Tag Archives: hof2011

by

Song of the Day #6,232: ‘Rain Dogs’ – Tom Waits

The final inductee from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2011 is singer-songwriter Tom Waits. Waits was eligible starting in 1999 and made it in the first year he was nominated.

I have very little familiarity with Waits’ discography, and I can’t say I enjoy listening to the songs I have heard, but I have no issue whatsoever with his inclusion in the Rock Hall. He is an iconic figure and a singular talent, an artist who has crossed and blended genres and influenced a generation of musicians.

Continue reading →

by

Song of the Day #6,231: ‘Tight Rope’ – Leon Russell

Returning to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2011, our next featured inductee is singer-songwriter and highly sought after session musician Leon Russell.

Russell was born in Lawton, Oklahoma, where an injury during childbirth led to minor paralysis on the right side of his body. His piano playing had to favor his left hand, resulting in his distinctive sound. He moved to Los Angeles in the 60s and played with a laundry list of artists way too long to name here. Think of somebody famous and he likely showed up on at least one of their songs.

Continue reading →

by

Song of the Day #6,228: ‘He’s a Rebel’ – The Blossoms (credited to The Crystals)

Darlene Love’s induction on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Class of 2011 raised a few eyebrows. While nobody questioned her vocal talent, her lack of credits as a solo artist prompted some to suggest she was included primarily due to her connections (having Bruce Springsteen in your corner can’t hurt).

Love was lead singer of The Blossoms (not in the Hall) and a background vocalist for scores of major artists, including Frank Sinatra, The Beach Boys, Elvis Presley, Tom Jones, Dionne Warwick, and Sam Cooke. I suppose it’s fair that a prolific background singer deserves recognition, but it’s a bit odd that she made it in 13 years before, say, Warwick.

Continue reading →

by

Song of the Day #6,227: ‘Light My Fire’ – The Doors

The next Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee from the Class of 2011 is not The Doors, but rather the man who signed them (along with many other artists) to his Elektra Records label — Jac Holzman.

Holzman was one of two recipients of 2011’s Ahmet Ertegun Award, given to non-performers who have made a substantial behind-the-scenes contribution to popular music.

Continue reading →

by

Song of the Day #6,226: ‘Right Place Wrong Time’ – Dr. John

Dr. John is another Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee who made it in on his first ballot, though he had to wait 17 years after his initial eligibility.

The singer-songwriter was a staple of the New Orleans music scene, blending traditional jazz and R&B with modern soul and funk. He won six Grammys and released dozens of albums as both a band leader and a supporting artist. His biggest hit was ‘Right Place Wrong Time,’ which made it to #9 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Continue reading →