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.
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.
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 unnominated 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.
The final inductee I’ll cover from the supersized Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class of 2012 is a twofer. Both Small Faces and Faces were inducted as one, 30 years after their initial eligibility.
Small Faces was an English pop band popular during the mid to late 60s, considered one of the earliest examples of Britpop. When founding member Steve Marriott left to form Humble Pie, the remaining members teamed up with Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood to form Faces. That lineup released four albums between 1970 and 1973 before disbanding. A few years later, the original Small Faces lineup reunited and they released two more albums under that name.
Meet Me In Montauk 