Discussion: Rock-n-Roll Hall inductees, year 17

[SAT-I need more room!!]

2002

Performers

Isaac Hayes
Brenda Lee
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Gene Pitney
Ramones
Talking Heads

Sidemen

Chet Atkins

Non-performers

Jim Stewart



Another interesting mix. Isaac is another early 70's soul singer I don't know what he did that set him apart. Brenda Lee, one of the few select artists in both the Rock and Country Halls. No arguement-but before Connie?? TP, absolutely no question. Very timeless sound. I still say you could play anything off his debut next to anything from later in his career and not tell what is from the 70's. Glad the Heartbreakers were acknowledged too since they were ALMOST always the same guys. And both Stan Lynch and Ron Blair attended the ceremony, which was great. Fixing this now-I usually proofread, and I didn't this time and left out Gene in my review! I think they waited long enough so it's ok he's going in. Although I think it should've been AFTER the Righteous who went in the next year. I think they were more influential and had a more unique tune. Ramones and Talking Heads were both part of the sort of American punk scene. Although I don't know a ton by the Ramones, I understand their inclusion because of their return to basic, stripped down 2 and a half minute rock in an era of bombast. And the Heads are fine too, but again, before so many others? I'd leave out Isaac here.

Chet going in is also good, but to say he is a Rock-n-Roll sideman is strange. He would fit my "Outside Influence" category since there is many rock guitarists (George Harrison and Mark Knopfler included) who love him.

And as far as the Non-performer, "Every time a bell rings, someone is inducted into the Hall of Fame!"

[djdave]

Isaac Hayes, absolutely. 1969's "Hot buttered Soul" was one of the most influential funk albums ever, and a great one at that. Plus an incomparable score to Shaft.

Woulda likewise grouped Brenda with Connie.

Tom Petty, and to a lesser degree the Heads and Ramones, absolutely for their time.

Though I really like his music, I'd take out Mr. Pitney. Great music, but really Hall material? Hmmm....

[55dodger]

Tom Petty (& the Heartbreakers) is one of my favorite artist, so I have no problems here.
Issac Hayes - definately, so much influence as a producer.
Brenda Lee - Yes but not before Connie Francis
Gene Pitney - I guess so, not really a fan
Ramones & Talking Heads - I know little beyond the stuff that's always on the radio.

[H2IZCOOL]

Interesting combo in 2002.

Isaac - Woo hoo! Let's hear it for The Chef!

Brenda Lee - I don't know if I should say "It's about time" or she shouldn't have gone before Connie. I guess I'll say the first. The fact that the electors are being stupid about Connie doesn't mean they should have been stupid about Brenda also. She definitely deserved the slot.

TP and the Heartbreakers - Absolutely. Shouldn't be any argument.

Gene Pitney - I was so glad to see him go in. IMO, he's the guy from whom all the falsetto singers grew. (Frankie Valli, Bee gees, Lou Christie, etc.) It's about time.

Ramones and Talking Heads. Don't know enough about them to form an opinion.

[lora]

Excellent.

From the way you talked, I thought Brenda Lee went in earlier...this is good timing, it seems to me. I know you wanted Connie in first, but that's the way it goes!