Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2009

Overall, I’ve got to say that I’m happy with the Class of 2009 for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Recall from previous posts, that the criteria is that the artist must have had a “significant impact on the evolution, development and perpetuation of rock and roll.” Artists are also not eligible until 25 years after the release of their first record or single. The Class of 2009 will be:

Jeff Beck
Metallica
Run-DMC
Bobby Womack
Little Anthony & the Imperials

In addition, Wanda Jackson will be inducted in the “Early Influence” category, and Spooner Oldham, Bill Black and D.J. Fontana will be inducted in the “Sidemen” category.

Other than Little Anthony, I’m quite happy with this year’s picks. The long suffering Stooges were nominated for a seventh time and passed over. (Black Sabbath holds the record for eight nominations before finally being inducted). I would have definitely given the Little Anthony slot to Iggy Pop and the Stooges.

If you recall when the nominees were first announced, this list of inductees matches closely my own picks.

You’ve heard it here many times, but Jeff Beck is the greatest living rock guitarist, and in the top three or four of all time. He has already been inducted once as a member of The Yardbirds, but I am so glad that his overlooked solo career is now getting some attention.

Metallica is a no-brainer and a pioneer in an entire genre of rock and roll. Run-DMC are rap godfathers, but they were also crucial in mixing rock and roll with rap, and were essential pioneers in the now common crossover between the genres. Bobby Womack is a triple threat of great soul singer, great guitarist and great songwriter. His influence on such rockers as The Rolling Stones and The Allman Brothers Band was pronounced. The Rolling Stones had some early hits covering his songs (“It’s All Over Now”, for instance.) Womack’s stunner “Across 110th Street” alone is almost justification for induction.

Little Anthony & the Imperials is the only marginal choice here. The old fogies on the nominating committee can’t let the 50’s go, even after they managed to get all of the truly important 50’s artists into the Hall already. But the fascinating politics and infighting behind the scenes in the RRHOF is for another post. Today, congratulations to this year’s inductees. It will be a fun ceremony to watch in April.