Discussion: Rock-n-Roll Hall inductees, year five

[SAT-I need more room!!]

1990

Performers

Hank Ballard
Bobby Darin
Four Seasons
Four Tops
Kinks
Platters
Simon and Garfunkel
The Who

Early influences

Louis Armstrong
Charlie Christian
Ma Rainey

Non-performers

Gerry Goffin and Carole King
Holland, Dozier and Holland


Another strong year. After 2 years with 5 inductees, we are up to 8 this year. All very worthy. Good cross section of artists as well. A couple of British Invasion artists, some soul, etc. If I had to eliminate one, it'd be Hank Ballard. Probably most people would agree. Not that he is NOT worthy, but he would be the first to go.

Thank God Carole King is in as a writer, but how about in the Performer section??

Any clue who Charlie Christian is?

[KittyKat - RIP Luciano]

This was the first year that I actively remember watching the ceremonies (As I recall they were televised on the local PBS affiliate in Miami).

A great group that represents a variety of rock, pop, and soul.
I've never really known who Charlie Christian was.

[beatles4ever]

Ah...Simon and Garfunkel.Probably my all time favorite duo.

[djdave]

Fine list, but surprised Bobby Darin went in rather quick. No denying his vocal (and even acting) talent, but there were others kinda like him that STILL won't get on the ballot today (Neil S, Connie, et al). And Hank coulda gone in later, but had a very influential R & B sound that was highly imitated (Chubby Checker--yes--even I admit it). The Platters shoulda actually gone in earlier. Most of the others were big initially around 1965, so 1990 saw their time come--the Who especially.

Ma Rainey's a 20's blues singer like Bessie Smith, best known for doing the original "See See Rider" around 1928.

And I think Charlie's a pioneering electric guitarist, circa early 1940's.

[55dodger]

The Platters should have been inducted Year 1. Who, Kinks, Simon & Garfunkel, Four Tops are great choices.
Carole King will be voted in as a performer by the veteran committee. She & Chicago still outside looking in.

Charlie Christian was jazz guitarist (Thank you Google)

[Dawn]

Good mix of artists in this year's class. As Dave mentioned, it's a little surprising that Bobby Darin went in so soon, although he is Hall worthy.

Hank Ballard would probably be the one I would eliminate first as well. A great talent and influence, but not quite the same caliber as say, the Seasons or the Who.

Carole King definitely deserves to be in there as a performer. Hopefully next year, along with Chicago and the Moodies, whose invitations are also long overdue.

[lora]

Excellent list, and I am quite pleased to see the seemingly forgotten Bobby Darin on this roster.

[H2IZCOOL]

It seems like someone did a review of the '50s and said "Oh my God, we left off Bobby Darin and the Platters" Glad they fixed it. The Platters belonged in in Year 1. Bobby was probably the first rocker to "go legitimate", with his nightclub career.

Hank Ballard - best known for selling the rights to The Twist to Chubby Checker. (Kinda like putting Harry Frasee in the Baseball Hall of fame - Red Sox owner who sold The Babe to the Yankees)

Seasons, Tops, Who, S&G, most definitely. A little early for The Kinks, perhaps.

How can you make Carole King a "non-performer" after Dylan gets in as a performer, not a writer.