The Farr Side: Congrats to Rock Hall inductees

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame released the Class of 2023 inductees this past week. The list of inductees proves, once again, that rock and roll music is inclusive.

This year’s list of inducted performers includes Kate Bush, Missy Elliot, George Michael, Willie Nelson, Rage Against the Machine and The Spinners.

I could be like a lot of people and throw my hands in the air and call out the Rock Hall as being a sham. But, I won’t. I know that rock and roll music is inclusive and encompasses all other genres. Rock and roll was born from the fusion of country, gospel, R&B, folk and everything thing else.

People were quick to denounce Willie Nelson, but I feel the need to let them know that Hank Williams was one of the first to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. You can’t get any more country than Hank. Last year it was Dolly Parton. Look at all the artists from all walks of life who have been influenced or inspired by Williams, Nelson and Parton.

I could make the claim for as to why each of the list of 16 nominated performers were worthy of induction. I had my favorites, too. I was a bit surprised, though, to see a could who made the list go in before a few of the others who didn’t make the cut this year. One, in particular, was Cyndi Lauper. I could have seen her go in before Bush or Elliott, to be honest. Lauper’s influence and artistry is far greater, considering her time debut on the scene in the early 90s.

Bush is important, too. But, her accolades were more quiet and subdued. She didn’t even have any top 40 hits in the U.S. until a resurgence of her 1985 single, “Running Up That Hill,” appeared on “Stranger Things” last year. The single made it to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, which is incredibly impressive.

Seeing George Michael’s name made my heart happy. This man is an icon on so many levels. His legacy of music will forever be a part of all of our lives. He was due this honor.

Congrats to Sheryl Crow, too. She is another one who I was surprised made it into the Rock Hall on her first nomination.

I was also pleased to see The Spinners. Sometimes it feels as if some of those artists from the past get overlooked as time goes by. This gives me hope that we will see the likes of Boyz II Men go in someday.

Some other inductees include DJ Kool Herc and Link Wray. They were both inducted for their Musical Influence, while Chaka Khan, Al Kooper and Bernie Taupin are inductees for their Musical Excellence.

Chaka Khan and Taupin are definitely worthy for their contributions. Another well-known man from TV’s “Soul Train” was also inducted for the Ahmet Ertegun Award.

Don Cornelius will now join Dick Clark and Alan Freed in the Rock Hall.

There’s no denying that this year’s group of Inductees reflects the diverse sounds and artistry that make up what is rock and roll. The official induction ceremony will be in New York this November.

Now it’s time to think about nominations for next year. Hopefully, Lauper gets nominated again. I’d also like to see Culture Club, Olivia Newton-John, Tears For Fears, Alanis Morrissettte, Kool & The Gang, Kenny Loggins, Foreigner, Kenny Rogers and Mariah Carey on the list, too.

— David T. Farr is a Journal correspondent. Email him at farrboy@hotmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: The Farr Side: Congrats to Rock Hall inductees