That would be a tough selection.
The rock and roll hall of fame hasn't been about just rock and roll for a long time. I don't mind that they have other genres of music being inducted, but I wish they would just change the name to music hall of fame or something like that.
I would think that last years nominees get put back in, too. The Cars and Yes were two that I voted for online often. It was on Rolling Stones' website. Janet Jackson was on there last year, too.
Definitely a tough call. I included the word creators as meaning that Chuck Berry, Elvis, Buddy Holly would have to be in the discussion as the creators of what became bona-fide RnR music. Maybe Little Richard as well?That would be a tough selection.
But, as a Mt. Rushmore of Guitar Players... without a doubt. I remember a buddy of mine, many years ago, who was a guitar instructor, said "There are now 3 rites of passage for rock'n'roll guitar players: Chuck Berry, Jimi Hendrix and Eddie Van Halen. And, I can remember when there was only ONE- Chuck Berry." So, we argued who would be the 4th face. It had to be one of the British guys! He said Jeff Beck and I argued Eric Clapton. He insisted (quite correctly) that Jeff Beck can play just like Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton, but they can't play like Jeff. I said, "I agree, but everyone knows Eric Clapton and, really, only guitar players know Jeff Beck." Keef gets an honorable mention, but even Keith would admit he's just been playing like Chuck Berry!
By the way, here is my own, personal, Keef Telecaster that I custom-made for myself! It stays in open G tuning!
It started-off well... for like the first 10 years, maybe. I think they like to be "diverse" to get more exposure, sell more stuff, make a bigger profit all around.
Oh, yeah... the 1950's pioneers for sure. I can only imagine being around when that music was starting to be recorded and played. It's almost impossible to erase what you know has come AFTER all of that, to put it into a context that would allow you to understand what it was like in 1956-57.
