DISCLAIMER: This is purely opinion. I am not challenging anyone’s merits as a performer, lyricist or musician. I am endorsing an additional hall of fame, be it for popular music or hip-hop/R&B/rap.

According to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s website regarding inductees and nominees, “Criteria include the influence and significance of the artists’ contributions to the development and perpetuation of rock and roll. “

I am not saying some of the performers in the rock hall do not deserve to be in a hall of fame. Just seeing the explosion of various types of genres in the 1990s and 2000s, our nation may consider establishing a new music hall of fame, or change the name of the rock hall to the Pop and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Currently, the U.S. boasts the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame and several states’ hall of fames.

I could go on for hours, but let me get down to the nitty-gritty.

There are some performers not yet inducted into the rock hall that deserve a place on the list ahead of performers such as say, LL Cool J and the Beastie Boys, and arguably even Madonna and Michael Jackson (solo) based on their influence on the “rock ‘n’ roll” genre.

Of the list compiled this year, there are no doubts Alice Cooper should already be in there, as well as Donovan, Tom Waits, etc. I feel as though rock ‘n’ roll is based heavily on music, the sounds merging together to form one unified feeling, and the only way to make that feeling exist is the use of real instruments that take skill and effort to play. Rock ‘n’ roll relies on guitars, basses, drums, sometimes pianos, synths, keytars, etc., but in essence there is either a constant backing band, or a solid band playing together for years.

So after much thought and a 20-odd item list thus far, I would like to make my case for five performers who should either be nominated this year, or should have already been inducted (in no particular order).

Iron Maiden

Their first studio album, released in 1980, entitled “Iron Maiden,” helped increase the wave of popularity for heavy metal music. Iron Maiden helped pave the way for such bands as Metallica. Iron Maiden also stayed true to its music throughout the years, never bending to popular demand or music of the times. And they’re still touring and still making sweet metallic sounds.

KISS

Need I say more? The band’s first couple albums were released in 1974, and KISS has perpetuated its glam performances through today. If you’ve never heard the name Gene Simmons or heard the song “Rock and Roll All Night,” I believe you may live under a rock.

The Cars

Their self-titled first album was released in 1978. Their pop-punk music stylings created such songs as “Just What I Needed.” (Look it up on YouTube and you’ll realize the chorus has been used for several commercials these days). The Cars helped lead the way for rock ‘n’ roll from the 1970s to the 1980s.

Side note: Ric Ocasek the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for The Cars is also a recognizable producer for acts such as No Doubt and was the first producer for a little-known band that recently played here, Weezer.

Daniel Lanois

Daniel Lanois is a behind-the-scenes guy, for the most part. Not only does he make some beautiful music, he produces it as well. His first few production credits included an album for Raffi, and oh, U2. Lanois has helped produce albums for Peter Gabriel, Robbie Robertson (of The Band), Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson. He has a pretty important job helping keep the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll alive.

Electric Light Orchestra (ELO)

A surprising combination of rock ‘n’ roll with classical overtones was the successful music of ELO. The band’s self-titled debut album was released in 1971. Innovation and perpetuation of rock ‘n’ roll was a key to their success.

Side note: Jeff Lynne, songwriter, producer and member of ELO, later became a member of the Traveling Wilburys (with bandmembers Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Roy Orbison and Tom Petty), and produced for The Beatles, Brian Wilson, Roy Orbison and Tom Petty.

Other acts of notable mention not inducted in the rock hall: The Guess Who; The Turtles; Dire Straits; Big Star; Rush; Blood, Sweat, and Tears; Arlo Guthrie; Joan Baez; The Monkees; Willie Nelson; Carole King (solo); REO Speedwagon; Pat Benatar; Ravi Shankar; Canned Heat; Mountain; Bad Company; Stevie Ray Vaughan; The Buggles (of MTV’s “Video Killed the Radio Star” notoriety) and Martin Scorcese (for his amazing documentaries for acts such as The Rolling Stones, The Band and Bob Dylan).

If you YouTube most of these acts you will realize their songs have been used for commercials, movies and even Guitar Hero.

Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Run-D.M.C., LL Cool J, and Beastie Boys aside, I’m sure you can recognize the need for the perpetuators of rock ‘n’ roll to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

From what it seems, the rock hall is continuing to misjudge the character of rock ‘n’ roll, its music and history.