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January 14, 2009
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2009
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced its inductees for the class of 2009 and they are: Metallica, guitar master Jeff Beck, soul man Bobby Womack, doo-wop group Little Anthony and the Imperials and rap legends Run-DMC.
An impressive lineup, no doubt, but I still have a hang-up about one of the acts. Strangely, it's Run-DMC, the one I enjoy listening to the most out of any of the inductees.
I'm not going to rip on rap music, as I was a fan of a lot of the pioneers of the genre: Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Whodini and, first and foremost to me, Run-DMC. And, believe me, there weren't too many other white kids accepting rap as a legitimate form of music in the 1980s. There were some, but it's not like today where white, suburban kids have not only glommed on to the music, but also the look and mannerisms of their favorite rappers.
My problem with Run-DMC going into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is the same problem I previously had with the inductions of Grandmaster Flash and Madonna — it's not rock and roll.
Actually, it seems to me that rap and dance music are almost the antithesis of rock, more reliant on technology than the guitar-bass-drum sound that I associate with rock and roll.
I realize "it's tricky" — sorry, couldn't resist the Run-DMC reference — trying to categorize what is or isn't rock and roll. It's very difficult to put into words what does or does not qualify.
But I know it when I hear it and I just don't think rap makes the cut, in this instance.
On the positive side, the April 4 induction ceremony will be held in Cleveland this year. So not only did Womack finally get the call from the Hall, but he'll be honored in his hometown.
And rockabilly singer Wanda Jackson will finally get enshrined in the Hall's early influence category. A long overdue honor for a sweet, talented woman, who can still bring it on stage.
In the sidemen category, inductees are session musician Spooner Oldham and two of Elvis Presley’s musicians — drummer D.J. Fontana and bassist Bill Black.
Posted by Sean on January 14, 2009 7:41 PM
Comments
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that Metallica made it!!
They have made some of the best music in my life time!
Master of Puppets is one of my top 10 favorite albums of all time.
So glad they are getting their props!!
Posted by: Marci B at January 26, 2009 1:51 PM
