The next inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2011 is singer-songwriter Neil Diamond.
Diamond was first eligible for the Hall in 1989 but went un-nominated until the year he got in. At least he made it on his first ballot, though I’d argue it was a couple of decades late. Say what you will about Diamond — bemoan his corniness and the schlocky quality of some of his material — but the man is a beloved hitmaker whose songs have been performed by artists of all genres.
Four months ago I featured the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2012, and this week I’ll continue my journey back in time by focusing on the Class of 2011. Seven inductees were named that year and I’ll cover each of them in alphabetical order.
First up is Alice Cooper, the heavy metal provocateur considered the “Godfather of Shock Rock.’ Cooper is the stage name of Vincent Damon Furnier, and also the name of the band he fronted for several years in the early 70s before he embarked on a decades-long solo career.
Meet Me In Montauk 