The telecast of the 2018 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony premieres on HBO this Saturday, May 5 at 8 PM, and in case fans missed some previous reports, they’ll learn about a new induction category.
The newly added “Singles” category honors songs that helped shape rock and roll by artists who haven’t been inducted into the Rock Hall but are eligible and still could be inducted.
The first inductees in the category included “Rocket 88” by Jackie Breston and his Delta Cats (1951), Link Wray and his Ray Men’s “Rumble” (1958), “Louie Louie” by the Kingsmen (1963), Procol Harum’s “A Whiter Shade of Pale” (1967) and Steppenwolf’s “Born To Be Wild” (1968).
So, what songs should be added next year? Here are 13 potential picks.
Chubby Checker – “The Twist”
Throughout music history, many dance crazes have accompanying soundtracks, but Chubby Checker’s “The Twist” is the best of them all.
The Shangri-Las – “Leader of the Pack”
Considering their influence, it’s criminal that the Shangri-Las haven’t been inducted into the Rock Hall. At the very least, their classic “Leader of the Pack” should be added to the new “Singles” category.
The Zombies – “She’s Not There”
The Zombies have been nominated for induction a number of times but have failed to be inducted, which is yet another oversight when looking back at the band’s innovative genre-blending sound. As far as debut singles go, they really don’t get much better than “She’s Not There.”
Dick Dale & His Del-Tones – “Misirlou”
A massive surf rock hit that had a resurgence of popularity thanks to being included in the film Pulp Fiction, “Misirlou,” like Link Wray’s “Rumble,” is one of the most quintessential guitar tracks of all time.
Junior Walker & the All-Stars – “Shotgun”
A number of Motown artists have been inducted into the Rock Hall, but Junior Walker & the All-Star have just not received the same love. With the new “Singles” category, the inclusion of “Shotgun” is just a no-brainer.
Carole King – “So Far Away”
While Carole King was inducted into the Rock Hall as a songwriter along with partner Gerry Goffin, she has yet to be inducted as a performer, which is beyond absurd. It’s difficult to chose just one track from her, but it doesn’t get more sublime than “So Far Away.”
T.Rex – “Bang A Gong (Get It On)”
T.Rex and Marc Bolan didn’t have the massive career in the United State that they had in the U.K., but they opened the door for glam rock thanks to tracks like “Bang A Gong (Get It On).”
The Runaways – “Cherry Bomb”
Joan Jett & The Blackhearts were inducted in 2015, but there might not be a Joan Jett without The Runaways and songs like “Cherry Bomb.”
New York Dolls – “Personality Crisis”
The New York Dolls were one of the biggest influences on the punk rock genre, and it’s thanks to wild songs like “Personality Crisis.”
Motorhead – “Ace of Spades”
No band bridged the gap between punk and metal like Motorhead, and it’s shocking they haven’t even been nominated for induction. If they never make it into the Rock Hall, at the very least, “Ace of Spades” should be included in the “Singles” category.
Dio – “Rainbow in the Dark”
It’s been said over and over, but the lack of metal representation in the Rock Hall is abhorrent. When it comes to iconic metal voices, the late Ronnie James Dio is one of the best, and “Rainbow in the Dark” is one of his finest performances.
Def Leppard – “Photograph”
Def Leppard is another major, influential band that has never been nominated for induction. While we think they’ll be inducted one day, “Photograph” more than deserves to be included in the “Singles” category in the interim.
Iron Maiden – “Run To The Hills”
Remember that lack of metal representation thing? Yeah…enter Iron Maiden and the incredible vocals of Bruce Dickinson.
Erica Banas is a rock/classic rock blogger that loves the smell of old vinyl in the morning.