“Rock Hall Singles” Now Permanent Part of Induction Ceremony
Remember during the 2018 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony when Steven Van Zandt introduced the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Singles? If you were a fan of that segment of the show, you’ll be pleased by the latest news from Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation President Joel Peresman.
In a new interview with Cleveland.com, Peresman confirmed the segment will be part of all induction ceremonies from now on, however, the six singles honored will not be inducted into the Rock Hall, per se. Per the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum CEO Greg Harris, these singles will be featured on the museum’s third floor in a special display. Harris also clarified that an artist is still eligible for induction if one of their songs receives the Rock Hall’s special singles distinction first.
Last year, the six singles honored were Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats’ “Rocket 88,” Link Wray’s “Rumble,” Chubby Checker’s “The Twist,” The Kingsmen’s “Louie Louie,” Procol Harum’s “A Whiter Shade of Pale,” and Steppenwolf’s “Born to Be Wild.” While we’ll have to wait until March 29 induction ceremony to find out which six singles will be honored this year, here are six songs that should be up for consideration:
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.
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.
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 choose 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 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.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-xYH2oTQGI/
New York Dolls – “Personality Crisis”
The New York Dolls were one of the biggest influences on the punk rock genre, and it’s thanks in large part to wild songs like “Personality Crisis.”
Erica Banas is rock/classic rock news blogger that loves the smell of old vinyl in the morning.
