Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2016
The nominees for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's Class of 2016 won't be announced until October. But it's never too early to examine the chances of longtime snubs and newly eligible acts seeking adulation.
This week's debate takes a look at one of the most successful artists of all-time: Mariah Carey. The quintessential pop diva is eligible for to be nominated for the first time. But is she a no-brainer to take part in next April's ceremony?
Essential albums
"Music Box" (1993)
"Daydream" (1995)
Essential Songs
"Vision of Love"
"Hero"
"Fantasy"
"All I Want for Christmas Is You"
"One Sweet Day"
"We Belong Together"
Influence upon
Beyoncé, Christina Aguilera, Ariana Grande, Kelly Clarkson, Britney Spears
Notable achievements
18 No.1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 (second to The Beatles)
13 top-five albums
Longest running No.1 single ("One Sweet Day")
Five Grammy Awards/36 nominations
No.1 selling Christmas/holiday single of SoundScan era ("All I Want for Christmas Is You")
If you were to attach this resume to a rock artist, there would be no argument. Carey's numbers are staggering and, in some categories, dwarf some of the biggest musical acts of all-time. The problem is, Carey is not a rock artist. She is a pop star, which doesn't aid her chances of getting in the Rock Hall. Still, that doesn't mean Carey's not getting in.
There are pop singers that have made it into the Rock Hall, specifically Michael Jackson and Madonna. Heck, even ABBA is in (but that's a whole other discussion). Carey's cultural impact may not be quite as significant as Jackson or Madonna's. But Carey is the most talented and significant vocalist of the past 25 years. And her resume is far more impressive than that of other, primarily singing inductees like Donna Summer and Percy Sledge.
Though, both Summer and Sledge had to wait more than a dozen years to get in. It's also worth pointing out at that similar artists of Carey's era - Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson - have yet to even be nominated. Carey has the star power the Rock Hall likes to showcase at induction time. But will voters keep her sidelined in favor of guitar-driven acts like Smashing Pumpkins, Nine Inch Nails and Deep Purple? (Cleveland)
|
