I'm making a list of the great rock and roll performers of all time.  Here is a list of legendary rockers: Madonna,
Grandmaster Flash, Blondie, Percy Sledge, The O'Jays, Brenda Lee, Paul Simon, James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, Earth Wind and Fire, The Jackson 5, Bee Gees, Etta James, The Platters, Bobby Darin, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Smokey Robinson, Ricky Nelson, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Simon and Garfunkel, and Sam Cooke.   Tell me that isn't a great list of rockers!  There's just one problem: They're not rockers!

     The list you just read is a small sampling of the "rockers" who are in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  I thought it was crazy when The O'Jays were inducted last year, and when I saw that Run D.M.C. is nominated for next years class, I had enough.  These performers would all belong if it were the Music Hall of Fame, or the Rap Hall of Fame, or the Country Music Hall of Fame, but I really don't see how you can include them in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  Although, I'm pretty sure I know the answer.

     If you induct rock acts into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, who are you going to attract?  If you said rock fans, you're correct.  You will attract rock fans almost exclusively.  Now, if you throw in some rap, country, R&B, soul, and pop, then all of a sudden, there is a little something for everybody.  You succeed in broadening your appeal to a larger audience, but you fail miserably in paying respect to rock music.  Although, repecting the music is probably the least important thing on their list.  We all know the first is making as much money as possible.