2011 Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Nominees

After viewing the list of nominees, a number of people have asked "who?" Once again, many worthy candidates have not even been nominated. Jan Wenner needs to go. With that said, here is the list of 2011 Rock Hall nominees...

Alice Cooper: Alice should have been inducted years ago. He pioneered shock rock and theatrical stage shows. Cooper's style has incorporated art rock, glam rock, metal, pop, new wave, industrial, and hard rock. VH 1 named him the 20th most important hard rock artist. Cooper's most important work was 1975's Welcome to My Nightmare.

The Beastie Boys: The Beasties were the first white rap/hip hop act with credibility. They incorporated hard core, punk, rap, hip hop, rock, and alternative into their music. Although not technically rock, other non-rock acts are in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. With Run DMC and Grandmaster Flash already in the hall, the Beasties should probably be inducted as well.

Bon Jovi: Bon Jovi separated themselves from their hair metal contemporaries with Slippery When Wet and New Jersey. When hair metal died, Bon Jovi survived and changed their sound. They are still selling millions of records and have even dabbled in country music. Considering their longevity and success, they belong in the hall.

Chic: Chic was a 70s disco band. They had a series of commercial hits including "Le Freak" and "Good Times." Unlike Abba, their music has not stood up well. Also, their music is uber-plastic. They don't belong.

Neil Diamond: Neil Diamond began his career as a songwriter in the famous Brill Building. The Monkeys covered "I'm a Believer" and "A Little Bit of Me, A Little Bit of You." As a solo artist, Diamond recorded "Girl, You'll Be a Woman Soon" and "Solitary Man." He became a superstar in the seventies and developed a large loyal following. In the eighties, he continued to record iconic hits such as "America" and "Heartlight." As a result of his longevity, talent, and success, Neil Diamond belongs in the Rock Hall.

Donovan: Donovan blended folk with jazz and psychedelia. His hits include "Sunshine Superman" and "Atlantis." He's another artist that should have been inducted years ago.

Dr. John: Dr. John is a jazz/blues legend. His music has crossed over into Zydeco and rock n roll. If this was simply a hall for Rock, then Dr. John would not belong. However, with the expansion to include everything, he belongs.

J. Geils Band: This is one of the great American rock bands. It's a crime that they are not in yet.

LL Cool J: Even with the expansion of rock's definition for the hall, LL does not belong in.

Darlene Love: Who? You've heard her, but don't know it. Remember "He's a Rebel"? She did not record under her own name, but she sang on some major hits including "Da Doo Ron Ron". She's been overlooked, but is nominated for the second straight year.

Laura Nyro: Her work has been covered by the Fifth Dimension, Three Dog Night, and Peter, Paul, and Mary. She probably belongs in the hall under another category.

Donna Summer: Back to disco...she did combine rock with disco.

Joe Tex: Joe Tex was a popular soul singer in the sixties and seventies. He pioneered rap music by speaking over his music. As a result, he is the forefather of modern music.

Tom Waits: Waits work is best known through covers. Rod Stewart did "Downbound Train" and Bruce Springsteen covered "Jersey Girl." Waits is extremely talented and combines roots, blues, and experimental into his own style. His characters are usually seedy and trapped in some bizarre circumstance.

Chuck Willis: Willis died in 1958 at the age of 30. He was known as "the King of Stroll" and has been covered by Eric Clapton, Roy Orbison, Otis Redding, Buddy Holly, Jerry Garcia, and Elvis Presley. His main hit was "The Stroll." If Percy Sledge is in for one hit, then perhaps Willis should be as well.