Two Rock & Roll Hall of Fame voters have shared their dream picks for this year's induction class, highlighting artists they believe deserve recognition for their groundbreaking contributions to music.
Among the top contenders, both voters strongly advocate for The B-52's, noting the band's unique blend of punk edginess and New Wave pop sensibilities. "They were original," says one voter with 15 years of experience. "They came out with this angularity of punk with the poppiness of New Wave, and with a tremendous sense of humor."
Cyndi Lauper emerges as another strong candidate, with one voter emphasizing her versatility across genres and songwriting prowess. "She checks all the boxes. She's influential in a variety of genres and can sing anything — rock, pop, blues, electronic music, soul, country, R&B," the voter explains.
The Pointer Sisters are highlighted as an often-overlooked group that "never gets as much credit as they should." Their evolution from country music to '80s soul pioneers and their intricate harmonies make them standout candidates.
Luther Vandross tops one voter's list, citing his impressive career trajectory from backup singer to R&B chart-topper. "His first seven albums hit No. 1 on the R&B chart," notes the voter, suggesting the Hall needs to better recognize R&B artists from the '80s.
Other notable mentions include:
- Devo for revolutionizing electronic and synth-based music
- Iron Maiden for their enduring influence on metal
- Tracy Chapman for her impactful debut and timeless songwriting
- OutKast for advancing hip-hop innovation
- The Shangri-Las for their pioneering role in rock attitude
The voters' selections reflect the Hall's recent efforts to embrace a broader spectrum of musical genres and address historical gender imbalances in inductees. As one voter notes, this evolution sometimes raises questions about the institution's identity, comparing it to "making a dessert with vinegar, whipped cream, and steak."
The final ballot and inductees will be announced in the coming months, potentially including some of these dream picks.