Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Inductees 2021

Okay, folks, let's talk about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees of 2021. Did your faves make the cut? Mine… well, let's just say my reaction was a mix of "YASSS!" and a confused head-scratch.

The Big Names

First up, we have the legendary Tina Turner. Rightfully so! Girl could belt out a tune like nobody's business. Seriously, her voice could probably shatter glass at fifty paces.

Then there's Carole King. Piano queen! Tapestry is an absolute masterpiece. If you don't know it, stop reading and go listen.

And of course, The Go-Go's! Ladies who rocked. They brought a pop sensibility to the punk scene. Their tunes are pure earworm candy.

Dave Grohl's Twofer!

Dave Grohl snagged a double induction! First with Nirvana, now with the Foo Fighters. That's gotta be a record of some kind, right? Good on him.

He seems like a genuinely nice dude. Plus, he's ridiculously talented. Double congrats, Dave!

Now, For My "Unpopular" Opinion...

Okay, buckle up. This is where things get spicy. I have some thoughts about some of the other inductees. Some of them left me raising an eyebrow, or two.

Jay-Z? Don't get me wrong, he's a rap icon. Phenomenal. But rock and roll? I just... I'm not sure it fits.

He is undeniably talented, but the Hall of Fame blurs genres. Is it the Pop Music Hall of Fame now?

And LL Cool J? Again, love the man! Mama Said Knock You Out still gets me pumped. But... rock?

Maybe I'm just old school. Maybe I'm clinging to a narrow definition of rock. Probably.

The Others: Deserving or Dud?

Let's not forget Kraftwerk! These guys are electronic music pioneers! So ahead of their time.

Their influence is undeniable. I still find their music fascinating.

And Charley Patton, an early blues giant. Important to acknowledge the roots of rock and roll. This induction shines a light on foundational influence.

Then there's Billy Preston for Musical Excellence. Undeniably talented. He played with everyone!

But "Musical Excellence" seems like a catch-all. Are we just running out of "real" rock and rollers?

Final Thoughts (and More "Unpopular" Opinions)

Look, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is always going to be controversial. Someone's always going to be snubbed. Someone's always going to be inducted who doesn't "belong."

That's part of the fun. It's all subjective anyway. What one person considers rock, another might call something else entirely. The HOF is, in a word, messy.

So, congratulations to all the 2021 inductees. Even the ones I don't quite "get." Here is a quote.

"Rock and Roll is an attitude, not a genre."

Now, tell me your unpopular opinions. Who was robbed? Who didn't deserve it? Let's argue! (Nicely, of course.)