip It", but some of their earlier music was some of their most innovative, and influenced a number of new wave and alternative rock artists. In addition, Devo were pioneers of the music video, with "Whip It" being a staple on MTV in the music channel's early years.
Will They Get In?: I was on the fence about Devo last year when they were nominated, and I'm on the fence again. I think the competition is just too fierce this year and I'm going to give them a no.
Duran Duran
Photo Credit: The Observer
Eligible Since: 2007
Number of Nominations: 1
Why They Should Get In: Duran Duran was formed in 1978 and was one of the biggest bands in the world in the 1980s. And unlike so many other "80s bands", Duran Duran found a way to endure. They are one of the world's best-selling artists, selling over 100 million records over their career. And they've had 21 singles hit the Billboard charts.
Will They Get In?: This one pains me. Duran Duran is one of my favorite bands. But I don't think they get in on their first nomination. I think the bigger question is why did it take the HOF so long to nominate them?
Eminem
Photo Credit: Billboard
Eligible Since: 2022
Number of Nominations: 1
Why He Should Get In: Eminem is credited with breaking the barrier to have white rappers accepted in popular music. He's also one of the best-selling artists in the world, having sold over 220 million records. Eminem was a huge success from the beginning. And after taking a hiatus from 2005 to 2009 to deal with a prescription drug addiction, he came back bigger and better than ever.
Will He Get In?: Getting into the HOF in the first year of eligibility is reserved for the elite. It rarely happens. Eminem deserves to be in and he will get in someday. But there are too many other amazing rappers that have been eligible longer and need to be in before him.
Eurythmics
Photo Credit: Diffuser
Eligible Since: 2007
Number of Nominations: 2
Why They Should Get In: The Eurythmics hit it big with the release of their second album - "Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)". Until their break up in 1990, they continued putting out hit after hit. The duo ultimately sold over 75 million records.
Will They Get In?: This is another group that I personally love, but I just can't get my head around them being in the HOF. Not to take anything away from Dave Stewart, but the full body of work of Annie Lennox seems much more deserving to me.
Judas Priest
Photo Credit: Loudwire
Eligible Since: 2000
Number of Nominations: 3
Why They Should Get In: Judas Priest is one of the greatest metal bands of all time. Formed in 1969, they've sold over 50 million records. Rob Halford is one of the greatest metal singers of all time. They have influenced countless other metal bands - both with their music and they style.
Will They Get In?: Yes! When they were nominated in 2020, I thought they were a no-brainer to get in then. This one is LONG overdue.
Fela Kuti
Photo Credit: Spin
Eligible Since: 1996
Number of Nominations: 2
Why He Should Get In: Although Kuti was also nominated in 2021, he is probably the artist on this list that you are least familiar with. He's considered a pioneer in Afrobeat, which is an African genre of music that combines Yoruba and Afro-Cuban style music with funk and jazz. In addition to his contributions to the music world, Kuti was an advocate for his home country of Nigeria as well, by being outspoken and critical of Nigeria's military juntas.
Will He Get In?: This is another tough one. While he deserves recognition for the contribution he's made to his genre of music, this is a tough class this year with lots of deserving candidates that are much more well known than Kuti. Despite the HOF clearly pushing for him with nominations two years in a row, I don't think he makes it.
MC5
Photo Credit: Leni Sinclair
Eligible Since: 1992
Number of Nominations: 6
Why They Should Get In: MC5 is another band that you may not have heard of, particularly if you were born after 1972. The band formed in 1964 and had a ton of promise, but they broke up after only a few years in 1972. Outside of their song “Kick-Out The Jams“, which is heavily covered still today, they didn’t have a lot of commercial success. However, many people regard their three albums as classics, and they are often cited as one of the most influential hard rock bands ever.
Will They Get In?: With 6 nominations over the years, this is another artist that the HOF clearly believes deserves to be in. But I said it in 2020 and I'll say it again this year... despite the influence they had on other artists, they weren't around long enough and their resume isn't deep enough for me.
New York Dolls
Photo Credit: Billboard
Eligible Since: 1999
Number of Nominations: 3
Why They Should Get In: The New York Dolls were one of the first punk bands. They never had a lot of commercial success and their original line-up didn't last long. But their first two albums - "New York Dolls" and "Too Much Too Soon" - have become cult hits in rock. In addition, their costumes and look on stage were hugely influential in the glam rock genre. Bands like the Sex Pistols, KISS and the Ramones have all cited the New York Dolls as being influential on their careers.
Will They Get In?: I thought they should have gotten in last year, and I'm sticking with it this year.
Dolly Parton
Photo Credit: Vogue
Eligible Since: 1989
Number of Nominations: 1
Why She Should Get In: Dolly Parton has been in the music industry for 60 years. She's recorded more than 50 studio albums and written over 3,000 songs. She has been a trailblazer for countless artists, and an inspiration to female artists of all musical genres. In addition to selling over 100 million records, Parton's humanitarian efforts are amazing. She has made this world a better place.
Will She Get In?: Wait? Dolly Parton is not in the HOF? In fact, she's never been nominated? That was literally what I said to myself when I saw her name on the nomination list. And I get it... she is a country music artist. But the reality is the Rock HOF has recognized artists of all genres for a long time. She is a shoe in!
Rage Against The Machine
Photo Credit: Brian Rasic/Getty
Eligible Since: 2018
Number of Nominations: 4
Why They Should Get In: RATM formed in 1991. Their debut album in 1992 - "Rage Against the Machine" - was a commercial and critical success. It's often named as one of the greatest albums of all time. During the height of their popularity, RATM was very influential and helped develop the nu metal genre. The band has also been very vocal about their political views throughout their career.
Will They Get In?: Ugh! Another tough one! I said no in 2021 and I'm going to say no again. But as in 2021, I wouldn't be surprised if they made it. They deserve to be in. I just think this year's list is too tough.
Lionel Richie
Photo Credit: Motown Records
Eligible Since: 2007
Number of Nominations: 1
Why He Should Get In: From the late 1970s through the 1980s, Richie had hit after hit. And before his hugely successful solo career, Richie was part of the successful vocal group the Commodores. Richie is also a prolific songwriter, writing hits for artists such as Babyface and Mariah Carey. He's sold over 100 million records and is one of the best-selling artists of all time.
Will He Get In?: He's a legend, but doesn't deserve to be in the first time he is nominated with so many others more deserving that aren't in yet.
Carly Simon
Photo Credit: Discogs
Eligible Since: 1997
Number of Nominations: 1
Why She Should Get In: Carly Simon is another female artist that influenced countless others, including Taylor Swift. She is an equally talented songwriter and singer. Her biggest commercial success came in the 1970s, when she had a string of hits including "Nobody Does It Better", which is still considered one of the greatest James Bond theme songs.
Will She Get In?: Simon is another artist that deserves to be in someday and will get in someday, but not this year on her first nomination.
A Tribe Called Quest
Photo Credit: Rolling Stone
Eligible Since: 2015
Number of Nominations: 1
Why They Should Get In: A Tribe Called Quest formed in 1985. They are considered one of the pioneering groups of alternative hip hop music. Before breaking up in 1998, they pushed the boundaries of hip hop. Their second album - "The Low End Theory" - was regarded as shaping alternative hip hop in the 1990s.
Will They Get In?: As one of two hip hop artists that are first time nominees this year, I think they have a leg up on Eminem due to the number of years they have been eligible. I think the HOF chooses one hip hop artist this year, and I think it's A Tribe Called Quest.
Dionne Warwick
Photo Credit: Houstonia Magazine
Eligible Since: 1998
Number of Nominations: 2
Why She Should Get In: Between 1955 and 1999, Warwick was among the 40 biggest hit makers of the time. She is one of the most charted female vocalists of all time. She's sold over 25 million albums worldwide.
Will She Get In?: Warwick is yet another nominee the HOF thinks deserves to be in by nominating her two years in a row. But as I said last year, I just don't think she's quite HOF material.
So, there you have it. The 2022 Rock Hall of Fame Nominees. To summarize, my picks are: Pat Benatar/Neil Gerado, Judas Priest, New York Dolls, Dolly Parton and A Tribe Called Quest. This year was really tough to choose, however, and I wouldn't be surprised to see some of these other legends make the final cut instead.
We'll find out in May!
Who are your Rock Hall of Fame favorites? Who do you think should be inducted into the Hall of Fame? Let us know! Comment below or e-mail me at tips2livebywriter@gmail.com.
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