Every year, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is forced to whittle down a list of 15 nominees to a mere five of the best musical acts of our time, which are announced and inducted to the mecca of rock in October. Last year’s inductees include Neil Diamond, Alice Cooper and Tom Waits. The rejected? LL Cool J and Bon Jovi (gasp!) The list often stirs up quite a bit of controversy amongst rock fans all over the world. Whether their favourite artists haven’t been inducted, or (apparently) lesser artists have been, it seems everyone has something to say about it. Here’s this year’s list of candidates for 2012 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and why they’re Notable. The full list, just released, includes some of Rock and Roll’s greatest…
Beastie Boys
One of the pioneers of the hip-hop movement and together for 25 years, the classic trio has sold over 40 million records and are famous for such hits as Intergalactic, Fight For Your Right (to paartaay, that is), and Sabotage.
War
The band formed in 1969, and their American funk sound and unique laid back vibe spoke specifically to their socio-political lyrics, and was intended to speak to the leaders of the time. You probably know them best for their songs Why Can’t We Be Friends and Low Rider.
The Cure
An English band gone viral in the 80s as part of the post-punk new wave scene, they’ve produced over 13 albums, making them one of the best-selling alternative rock bands in the world.
Donovan
A solo (Scottish!) singer-songwriter known for his folksy style and off-brand blend of jazz, pop and ethnic music drove him to fame, and multiple singles on the Billboard Top 100 chart in the 60s. Popular before guys around campfires with acoustics ruined his music for everybody.
Donna Summer
A woman who really made disco shine in the 70s, she’s a five-time Grammy winner and has a Mezzo-Soprano voice range – basically, a really great range of highs and lows.
Eric B. & Rakim
An influential hip hop pair from Long Island, they were often referred to as the ultimate MC and DJ combo in Hip Hop, and were one of the front runners in Hip Hop’s golden age during the 80s.
The Spinners
A quintet soul group founded in the 60s found much success with perfect harmonizing and hit singles like It’s a Shame and Could It Be I’m Falling In Love, and still tour to this day.
Guns N’ Roses
What to say about GNR? Known for their iconic frontmen Axl Rose and Slash, and selling over 100 million albums to date, you love their hit singles Sweet Child O’ Mine, Welcome to the Jungle and Paradise City.
The Small Faces
An English blues-rock band, and one of the biggest influential mod groups of the 60s, they went on hiatus and reunited in the 90s to then make their mark on the Britpop movement, and continue to do so to this day.
Heart
Based in Vancouver, this folk/hard rock band found fame in the 70s, and experienced a late comeback in the early 90s with their pop sound, great range and power ballads (they did that song Barracuda we love playing on Guitar Hero).
Rufus with Chaka Khan
American funk band duo that launched Chaka Khan into her solo career, known for singles Sweet Thing and Tell Me Something Good.
Joan Jett and The Blackhearts
A famous American rock group, they’re probably best known for their single I Love Rock N’ Roll. Joan Jett was often referred to as the “Queen of Rock N’ Roll” throughout her career.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
A unique blend of funk, punk and hip-hop, the band has been around since the 80s and continues to grow in popularity to date, with seven Grammy awards and over 80 million records sold worldwide.
Freddie King
Nicknamed ‘The Texas Cannonball’, he is considered one of the most influential blues guitarists and singers of all time. Over his 20-year career he influenced other musical greats like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Eric Clapton.
Laura Nyro
A solo singer and pianist from New York, she successfully blended jazz, gospel and blues for years, pairing with other great artists like Barbara Streisand and Blood, Sweat and Tears.
The 2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place April 14th, 2012.