Personal Picks: 2023 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame

Below are my Personal picks, listed in alphabetical order.  Most of the 14 nominees could get a "Yes" vote from me in other years.

Only able to vote for 5, which has always been an impossible task.  The Hall inducted 8 names from the ballot last year, taking Judas Priest from the Performer category to the Musical Excellence one.  In 2021 they inducted seven. Six performers plus taking LL Cool J off the ballot into the Musical Excellence category. So, I'm picking the five I would vote for plus 2 bonus choices. 

With each of my picks, I recommend some of their best recordings.  

Again, these are my Personal picks, not predictions. 

Top 5

George Michael - A superb craftsman who was comfortable singing many genres. First nomination.

1. Faith

2. Make It Big (Wham)

3. Ladies & Gentleman-Best of

Sheryl Crow - One of the best singer-songwriters of her generation.  First nomination. 

1. Tuesday Night Music Club

2. Sheryl Crow - s/t

3. Very Best of 

Spinners - One of the greatest Philly Soul groups who released some of the 70's most perfectly sung records. Plus, a legendary live act. Sound like game changers to me.  4th nomination.

1.  Spinners - s/t

2.  Pick of the Litter

3.  Very Best of 

Warren Zevon - Premiere LA singer/songwriter whose best work combines humor, tenderness and wicked honesty on many topics.  First nomination.

1.  Warren Zevon - s/t

2.  Excitable Boy

3.  Genius: Best of 

Willie Nelson - The face of Outlaw Country, a genre which attracted numerous Rock fans. First nomination. 

1.  Red Headed Stranger

2.  Stardust

3.  Legend: Best of 

Bonus picks

Cyndi Lauper - An empowering, inspirational voice who inspired many followers.  First nomination.

1. She's So Unusual

2. Kinky Boots (Original Broadway Cast Recording)

3. Essential 

White Stripes - Jack & Meg White blended Blues and Garage Rock into their own original sound for the 21st Century. First nomination (first year eligible). 

1.  White Blood Cells

2.  Elephant

3.  Greatest Hits

The Rest

A Tribe Called Quest - If the gangsta rap of the 90's turned you off, then this group, along with De La Soul, was one of the acts to champion.  Cool samples, smart lyrics.   2nd nomination.

Iron Maiden - Long running Metal legends with a massively loyal following.  2nd nomination.

Joy Division/New Order -  JD's sound was a departure from every band of their era.  JD's former members founded NO and took their sound to the 80's dance floor.   First nomination for both.

Kate Bush - Bush's catalog dating back to the late 70's has only grown in stature. Even if she's better known in England than in the U.S.  4th nomination.

Missy Elliott - One of the biggest rap stars of the late 90's/early 00's.  An inspiration to every female rapper that followed her. First nomination (first year eligible). 

Rage Against the Machine - Not a fan. Am I the only one who likes Morello’s solo stuff better? 5th nomination. 

Soundgarden - The most classic rock/metal sounding of the grunge era bands.  Chris Cornell's vocals always separated them from the rest of that era's vocalists.  2nd nomination.

Side Categories

Here are some personal picks for the side categories:

Musical Excellence - Chaka Khan, Carol Kaye, Roberta Flack

Early Influence - Carter Family, Patsy Cline, DJ Kool Herc

Non- Performer - Thom Bell, Estelle Axton

Also I wrote this:  Why The Spinners Belong In The Rock Hall