Predictions: 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Finally, the Rock Hall gets more women on the ballot.  That's the headline for the 2021 nominees.  And they've given us the most racially diverse list in over a decade. Good for John Sykes, who in his first year as Hall chairman definitely shook up the ballot. Seven is the most female nominees ever.  Pure elation! Now the tough part.  Getting more than a couple inducted.  Four names on this ballot were easy to pick.  After that it gets harder.  The Hall usually inducts 6, but in 2019 inducted 7.  So, for this year I'm predicting a robust 7 inductees.  I also noticed that of the 7 names chosen, 5 are first time nominees.  That seems too much, but we'll see.  Voters tend to like new nominees. 

Inductees

Carole King - Most people don't know that as a performer she was nominated once before in 1989.  Then in 1990 the Hall put her in with Gerry Goffin.  Regardless, she's going to coast in now.  Also, this is the 50th anniversary of Tapestry. 2nd nomination. 

Dionne Warwick - Ok, I’ve probably bought into her newfound Twitter popularity too much. But she's as much an icon as Tina, Patti, Gladys, Aretha. And has been eligible for decades now.  Her 1st nomination. 

Foo Fighters - Dave Grohl's post-Nirvana work may not be loved by most critics, but Grohl himself is well-liked by more than enough to get them in right away.  1st nomination. 

Go-Go's - A name that got mentioned often as an 80's snub finally appears on the ballot.  Not a sure thing, but a recent documentary has brought their name back in the public eye. 

Jay-Z - Some Rap acts are too big to ignore.  Add Jay-Z to that list which includes Run DMC, Tupac, Biggie. 1st nomination. 

Tina Turner - It took until 2021 for the NomCom to understand that Tina's comeback deserved her own award.  1st nomination. 

Bonus Pick 

Rage Against the Machine - Like Dave Grohl, Tom Morello is a well-respected member of the Rock community.  So, maybe this year he picks up some of Grohl's voters?  3rd nomination. 

The Rest

Chaka Khan - Her 7th nomination, 4 with Rufus and 3 solo. She's got the hits, has sang with many current Rock Hallers and too be honest, I have no idea what more she has to do.

Devo - Cult favorites with one big hit, who may still be seen as too much of a cult favorite to get inducted.  2nd nomination.

Fela Kuti - An afro-pop pioneer. Many voters might not know much about him, which never bodes well for induction. One could make the case for a Musical Excellence pick. But I like Joe Kwaczala's idea of an International category to put in Fela and others. First nomination.

Iron Maiden - If Judas Priest couldn't get in right away, I can't see Iron Maiden doing it either. But they will do well with the "Rock" electorate that has grown over the years.  First nomination.

Kate Bush - Her first nomination in 2018 was a surprise.  A big success in the U.K., but that's never a guarantee for a Rock Hall induction. Which might keep her out again. 

LL Cool J - His 6th nomination, and I'll say it again.  The reason he keeps getting bypassed is that most voters see him more as an actor/celebrity than as the biggest male Rap star from the mid-80's to early-90's.  

Mary J. Blige - 2021's most curious nomination. The "Queen of Hip Hop Soul" is definitely a surprise nominee.  Especially when you consider that Mariah Carey has never been nominated.  1st nomination.

New York Dolls - Their 2nd nomination and first in 20 years.  Again, could do well with voters who are starving for some good old "Rock and Roll" to vote for.

Todd Rundgren - If the Performer category doesn't want him, he would be a prime Musical Excellence pick. He's got all the credentials:  Producer, solo performer, Utopia, Nazz, Music Video pioneer.  3rd nomination in a row so he's either close in the vote or someone on the NomCom really loves him. 

Also: My Personal Picks for the 2021 Rock Hall are here.