I did not do so well in predicting the inductees foolishly thinking that the true innovators should get into the Hall. Every music fans favorite game now is to point at a similar (possibly superior) artist and wonder why they have yet to gain entrance to the coveted Hall. With that in mind, let’s look at the class of 2012 and their (better looking) doppelgänger.
In-Guns ‘N Roses
Out-Thin Lizzy
Before there was Axl Rose there was Phil Lynett. Lynette’s sometimes thoughtful, sometimes harsh lyrics and gruff voice were set to a bluesy double guitar assault. They were truly ahead of their time as GNR is obviously greatly indebted to this band and cashed in tremendously by Thin Lizzy’s influence.
Thin Lizzy “The Rocker”
In- Red Hot Hot Chili Peppers
Out – X
The band X defined the LA punk scene in the late 70s to early 80s. Lead by lead singer Exene Cervenka and John Doe, X’s songs of urban decay and desperation were emulated with a more commercially produced sound by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
X-The Once Over Twice
In-Donovan
Out-Bert Jansch
More British sounding and less pop than Donovan, this amazing guitarist was able to get to the heart of the song. Jimmy Page and Neil Young have cited him as a major influence on their work. Bert sadly passed away in October this year and hopefully one day the Rock Hall will recognize his brilliant work.
Bert Jansch-In The Bleak Of Winter
In-Laura Nyro
Out-Nina Simone
Much like the brilliant Laura Nyro, Nina Simone’s talents covered many genres of music. She may have been labeled a soul singer but her singing deftly reflected elements of pop, jazz and the blues. Here’s Joe Strummer introducing Nina Simone
Nina Simone “To Love Somebody”
In-The Faces/Small Faces
Out-John Mayall
Mult-Instrumentalist John Mayall his band the Bluesbreakers helped lead the charge in the mid 60s to the blues rock sound that influenced so many bands coming up afterwards. This list includes guitarists that left the Bluesbreakers to join other extremely successful bands like Eric Clapton for Cream, Peter Green for Fleetwood Mac and Mick Taylor for The Rolling Stones.
John Mayall & Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton “I’m Your Witch Doctor”
In-Beastie Boys
Out-Lee “Scratch” Perry
The Beastie Boys have used Lee “Scratch” Perry’s music numerous times in their samples and he even performed on a song named Dr. Lee, Phd. Jamaican born Lee Perry has been a huge influence in bringing reggae and dub step sounds to American audiences.
Lee “Scratch” Perry-Dyon Anaswa
In-Freddie King
Out-Eddie Taylor
As the one inductee in the influencer category, Freddie King had to have someone before him to lead the way. If you needed someone to play the Delta Blues no one compared to Eddie Taylor, just listen to his solo during “Big Town Playboy” and you’ll get the idea.
Eddie Taylor “Big Town Playboy“
I am very glad Laura Nyro got in. Nina is awesome too, she’ll be in someday, don’t worry.