The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2018 Nominees

This year, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominated 19 musicians for the Class of 2018 Induction ceremony. The nominees are as follows. My picks are in orange.

Bon Jovi: The 80’s glam rock superstars from New Jersey still have an avid fanbase to this day. They are one of the few artists on this list still recording, and their latest album, This House Is Not For Sale, was released last year.

Kate Bush: The innovative alternative rock musician has collaborated with Peter Gabriel and is best known for her song “Running Up That Hill”.

The Cars: This new wave act was a big hit in both Classic Rock and New Wave, with such classics as “Let The Good Times Roll”, “You Might Think”, and “My Best Friend’s Girl.

Depeche Mode: The innovative “dark wave” band managed to have a following that continues to this day with their latest album Spirit.

Dire Straits: Mark Knopfler’s band is best known for their commentary on the rise of music videos, “Money For Nothing”.

Eurythmics: This new wave duo of Annie Lennox and producer Dave Stewart was a big hit in the 80’s, with their most famous single “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)”, later ruined by Marilyn Manson.

The J. Geils Band: One of the best rock bands of the 80’s, this band is best known for songs like “Love Stinks” and “Centerfold”.

Judas Priest: One of the big 4 Heavy metal bands (along with Metallica, Megadeath, and Slayer), Judas Priest is one of the biggest acts in the genre.

LL Cool J: Although today he is known for his acting in NCIS: Los Angeles and Toys, LL Cool J was one of the earliest “Old school” rappers, famous for his song “Mamma Said Knock You Out”

MC5: A prototype for punk rock that came out of Detroit. Their name means Motor City 5.

The Meters: This funk rock band hails from New Orleans. They later renamed themselves The Funky Meters. One of its members, Art Neville, later formed the Neville brothers.

The Moody Blues: I’m surprised this fabled psychedelic rock band isn’t already in! Seriously, “Nights in White Satin”, anyone?

Radiohead: Although not the most radio-friendly (yes, I know, bad pun), this cult favorite was one of the biggest alternative bands of the 90’s.

Rage Against the Machine: Mixing punk rock with rap, Zach De La Roca’s Rage Against the Machine is a wildfire of anger.

Nina Simone: An American singer in many genres, including R&B, gospel, and jazz.

Sister Rosetta Tharpe: The “godmother” of rock and roll”, and a favorite vocalist of both Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley.

Link Wray: Considered the greatest guitarist you never heard of, Link Wray popularized the “power chord”, paving the way for punk rock.

The Zombies: This psychedelic band had a hit with the song “Time of the Season”. One of its members, Rod Argent, would later form his own rock band, the original artist behind “God Gave Rock and Roll To You”.

 

 

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