Let’s Talk in the Hall

So, the nominees have been announced for the next Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class.  With that, media, fans, and perhaps even some “what about me?” artists are all having their say.  I should’ve realized when I recently began this blog that, as a result, I, as a music industry professional would be required by internet law to weigh in on a topic like this too.  Yes, there is some wit in my tone there, but I’m not trying to be funny when I state what follows.

Is there any one nominee in particular this year that I have a problem with in terms of their merit?  That’s not my approach, here.

Rather, while I’m not the first person to put keyboard to screen to bring up the following, I do feel it’s still a worthwhile conversation.

Why are acts from genres other than rock and roll being put into that Hall of Fame?  Last year when I attended the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Los Angeles, I sat and watched as the likes of Donna Summer (disco) and Public Enemy (rap) were enshrined.  Let me look up and see if Peter, Paul, & Mary (folk/Americana) or B.B. King (blues) is in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.  I think you’re seeing the point.

Yes, I am going to take a moment to talk about other genres having their own Hall of Fame, which would negate the argument that ‘they need/deserve to be recognized somewhere.’  Heck, I had drummer Sonny Rock on my podcast in June, and guess where he was elected to last year?  The Blues Hall of Fame.  We see the Country Music Awards and the Dove Awards (Christian music), so why not stay clear like that when it comes to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame?

But here’s the issue no one is thinking of.  While it’s easy to honor people virtually in this day and age of technology with tablets, interactive displays and the like, don’t these facilities want scores of people streaming through their doorways (at a hefty admission price) hoping to catch a glimpse of an Elvis Presley jacket or a Jimi Hendrix guitar?  The point being, if you induct everyone and their brother regardless of genre, pretty soon it’s going to be tough to give each inductee his/her/their due in terms of a display that does justice to the long career that led to the Hall.  There’s only so much space available, and when multi-million dollar facilities go up, the last conversation anyone wants to have in its boardroom is funding for expansion.

The selection process is difficult enough on those involved without making it more difficult by blurring the lines due to candidates from other genres.  Don’t make the jobs of those involved with the ongoing operation of the Hall any more difficult by accelerating the overpopulation process.  Do the right thing and stay true to the name of the facility.  In return, Carrie Underwood will promise not to get mad when she meets the criteria but isn’t nominated.