Inductees for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Class of 2011 with Alice Cooper and Neil Diamond Lead the Way

If ever there was an eclectic group of musicians for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame it is this list of 2011 inductees. There is a singer-songwriter from the early '60s who wrote songs at the Brill Building including one for The Monkees and pop hits of his own. Then a shock rocker who brought showmanship, vaudeville and pre-Cirque du Soleil to his concerts.

Also in the pack is a boho/poet, performance artist singer, voodoo soul man from New Orleans, rock Renaissance pianist/vocalist and an artist from an R&B girl group. All of them except one is nominated for the first time into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Tom Waits is the only one nominated before.

The Inductees: Performers, Sideman and Non-Performers

Neil Diamond, Alice Cooper and his band, Tom Waits, Dr, John, Leon Russell and Darlene Love as well as two non-performers, Jac Holzman and Art Rupe, will be officially inducted in a ceremony held on March 14 at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. The other non-performing inductees have contributed greatly to rock music with Jac Holzman as the founder of Elektra Records and Art Rupe, founder of Specialty Records that was responsible for the enormous success of Little Richard's hit singles.

Diamond had great success as a performer with songs such as "Cherry Cherry", "Sweet Caroline" and "I Am I Said." Cooper is best known for the rebellious songs "School's Out" and "I'm Eighteen" that defied authority. His concerts were theatrical before anyone else at the time. Dr. John's "Right Place, Wrong Time" was a huge hit in the genre of funk music.

Waits has written songs covered by well known artists and played on a number of recording sessions in addition to composing film scores. Russell had hits on his own, "Tight Rope" and "Lady Blue." He played on numerous recordings as a session musician first and foremost. His induction was formerly categorized as Sideman. Instead, Leon Russell will be given the Award for Musical Excellence. Love is best known for the girl group hit "He's a Rebel" with The Blossoms and her solo hit "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).

Surprising Snubs & Fuse TV

Of course every year there are surprising and not so surprising nominees that get snubbed. Bon Jovi was a surprising snub as it seemed obvious they had the induction in the bag. J Geils Band was another surprise too. However, not at all surprising were the artists from rap, hip hop and disco. Inevitably their time will come sooner or later. You can watch the full induction ceremony live on Fuse TV.

SOURCES:

The 2011 Inductees, Rock Hall

Gil Kaufman, "Alice Cooper, Neil Diamond Among Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees", MTV.com

Fuse - Where Music Lives, Fuse TV