Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2015 Inductees

       

The 2015 class of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees contains some of my all-time favorite solo artists and bands.  The eight inductees are Bill Withers, Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Green Day, Ringo Starr, Lou Reed, The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, and the 5 Royales.  I thought it would be fun to share some thoughts on each of these artists.




Bill Withers - A few of his most popular songs are "Lean On Me", "Ain't No Sunshine", and "Use Me".  "Ain't No Sunshine" has always been so much fun to sing with when it gets to the part "I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,  I know, Hey, oughtta leave young thing alone, But ain't no sunshine when she's gone."

Stevie Vaughan & Double Trouble - I actually didn't know they weren't already in the Hall until about a year ago.  Stevie entered my life around 1984 when my brother brought the "Couldn't Stand the Weather" album into our house.  The song that hooked me for life was "Cold Shot."  I have been known to destroy that tune at karaoke from time to time.  If you have never seen his concert recorded in Toronto at the El Mocambo in 1983, you should.  It came out in the early 90's and for me it solidified that Stevie was a one of a kind talent.  An amazing performance for sure.  I also credit him for helping me discover other great Blues music over the years.  One of my favorites of all-time for sure.

                     

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts - "I Love Rock and Roll" from 1982, one of the great singles since I have been on the planet.  Strange memory I have of this song is my high school friend, Mike Provost, singing this to me in the Merrimack High School store.  I wish I could shake the memory, but I can't.  I guess it could be worse.  He is a good guy.  Anyway, Joan Jett could bring it.  "I Hate Myself For Loving You" is another classic.  She also reminded me of Leather Tuscadero from the "Happy Days" television show and I was always a big fan of both Leather and Pinky Tuscadero.   "Aaaaaaaa"

Green Day - Can it be that these guys have been around 25 years?  Yes, they have with their 1990 album "39/Smooth" on an independent record label.  Their major label debut was "Dookie in 1994.  "When I Come Around" and "Basket Case" were hits from that album.   Since then they have consistently put out strong music.   My niece is a big fan and that is a good enough reason for me to endorse them!

Ringo Starr - the last of the Beatles to be inducted into the Hall as an individual.  I love Ringo.  The world loves Ringo.  He had his share of individual hits such as "It Don't Come Easy" and "You're Sixteen."  He is also responsible for one of the three songs that can easily make me cry.  His song "Photograph" gets to me every time I hear it.  The other two songs are "Nightshift" by the Commodores and the immortal "Seasons in the Sun" by Terry Jacks.

Lou Reed - I have more Lou Reed albums than a normal person should have.  Lou is responsible for my favorite Rock song of all-time.  "Sweet Jane" recorded by the Velvet Underground, of which Lou was a prominent part before he went solo, has been on my favorite list for many years.  Most people probably know him from "Walk on the Wild Side" which I imagine was his biggest hit by far.  It was also an unlikely hit in hindsight, but the music business is a fickle mistress.  Possibly my favorite recording of his is "Live Take No Prisoners" album.  He throws some between songs banter on that recording that was not heard before or since.  Entertaining from start to finish.

                 

The Paul Butterfield Blues Band - I have to be honest, I have seen his name before over the years, but not familiar with his music. Thanks to the interweb, I found out he was from Chicago and was a big Blues fan.  He was a singer and harmonica player.  Paul learned from such greats as Muddy Waters and Little Walter.  He and his band played at the original Woodstock.  They are also credited with spreading Blues music to lots of people that never would have been exposed to it.  I am a fan of anyone that creates interest in the Blues.  Next up for me is checking out some of his music.





The 5 Royales - These guys are not so well known compared to most of the people mentioned above.  Let me tell you how I got into them.  I have seen lots of Blues bands over the years.  Each time you see a band they play something that you don't know, but instantly love it.  I like to research those songs when I get home from the show and find out where they came from.  Well, I can tell you that many times the results of my research led me to the 5 Royales.  So, I had to look into them.  They were at their best in the 1950's through the mid 1960's.  I scooped up one of their Greatest hits cd's and loved it all.  Then, I found a marked down box set of five cd's of their music and now I think I have nearly every song these guys recorded.  Some of my favorite songs are "I Like It Like That" and "Baby, Don't Do It."  The Shirelles had a big hit with the 5 Royales song "Dedicated to the One I Love" and James Brown recorded their song "Think".   These guys are a fine example of "so much music, so little time."  I am glad I found these guys and have their music in my life now.

                    


Congratulations to the 2015 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees!  Thank you for the music and the memories.