[SIZE="2"]Discussing who belongs (or shouldn't belong) in the R&R HOF made me research the criteria for membership. It's actually interesting...[/SIZE]
[SIZE="2"]ELIGIBILITY: Artists—a group encompassing performers, composers and/or musicians—become eligible for induction 25 years after the release of their first commercial recording. Besides demonstrating unquestionable musical excellence and talent, inductees will have had a significant impact on the development, evolution and preservation of rock & roll. Categories for inductees are...
Performers: This category honors bands or solo artists which demonstrate musical excellence. Such a descriptor includes (but isn't limited to) influence on other performers or genres; length and depth of career and catalog; stylistic innovations; or superior technique and skills.
Ahmet Ertegun Award: This award (which was formerly known as the non-performer category) honors songwriters, producers, disc jockeys, record executives, journalists and other industry professionals who have had a major influence on rock & roll.
Early Influences: These artists pre-date the birth of rock & roll, but have had a profound impact on music's evolution and its iconic artists.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Award for Musical Excellence: This award honors performers, songwriters and producers who have changed the course of music history. These artists have dedicated their lives to creating influential, important music infused with originality, and have achieved a level of timeless distinction.
The Singles: New in 2018, this category of recognition focuses on the songs which have established a permanence in our history and influenced rock and roll. These songs have had an immense cultural impact and merit a place in history.[/SIZE]
That being said, I'll concede that ABBA and other Disco-era performers qualified for their induction despite that fact that I can't stand that music, but how the hell did Cat Stevens get in there?
Mike