Madonna to be Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame

[Brian Damage]

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Pop star Madonna, folk rock singer songwriter Leonard Cohen, rock hit John Mellencamp, pop group The Dave Clark Five and instrumental rockers The Ventures will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008.

The five inductees, announced on Thursday and chosen by 600 music industry professionals, beat out disco queen Donna Summer, New York-based funk group Chic, rap pioneer Afrika Bambaataa and hip-hop group The Beastie Boys for the honor.

"The five inductees we're very proud of," Joel Peresman, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation president, said. "It really truly represents the wide spectrum of what rock and roll is all about."

Artists become eligible for the Hall of Fame 25 years after the release of their first single or album and are represented at a permanent exhibition at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame museum in Cleveland, Ohio.

Sixties British band The Dave Clark Five -- Dave Clark, Lenny Davidson, Rick Huxley, Denis Payton and Mike Smith -- and Mellencamp have been nominated previously, but this was the first year Madonna was eligible to be honored.

Madonna, 49, made her debut in 1982 and her first album "Madonna" included hits such as "Holiday," "Borderline" and "Lucky Star" which helped her become one of the best-selling pop artists, with more then 200 million albums sold worldwide.

"(The voters) don't really look at album sales and ticket sales as being the defining category of why someone gets inducted, it's really their influence and their place in history," Peresman said.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation describes Canadian Leonard Cohen, also an acclaimed poet and novelist, as "folk rock icon of the singer songwriter movement" who is among the "highest and most influential echelon of songwriters."

The Dave Clark Five topped the British charts in 1965 with "Glad All Over" and were described by the foundation as "an enormous pop phenomenon" before disbanding in 1970. The group has sold more than 50 million albums to date.

The Ventures -- Bob Bogle, Nokie Edwards, Gerry McGee, Mel Taylor, Don Wilson -- from Seattle, hits include "Walk Don't Run" and "Hawaii Five-O" and the foundation credits the band with defining instrumental guitar rock in the 1960s.

The foundation dubbed Mellencamp "a symbol of the hopes, struggles and passions of America's heartland" with several songs like "Hurts So Good," "Pink Houses" and "I Need A Lover" that have "transcended hit status ... and entered the cultural vernacular."

Along with the five performer inductees, producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff will be inducted in the non-performer category and the late Little Walter in the so-called "sideman" category for his "pioneering use of the microphone (that) helped establish the modern blues harmonica."

The inductees with honored at a ceremony in New York on March 10.

[MrCleveland]

Tell me when Yes, Donovan, Chicago, Procol Harum, Slade, and The Moody Blues get nominated for the Rock Hall.

[Ireneparalegal]

Wow, as huge a Madonna fan as I am, I can honestly say that it is too early for this. She should be inducted someday, but not now. With so many others waiting in the wings to be inducted, I feel it is a slap in the face to those artists. As each year passes and we continue to see "high profile" artists being nominated and entered, it makes me wonder who are the ones responsible for the people being chosen.

I watched Madonna from the beginning and seen her flourish into the mega star that she is. Many criticized her early vocals as being Mickey Mouse on helium. :lol: But she proved them wrong.

I applaud her achievements, but I think it is too early for this honor and I think they did it solely to get her to perform on the show since 15 years from now she probably won't be doing any performing.

[Dean Winchester]

Wow, as huge a Madonna fan as I am, I can honestly say that it is too early for this. She should be inducted someday, but not now. With so many others waiting in the wings to be inducted, I feel it is a slap in the face to those artists. As each year passes and we continue to see "high profile" artists being nominated and entered, it makes me wonder who are the ones responsible for the people being chosen.

I watched Madonna from the beginning and seen her flourish into the mega star that she is. Many criticized her early vocals as being Mickey Mouse on helium. :lol: But she proved them wrong.

I applaud her achievements, but I think it is too early for this honor and I think they did it solely to get her to perform on the show since 15 years from now she probably won't be doing any performing.

the reason she got in now is because she just made eligibility this year. Every year the Hall people try to aim for at least one "superstar" inductee, like U2, Prince, Michael Jackson in recent years, they know Madonna will bring ratings so she got in early.

Personally, I think this will be one of the most controversial choices in the history of the Hall of Fame, especially since Madonna is not a "rock artist". However, it only seems like if you came out after 1970, that people mind if you didn't sound like Zeppelin. There are so many influencial soul, Motown, blues and pop artists from the 50's and 60's in the HOF and nobody minds their induction, but if you played pop music after the Nixon administation, people are quick to point out that you don't rock, lol.

With Madonna, while she is a polarizing figure to this day, people either worship her or loathe her, I do think that her place in rock history is there whichever side of the fence she's on. Granted, she's always played pop music, but the personality and balls have always screamed "rock and roll", which I think really helped her get in her first year out. Just like the greats before her, there will never be another Madonna, whether that's a good or bad thing is your opinion. She never just stood in the corner and sang catchy pop songs, she dared to say and do things unheard of before her, and I think that has a lot to do with why she is getting respect a lot of her peers won't.

[vashti1999]

I, and a couple others called it :

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showthread.php?t=141952

[ABlairican Pie]

Madonna inducted. Wow.


Now I hope and pray Rush NEVER get in and never express interest in being inducted. That would be a sure sign of the Apocalypse.

[Zebra 3]

What he said...

Madonna inducted. Wow.


Now I hope and pray Rush NEVER get in and never express interest in being inducted. That would be a sure sign of the Apocalypse.

[Mikado]

Im ok with it.......as for RUSH, i HATE them, but, they are more rock than Madonna! :lol:

[catlover79]

Madonna inducted. Wow.


Now I hope and pray Rush NEVER get in and never express interest in being inducted. That would be a sure sign of the Apocalypse.
:rofl:

[Shine]

Madonna inducted. Wow.


Now I hope and pray Rush NEVER get in and never express interest in being inducted. That would be a sure sign of the Apocalypse.

True

[Shine]

I wish Donna Summer had made it this year. :(

[catlover79]

I wish Donna Summer had made it this year. :(
It would've been nice to see Donna get inducted. Besides the Bee Gees, she's probably the most famous singer from the disco movement!!

[Dean Winchester]

I think people do get a little too uptight over the term "rock". I notice people on another forum are acting like Madonna's the very first non-rock artist getting nominated. The number of r&b, country, blues, pop and other non-"rock" artists in the HOF is almost as high as actual "rockers" who are in the Hall.

I think for the most part, people don't mind r&b, country, pop, etc... if it predates the British Invasion, but if you were still making those types of music after the Nixon administration, you're unworthy of induction to a lot of people. It really shows when nobody cared when Percy Sledge, someone who owes 90% of his notoriety to one and only one song, got in the HOF without anyone caring, but the ideas of Michael Jackson and Madonna being in the Hall Of Fame, despite the fact that they were pop superstars and icons and wound up defining an entire generation, shows that double standard that if you did it in the 60's=okay, 70's-onward=not okay.

[Mikado]

It would've been nice to see Donna get inducted. Besides the Bee Gees, she's probably the most famous singer from the disco movement!!
Disco should NEVER be in the R&R hall of fame!!!! NEVER!!! :cool:

[Shine]

It would've been nice to see Donna get inducted. Besides the Bee Gees, she's probably the most famous singer from the disco movement!!


She sure is. :)

[Dean Winchester]

I wish Donna Summer had made it this year. :(
I agree. Donna was basically the mother of dance music, Madonna, Kylie, and just about every other female dance/pop star to emerge in the past 25 years owes their careers to Donna. If anything, Donna should've gotten in the same year as Madonna because Donna opened so many doors for her and Madonna has given Donna her due many times throughout her career, most recently on the Confessions album and tour with Future Lovers. I know that the Hall generally hates "disco" type of music, but if Madonna got in, I think Donna definately deserves some recognition.

[Dean Winchester]

Disco should NEVER be in the R&R hall of fame!!!! NEVER!!! :cool:
well, The Bee Gees have been in the HOF for over a decade. Plus, unlike most of her disco peers, Donna was able to musically adapt to the 80's and keep a presence on the charts when everyone else fell to the wayside

[Shine]

Disco should NEVER be in the R&R hall of fame!!!! NEVER!!! :cool:

I think the Bee Gees belong in the Hall Of Fame...and they are in it. I also think that Donna Summer belongs. Now, when it comes to the Village People or K.C. and the Sunshine Band, I don't think they belong. Of course, this is just my opnion.

[Shine]

I agree. Donna was basically the mother of dance music, Madonna, Kylie, and just about every other female dance/pop star to emerge in the past 25 years owes their careers to Donna. If anything, Donna should've gotten in the same year as Madonna because Donna opened so many doors for her and Madonna has given Donna her due many times throughout her career, most recently on the Confessions album and tour with Future Lovers. I know that the Hall generally hates "disco" type of music, but if Madonna got in, I think Donna definately deserves some recognition.

Before I forget again, you had asked me what I thougth of Kylie's younger sister, Danni. Honestly, except for knowing that she is Kylie sister, I don't really know anything about her. She gets no radio play here in Chicago.

[Shine]

well, The Bee Gees have been in the HOF for over a decade. Plus, unlike most of her disco peers, Donna was able to musically adapt to the 80's and keep a presence on the charts when everyone else fell to the wayside

I agree. Infact, Donna's greatest song, I think, is 1983's "She Works Hard For The Money".

[catlover79]

I think the Bee Gees belong in the Hall Of Fame...and they are in it. I also think that Donna Summer belongs. Now, when it comes to the Village People or K.C. and the Sunshine Band, I don't think they belong. Of course, this is just my opnion.
The Bee Gees were way more than disco, don't forget. Their 1960s songs sound light years different than the SNF era, and so do their recordings from the 1990s-2000s. Plus their sheer longevity as a group (I think only the Stones had been together as long) and amount of chart hits they'd wracked up made them a lock.

[catlover79]

I agree. Infact, Donna's greatest song, I think, is 1983's "She Works Hard For The Money".
That's a good one from her post-disco days - The Wanderer and State of Independence are great, too.

[Mikado]

well, The Bee Gees have been in the HOF for over a decade. Plus, unlike most of her disco peers, Donna was able to musically adapt to the 80's and keep a presence on the charts when everyone else fell to the wayside
That doesnt mean the BeeGees belong there; I never would have voted for them.

[Shine]

The Bee Gees were way more than disco, don't forget. Their 1960s songs sound light years different than the SNF era, and so do their recordings from the 1990s-2000s. Plus their sheer longevity as a group (I think only the Stones had been together as long) and amount of chart hits they'd wracked up made them a lock.

I agree. :)

[Shine]

That doesnt mean the BeeGees belong there; I never would have voted for them.

Okay

[Mikado]

Saying Disco belongs in the R&R HOF is like saying the horse cart belongs in the Indy museum, but, as #1 says, thats just my opinion :) (Im not trying to start a fight here)

[Dean Winchester]

Before I forget again, you had asked me what I thougth of Kylie's younger sister, Danni. Honestly, except for knowing that she is Kylie sister, I don't really know anything about her. She gets no radio play here in Chicago.
really? I drove through Chicago back in July and there was a dance radio station (this was really late at night) that played non-stop dance music (I heard "Sorry" by Madonna on there when I was there, that was a shocker because that song never got played in Louisville) that I am sure they probably play Dannii.

[catlover79]

Saying Disco belongs in the R&R HOF is like saying the horse cart belongs in the Indy museum, but, as #1 says, thats just my opinion :) (Im not trying to start a fight here)
To each his own! :) (I just happen to be a big Bee Gees fan - from their 1960s stuff to the 2000s material.)

[Shine]

Saying Disco belongs in the R&R HOF is like saying the horse cart belongs in the Indy museum, but, as #1 says, thats just my opinion :) (Im not trying to start a fight here)

As Monika correctly pointed out, the Bee Gees were much more than just disco. Even during the 1975-1979 period they made music that wasn't disco.

[Dean Winchester]

That doesnt mean the BeeGees belong there; I never would have voted for them.
I think they deserved their spot in the HOF. The Gibb brothers were fantastic songwriters and their ability to write perfect harmonies in that were up with the likes of Lennon/McCartney and Brian Wilson definately earned them a spot in the HOF. From the 60's until Maurice's death, the quality of their songwriting never diminished

[Mikado]

As Monika correctly pointed out, the Bee Gees were much more than just disco. Even during the 1975-1979 period they made music that wasn't disco.
Well, they never made anything that id call R&R in ANY era ...I love Cat to death but, on the BGs , we'll just have to agree to disagree :eek:

[Shine]

Well, they never made anything that id call R&R in ANY era ...I love Cat to death but, on the BGs , we'll just have to agree to disagree :eek:

Well, you and Monika might agree to disagree, but you and me....: mad: :lol: ;)

[Dean Winchester]

I agree. Infact, Donna's greatest song, I think, is 1983's "She Works Hard For The Money".
yea, Donna had a lot of great tracks in the 80's. The Wanderer album from 1980 is one of her best albums IMO, I thought the neo-Benatar sound on that album worked very well for her and was exactly the material she needed to do at that moment in time to keep her career alive after the disco backlash.

[Dean Winchester]

Well, they never made anything that id call R&R in ANY era ...I love Cat to death but, on the BGs , we'll just have to agree to disagree :eek:
they were never rock and roll, but they were fantastic pop

[catlover79]

yea, Donna had a lot of great tracks in the 80's. The Wanderer album from 1980 is one of her best albums IMO, I thought the neo-Benatar sound on that album worked very well for her and was exactly the material she needed to do at that moment in time to keep her career alive after the disco backlash.
I also loved her song Romeo from the Flashdance soundtrack. That high energy dance music/new wave was right up her alley.

[catlover79]

they were never rock and roll, but they were fantastic pop
:yeahthat

[Dean Winchester]

I also loved her song Romeo from the Flashdance soundtrack. That high energy dance music/new wave was right up her alley.
"and I said, oochaka oochaka oochaka oochaka" :lol:

That was also from 1981's I'm A Rainbow (unreleased until 1996), that was her last work with Giorgio Moroder until the early 90's. I heard that Giorgio actually planned to give "What A Feelin'" to Donna but there was a bit of a falling out between them during that period. I wonder how Donna would've done that song since Irene Cara's voice was very much in the same vein as hers.

[catlover79]

"and I said, oochaka oochaka oochaka oochaka" :lol:

That was also from 1981's I'm A Rainbow (unreleased until 1996), that was her last work with Giorgio Moroder until the early 90's. I heard that Giorgio actually planned to give "What A Feelin'" to Donna but there was a bit of a falling out between them during that period. I wonder how Donna would've done that song since Irene Cara's voice was very much in the same vein as hers.
"He's my R-O-M-E-O, Oh Oh Oh..." All together now!! :rofl:

[Shine]

"He's my R-O-M-E-O, Oh Oh Oh..." All together now!! :rofl:


:rolleyes: :lol: ;)

[Mikado]

Well, you and Monika might agree to disagree, but you and me....:mad: ;) :lol:

Ok Mike...get up your Dukes! ;) :lol: :lol:

[Shine]

.:mad: ;) :lol:

Ok Mike...get up your Dukes! ;) :lol: :lol:


:smash: :lol:

[Mikado]

^^^ :rofl: ^^^ You hit my noonee! :lol:

[ABlairican Pie]

Im ok with it.......as for RUSH, i HATE them, but, they are more rock than Madonna! :lol:Okay, I know Rush isn't for everyone, but what's wrong with them? :confused:

[Mikado]

Okay, I know Rush isn't for everyone, but what's wrong with them? :confused:
Well, Geddy Lees high screechy voice is this side of nails on a blackboard, to me. (No offence plz...its just not my cup of tea)

[Mikado]

Btw Ablairican.... It might interest you to know that "Lakeside Park" from the Rush song is a 25 min ride from here, i used to hang there a lot as a kid! :)

[ABlairican Pie]

Btw Ablairican.... It might interest you to know that "Lakeside Park" from the Rush song is a 25 min ride from here, i used to hang there a lot as a kid! :)Cool!! Ever get to see Neil Peart there? :cool: LOL

[Mikado]

Cool!! Ever get to see Neil Peart there? :cool: LOL
I wouldnt know him if I saw him...could be.....I used to go there to sit on the docks and study the old Welland Canals (that was a port for the Welland for the first 100 years )

[Cactus Jack]

That's a good one from her post-disco days - The Wanderer and State of Independence are great, too.
She re-did the Dion song?!?!?!? :eek:

[Mikado]

heres a map of Lakeside park and Port Dalhousie

http://www.stcatharines.ca/recreation/pt/port_dalhousie_harbour_walkway_waterfron_trail_map.asp

[Mikado]

The beach at Lakesidepark (ok...I know....off topic, that's it for Lakeside park from me):wave:

[Dean Winchester]

She re-did the Dion song?!?!?!? :eek:
nope, Donna's version has a rockabilly sound to it but it was an original
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNRIPjmJaIM

[catlover79]

.:mad: ;) :lol:

Ok Mike...get up your Dukes! ;) :lol: :lol:
Great, now I have Pat Benatar's Hit Me With Your Best Shot stuck in my head. Thanks a lot, Mikey!! :mad: :rofl:

[catlover79]

nope, Donna's version has a rockabilly sound to it but it was an original
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNRIPjmJaIM
As John said, it's an original rock song that was co-written by Donna and Giorgio Moroder. It's a great song - I think you'd like it, Jack!! :D

[Family Fan]

If one looks at all the music, TV, movies that are classic and never received 'awards' or aknowledgement, while much less deserving get it, you understand why all this is bogus. Black Sabbath had it right when, I think it was OZZY, said when he hears the term 'Rock Royalty' he wants to vomit. Rock and Roll, like youth, can't be bottled or sold, and it's fame is meant to be enjoyed , not in some freak'n museum. As for Madonna, like Liz Taylor, her age goes down every year.. 49? :lol:

[Family Fan]

Madonna inducted. Wow.


Now I hope and pray Rush NEVER get in and never express interest in being inducted. That would be a sure sign of the Apocalypse.

I'm no huge RUSH fan, but, they certainly are more 'Rock' than Madonna? How come you don't like them?

[LuLu Rogers]

Madonna? You're kidding, right? :eek:

[Dean Winchester]

well, Madonna is probably the biggest pop star of the past 25 years besides Michael Jackson, so I don't think it's really a joke. It;d be another thing if someone like Sheena Easton or Taylor Dayne was getting in. For an entire generation of people, Madonna is an icon

[Shine]

She re-did the Dion song?!?!?!? :eek:

No, she didn't. It's a different song.

[catlover79]

No, she didn't. It's a different song.
I'm listening to it right now!! :lol:

[Cactus Jack]

No, she didn't. It's a different song.
Ah, good!

Cause Im the wanderer. yeah Im the wanderer, I roam around n round n round...