Who is Deserving to Claim "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame" Status?

The Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame is including some new people onto its walls and exhibits. The odd thing, however, is that only two of the six selected are even true rockers. It is also unusual as to how, out of six hundred individual singers, the non-rockers were chosen over people such as The Beastie Boys. So, just WHO were the lucky few? Count 'em and find out my opinion about them.

1. John Mellencamp. I recall seeing this fellow on a show that could not be connected to music, but politics. I find it unusual, seeing as he is the main person in this group who, not only sings, but also actually ROCKS out loud. Admittedly, one could say that he plays country rocks because his style is very much like a Heartland rock, with a combination of country, blues, and rock all sewn together. One song I recall liking of his would be "Our Country". It is a song that not only does rock a little, but he even has good lyrics going with soulful ways of his music. Now, that's a real rock star.

2. The Ventures. Ah, these guys. I don't know about other peoples' opinion about music with lyrics, but sometimes I do get tired of the guys that try to sound too masculine for their lyrics. So, what else but the taking away of the lyrics and only utilizing music to carry the mood and theme? That is what The Ventures did, especially when they were making music for Hawaii Five-O. As much as you may classify the band as making surf music, I disagree, as there were many other pieces of music they created that had little or no relation to the whole thing. Once again, a band that plays rock by itself and no others.

3. The Dave Clark 5. As far as actually stating that they were a rock band, I will agree. HOWEVER, as far as stating that they had a larger popularity than, say, John Mellencamp? Nuh-uh. Not even close. You see, this band was brought in during the whole Beatles Invasion in the 60's-70's, allowing them to gain popularity because they were similar to the Beatles, except they claimed to be more "clean-cut". Ironic, considering the Beatles had more sales because of their changes during the times.

4. Madonna. Quite possibly one of the WORST choices to put into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame, thus far. She IS a pop singer, NOT an electric guitar player. In all honesty, what exactly has Madonna done that can be called "ROCK"? All she has done is sing about being a "Material Girl" and that she's doing it "Like A Virgin". If anything, she should not be given any credit whatsoever. Her band should, however.

5. And, finally, Leonard Cohen. I don't mean to be offense to the man, but, I can't quite understand what relates him to rock either. He is a folk singer, which, if anything, is the lightest form of music next to Muzak. Not to mention, I don't see how he has changed the whole world all that much for his music to mean anything more than being hippie music. Ah well, I hope he'll forgive me.

So, there you have it, all of the inductees to be within the Hall of Fame on Monday. Here's hoping other bands have a shot, eh? So long!