Metallica - The group brought metal back down to earth and enhanced the thrash genre with the use of high speed and volume while playing what ammounted to much more intricate compositions than other groups of the time. They crossed a niche genre to the mainstream and became a major recording act, selling over 60 million albums. Twenty five years after their debut, Death Magnetic recently topped the charts and has sold over on million copies in its first four months.
Run-D.M.C. - Only the second rap group to be inducted after Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five who went in in 2006. It was their crossover with Aerosmith on Walk This Way that helped move rap into the mainstream. They were also the first rap group to assemble fully realized albums with their 1986 entry Raising Hell being the first rap record to go platinum. On a sad note, Joseph "Run" Simmons and Daryl "DMC" McDaniels will be accepting the award without their partner Jam Master Jay who was murdered in 2oo2.
Jeff Beck - This is Beck's second trip into the hall, after being inducted in 1992 with the Yardbirds . Here, he is being honored for his solo work and as one of the most respected guitarists of the rock era able to play everything from straight rock to jazz.
Little Anthony and the Imperials - The group had one of the longest runs of any Doo Wop group, managing to segue from Tears on My Pillow in the 50's to the smoother R&B/pop sound of Goin' Out Of My Head in the mid-60's. Sammy Strain , who is being inducted with the Imperials, is also on his second time around. He was also inducted back in 2005 with the O'Jays.
Bobby Womack - Volumes could be written about Womack's career and his influence over the world of R&B, from his early days working with Sam Cooke to his songwriting (It's All Over Now, I'm a Midnight Mover, Breezin', That's the Way I Feel About Cha ), guitar playing (for Aretha Franklin, Ron Wood & Others) and performing. His solo hits included a remake of Lookin' for a Love (originally recorded by his group the Valentinos 12-years earlier), Woman's Gotta Have It and If You Think You're Lonely Now .
Wanda Jackson (Early Influence) - Jackson was one of the four nominees but did not receive enough votes for induction, so the separate committee on early influences put her through. She emerged during the 50's as a force in both Rockabilly and Country music. Her country hits included In the Middle of a Heartache and Right or Wrong while she charted pop with the same songs plus the rocking Let's Have a Party. She continues touring today.
Dewey Lyndon "Spooner" Oldham (Sideman) - Organist from Muscle Shoals who did much of his recording at FAME studios. He played on Percy Sledge 's When a Man Loves a Woman , Wilson Pickett 's Mustang Sally and Aretha Franklin's I Never Loved a Man . He was also a songwriter, pening Cry Like a Baby (Box Tops ), I'm Your Puppet (James & Bobby Purify ), Sweet Inspiration (Sweet Inspirations ), It Tears Me Up and Out of Left Field (both Percy Sledge).
Bill Black (Sideman) - Bass player for Elvis Presley from his Sun days until 1958 and, later, as leader of Bill Black's Combo who had R&B and pop hits with Smokie Part 2, White Silver Sands and their own version of Presley's Don't Be Cruel .
D.J. Fontana (Sideman) - Drummer for Elvis Presley from his Lousiana Hayride and Sun days through 1969. Afterwards, he became a studio musician for artists from Johnny Cash to Paul McCartney.
Passed over were the Stooges , who have been nominated seven times, Chic , who were on their fifth and War .
Hall President and CEO Joel Peresman noted that "This year’s class of inductees truly represents what the Hall of Fame is all about. From classic artists that began their careers in the 50’s and 60’s to those that have defined the modern sound of rock and roll. These artists demonstrate the rich diversity of rock and roll itself. We are proud to honor these artists and celebrate their contribution to rock and roll’s place in our culture."
Reactions from the new members:
Lars Ulrick of Metallica - "I'm not going to give a whole schpeel about 'come back in 20 years or something.' I'll fucking take it right now. I'm fucking psyched that anybody still gives a shit about this band."
Daryl "DMC" McDaniels (to Rolling Stone) - "I can't even comprehend this is happening. I want to let the world know that there are others receiving this honor with us. I'm talking about our heroes Afrika Bambaataa, Treacherous Three, the Cold Crush Brothers and DJ Kool Herc."
Bobby Womack - "This is just the greatest, I’m extremely happy. My very first thought was...I wish I could call Sam Cooke and share this moment with him. This is just about as exciting to me as being able to see Barack Obama become the first black president of the United States of America. It proves that, if you’re blessed to be able to wait on what’s important to you, a lot of things will change in life. Being able to work, perform and make people happy is where it’s at. I haven’t been home in almost 30 years, so having this happen in my hometown is really icing on the cake. I’m looking forward to going home."
Anthony Gourdine - "I got to personally thank Paul Schaffer, who really spearheaded this thing, along with Billy Joel, Paul Simon and even Madonna's people from what I hear. I got the call on my birthday. What a great present!"Former guitarist Dave Mustaine was not listed as an inductee with Metallica. He left in 1983 to form Megadeath. The band made the decision based on which members were in the band long enough to be a major influence on their sound.
This year's induction ceremony will be April 4 at Public Hall in Cleveland and will be broadcast on Fuse TV.
SOURCE: http://mog.com/blog_post/content/723/1196054
