Talk about waiting a long time to get into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Charley Patton released his first song in 1929, making him eligible for induction in 1954, 41 years before the Rock Hall opened.
Patton, known as the Father of the Delta Blues, was inducted as an Early Influencer, honoring the role he played in mentoring and inspiring countless other blues artists.
Patton’s age and race are uncertain. Different accounts have him born sometime between 1881 and 1891, and while he was certainly Black, he is rumored to have also had white and Native American ancestry.
What isn’t in dispute is his popularity. Patton was one of the earliest popular music stars, playing scheduled shows throughout the south and the northeast. His guitar virtuosity and strong singing voice made him a model for southern blues musicians.
Patton died in 1934 and was buried in Holly Ridge, Mississippi. In 1990, John Fogerty paid to have a memorial headstone erected at the site.
In all a spoon’, ’bout that spoon’
The women goin’ crazy, every day in their life ’bout a…
It’s all I want, in this creation is a…
I go home (wanna fight) ’bout a…
Doctor’s dyin’ (way in Hot Springs!) just ’bout a…
These women goin’ crazy every day in their life ’bout a…
Would you kill a man dead? (yes, I will!) just ’bout a…
Oh babe, I’m a fool about my…
(Don’t take me long) to get my…
Hey baby, you know I need my…
It’s mens on Parchman (done lifetime) just ’bout a…
Hey baby, (syou know I ain’t long) ’bout my…
It’s all I want (honey, in this creation) is a…
I go to bed, get up and wanna fight ’bout a…
(Look-y here, baby, would you slap me? Yes I will!) just ’bout a…
Hey baby, (you know I’m a fool a-) ’bout my…
Would you kill a man? (Yes I would, you know I’d kill him) just ’bout a…
Most every man (that you see is) fool ’bout his…
(You know baby, I need) that ol’…
Hey baby, (I wanna hit the judge ’bout a) ’bout a…
(Baby, you gonna quit me? Yeah honey!) just ’bout a…
It’s all I want, baby, this creation is a…
(Look-y here, baby, I’m leavin’ town!) just ’bout a…
Hey baby, (you know I need) that ol’…
(Don’t make me mad, baby!) ’cause I want my…
Hey baby, I’m a fool ’bout that…
(Look-y here, honey!) I need that…
Most every man leaves without a…
Sundays’ mean (I know they are) ’bout a…
Hey baby, (I’m sneakin’ around here) and ain’t got me no…
Oh, that spoon’, hey baby, you know I need my…
Meet Me In Montauk 
This type of induction reflects the Rock Hall at its best, although the recognition should have come closer to when the Hall began.