Monday, May 23, 2011

10 Most Likely Next Members of the Clyde McPhatter Club

One of the more interesting phenomena of the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame is what is often referred to as the “Clyde McPhatter Club.”  The Clyde McPhatter Club is the unofficial name for the group of people who have been inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame more than once.  It happens when one person is involved with different endeavors that get inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.  The “club” is named after Clyde McPhatter, the first person to accomplish this feat when he was inducted as a solo artist in 1987 and as a member of the Drifters in 1988.  Other members of this illustrious elite include Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton, Sammy Strain, and most recently Graham Nash.  Every year, there’s usually one potential member somewhere on the ballot, and with no potential members from the last ballot, it’s even more interesting speculation to guess who will be the next member to get inducted.  With that, here’s my evaluation on the ten most likely to become the next member of the Clyde McPhatter Club.  Honorable mentions for this Top Ten include Rod Stewart, Gram Parsons, Rob Trujillo, and Ozzy Osbourne.  As a disclaimer, this is not my personal preferences list, or what should be.  This is based on the trends at the Hall Of Fame.  I could very easily be wrong.  And as always, I welcome your thoughts on the matter in the Comments section.


10. Ringo Starr
Inducted first: the Beatles, 1988

As the only member of the Beatles yet to be inducted as a solo artist, there’s a sense of incompletion with many of the more hardcore Beatle fans.  His solo efforts and his very talents have frequently been panned as being subpar, and lacking in innovation and influence.  Worst of all, he seldom wrote his own material.  Sacrilege!  Still, the good time rock ‘n’ roll and steady commercial success in the early to mid ‘70s, plus even the love for the Beatles will always keep Ringo as a tangible possibility, even if they don’t get around to it until after he’s gone, like they waited with George.


9. Smokey Robinson
Inducted first: solo artist, 1987

Smokey’s induction as a soloist in 1987 was on a technical loophole that borders on the obscene (he did record as a soloist in 1958, but didn’t really take off as a solo artist until the 1970’s.)  Meanwhile, the Miracles, one of Motown’s biggest and most influential groups, remains not inducted.  The quandary with this situation is that supposedly if they were to finally induct the Miracles, it would tantamount to the Hall Of Fame’s powers-that-be admitting that they made a mistake.  However, at this point, supporters of the Miracles simply don’t care.  They’ll acknowledge the worthiness of Robinson’s solo career, the technicality of Robinson first recording for End Records in 1958, and even agree to having Robinson inducted a second time… whatever they want, just fix this glaring oversight!  One of those supporters in the past has been Robinson himself, too.  Having inducted Little Anthony And The Imperials in 2009, it looks possible that the Hall Of Fame may just give the Miracles their due and Robinson his second induction.


8. Carole King
Inducted first: Gerry Goffin And Carole King, 1990

Gerry Goffin and Carole King were a legendary songwriting duo in the ‘60s, and they were rightfully inducted as Non-Performers in 1990.  However, there’s always been a buzz about the need to induct Carole as a solo Performer for her amazing work, most notably in the ‘70s.  She hasn’t been nominated since being inducted with Gerry Goffin, but her name still comes up frequently as being a deserving candidate.  If she were to sneak through, it might open the floodgate to recognize other inductees who were influential in more than one category.  She’d also be the first female member of the Clyde McPhatter club.


7. Jackie Wilson
Inducted first: solo artist, 1987

Before Wayne Newton, the nickname “Mr. Excitement” belonged to this man, and his incredible voice and magnificent solo career first received just dues in the second year of inductions.  However, before his sterling solo career, he was a member of Billy Ward And The Dominoes.  The Dominoes were nominated in 1997, but have yet to receive a second nomination.  As time progresses, the odds of important ‘50s acts getting inducted slowly get slimmer.  However, the Dominoes are also a group that might be inducted in the Early Influence category.  Unfortunately, it may also happen that if the Dominoes were inducted, they might be inducted without Wilson, since he was brought in to replace former lead singer… Clyde McPhatter.  Hey, maybe Clyde can get his third induction out of the ordeal too.


6. Ben E. King
Inducted first: the Drifters, 1988

He hasn’t been nominated as a soloist since being inducted with the Drifters, but if they went back this past year to nominate Chuck Willis again, Ben E. King might once more get support for his solo career.  It’s hard to say how the current tide favors King, but with two monumental singles in the early ‘60s, one of which is an absolutely landmark piece of rock and roll, plus a steady career through the ‘60s and ‘70s, when he hit the top ten again… well, you can’t really rule him out.


5. Sting
Inducted first: the Police, 2003

The Police were a first-year-eligibility slam-dunk for induction, and sure enough, 2003 saw their arrival in the Hall.  Sting’s been eligible for a year or two now, and with a fairly successful solo career, he stands a serious chance of getting recognition once again.  His solo career isn’t quite held as legendary as the legacy with the Police, but his commercial success might just be enough to carry him over and in again.


4. Tina Turner
Inducted first: Ike And Tina Turner, 1991

The first regularly-produced-by-Phil-Spector act to be inducted, Ike And Tina Turner were a powerhouse duo of soul music in the ‘60s and ‘70s.  By comparison, Tina Turner’s solo career was much more commercially successful.  However, there is speculation of an anti-‘80’s bias of sorts with the Hall.  The acts that have been inducted after breaking big during the ‘80s have thus far comprised a relatively short list.  Still, if any one such act has a real shot, Tina Turner as a soloist is one of those with the best chances.


3. Phil Collins
Inducted first: Genesis, 2010

With a decidedly lighter turn in his career during the ‘90’s, it may be a little while longer before he gets serious consideration.  In fact, “You’ll Be In My Heart” may be just as detrimental to his case as “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” was for Neil Diamond, but Neil Diamond made it in eventually, so Phil Collins has a legitimate shot at it.  If they focus more on “In The Air Tonight” and less on “You’ll Be In My Heart”, Collins may get in sooner than later.


2. Peter Gabriel
Inducted first: Genesis, 2010

It was a tough decision to determine whom to rank higher between Collins and Gabriel.  However, Gabriel’s solo work is considered more “artistic” than Collins’.  Peter’s work hasn’t been nearly as prolific as Phil’s, but Peter Gabriel’s solo efforts have actually received consideration before, although not yet making it to the final ballot.  Overall, I say that gives solo Peter Gabriel the slight edge over solo Phil Collins in being the next member of the Clyde McPhatter Club.


1. Steve Winwood
Inducted first: Traffic, 2004

Steve Winwood is the seemingly obvious choice as the most likely next member of the Clyde McPhatter Club.  He’s been nominated once before for the Class of 2003, plus he’s been under consideration as a member of both the Spencer Davis Group and Blind Faith.  Of these three possibilities, it’s actually his solo career that has the best chance right now.  The Spencer Davis Group is at least behind Donovan in terms of the pecking order of ‘60s British Invasion acts that they’re trying to induct right now, and may even be behind a couple others.  Blind Faith’s career was notably short, and besides which, there’ll be clucking about whether or not we really need to induct Eric Clapton a fourth time.  So for now, Winwood’s solo career stands the best chance, but with so many possible avenues of induction, he’s the most likely candidate to be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame a second time.

42 comments:

  1. Something tells me the Hall is happy with Winwood getting in with Traffic. Ben E. with the Drifters, Collins getting in with Genesis. Tina with Ike, and Carole King as a Songwriter.
    That leaves Gabriel and Sting as the strongest contenders. NomCom member Robert Hilburn is big on Sting getting in as a solo act.
    But because Genesis just recently got in, I think Gabriel may be waiting a few more years.
    As for Ringo, its possible they might slot him in somewhere. Like you said, the Beatles are a great lure as nominees and bringing in publicity for a Hall ceremony.
    P.S. down the road, once Nirvana gets inducted then you can add Dave Grohl to this list, with the Foo Fighters (who I wouldn't support).

    ReplyDelete
  2. I guess I am coming at this as someone too young to know better, but was Diana Ross' solo career so forgettable that she doesn't even make your close cut list?

    As someone in their early thirties, it just seems like Ross and Patti LaBelle (who isn't in at all) are the two female artists I expected to be in already on their own. And neither are in there. Just always curious as to why.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Tom, true Winwood's nomination as a soloist was before the induction with Traffic, but I'm not so certain we can rule out the Spencer Davis Group. Maybe they were too minor, but you never know. Collins may just be too big to keep out as a soloist; Tina could get it as a PC/sympathy bid, though the music is plenty solid and definitely distinct from her duo career. As for Carole, we'll see, I guess. Supposedly, she was a near miss for as recent as '99.

    Anonymous, solo Diana Ross imho should not happen, but from a more objective position, disco/dance has been a hard enough sell so far, and it certainly won't happen until they get Chic and Donna Summer in. Additionally, the "previously considered" list, which Ross is not on, includes Barry White, the GAP Band and Grace Jones, so I think she'd be a little too far back in the queue. LaBelle I'd like to see though.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Patti La Belle and The Bluebelles and Labelle are one and the same group, with the same members.The only difference is the deletion of Cindy Birdsong, who left the group to join The Supremes. The other members, Patti,Sarah Dash, and Nona Hendrix became Labelle, and are still touring today.This group should be inducted. They transcended their "girl group" era status and continued to be successful long after that era had passed, and they all had successful solo careers to boot.

    ReplyDelete
  6. As far as I'm concerned Jackie Wilson is STILL "Mr Excitement" not Wayne Newton. Wayne's gonna have to get himself another nickname

    ReplyDelete
  7. The Miracles , Motown's first group, should have been inducted over two decades ago, not just Robinson as a solo artist. They are one of the most deserving groups not currently not inducted. They received their long-overdue star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame two years ago, and are Motown's most influential and most covered group...ever. The RRHOF needs to get with the program and put these people in.

    ReplyDelete
  8. The recently deceased JOHNNY CARTER is also a member of this club....having been inducted with THE DELLS and THE FLAMINGOS.

    ReplyDelete
  9. here are a few artists should be inducted to the Rock N Roll hall of fame are Jesse Belvin,Roy Hamilton,Bobby Freeman,Johnny Ace,Chuck Willis,Guitar Slim and others even the Spinnners and Marvelettes

    ReplyDelete
  10. What about..

    Roger Waters (Inducted 1996 as part of Pink Floyd, also had a solo career)

    Diana Ross (Inducted 1988 as part of The Supremes, also had a solo career)

    Robert Plant (Inducted 1995 as part of Led Zeppelin, also had a solo career)

    Dave Grohl (Inducted 2014 as part of Nirvana, also was in The Foo Fighters, Queens of The Stone Age, Them Crooked Vultures, and Scream)

    David Coverdale (Inducted 2016 as part of Deep Purple, also was in the band Whitesnake)

    Ritchie Blackmore (Inducted 2016 as part of Deep Purple, also was in Rainbow, and Blackmore’s Night)

    Joan Jett (Inducted 2015 as part of Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, also was in The Runaways)

    Ozzy Osbourne (Inducted 2006 as part of Black Sabbath, also had a solo career)

    John Paul Jones (Inducted 1995 as part of Led Zeppelin, was also part of Them Crooked Vultures)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Slash (Inducted 2011 as part of guns and Roses, also was in Velvet revolver and many more bands)

    Vivian Campbell (Inducted 2017 as part of Def Leppard, also was part of Whitesnake, Dio, and Thin Lizzy)



    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Roger Waters' solo career and Robert Plant's solo career will never be inducted. Going to say the same for Blackmore's Night, Rainbow, Scream, and Them Crooked Vultures.

      I personally hope Diana Ross solo, Whitesnake, and Thin Lizzy never get inducted. Thin Lizzy's been nominated, so it's possible, Diana Ross solo does have a shot. So does Ozzy solo.

      When I posted this entry, Guns N' Roses were newly eligible, Nirvana wasn't eligble yet, and Joan Jett And The Blackhearts hadn't been inducted yet. I don't see Velvet Revolver getting in. The Runaways have some chance I think.

      But if I were to redo this list today, Dave Grohl absolutely would top it. Foo Fighters are getting in, at the very least. No question. Beyond that, it's hard to say. Because of the backlog that continues to grow, people seem very gunshy about inducting anyone a second time when so many worthy people are still waiting for their first induction.

      Delete
  12. Jack White could possibly be added to the list if he gets inducted as part of The White Stripes. He also had a successful solo career, and was part of The Raconteurs, and Dead Weather. (I Personally don’t like his music, but I think he has a small chance). The same could be said about Cher. If she was inducted as a solo artist, she was also part of the successful band Sonny and Cher.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. White Stripes will get in. His solo or other projects are dubious at best. As for Cher, she has to get in once before twice. If you look over the list again, they're all people who have been inducted once, and who might be most likely to get their second induction next. Same with Chaka Khan. You have to get in once before you get in twice (unless you're Stephen Stills).

      Delete
  13. Soundgarden’s Chris Cornell also has a chance. Though he has not been inducted yet, he was part of three successful bands Temple of The Dog, Audioslave, and of course Soundgarden. (Soundgarden was nominated this year but did not get inducted)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Audioslave, I don't see for now. Same with Temple Of The Dog. Soundgarden has to get in first.

      Delete
  14. I am not a fan of Hip hop but I think that DR. DRE could definitely become a two time inductee. he was inducted in 2016 as part of N.W.A., but after his departure from the band, he had a very successful solo career.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Agreed, although N.W.A. was not yet eligible when this post was first made. However, how soon is another question. They still can't get more than one rap act in at a time, so it's going to have to be Jay-Z first, then Eminem the next year... and then they renew the push for LL Cool J, maybe? Plus Outkast will probably have to go in before Dr. Dre solo. It's a long wait for him.

      Delete
  15. Ronnie James Dio has not been inducted (yet), but I think that he could possibly become a member of the Clyde McPhatter club. He was part of Dio, Heaven and Hell, Rainbow, Elf, and Hear ‘N Aid. On top of all that, he had a solo career, and became the second vocalist of Black Sabbath after Ozzy Osbourne left the band.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dio is the only effort of his I see ever getting inducted.

      Delete
  16. Kim Deal maybe? she has not been inducted (yet), but she was part of The Pixies, and The Breeders. For me this is unlikely, but its possible

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think you already know the answer to that.

      Delete
  17. Damon Albarn was part of two pretty successful bands, Blur, and Gorillaz. i don’t know if either of them are eligible yet, and when they are it is a possible that at least one of them will get inducted

    ReplyDelete
  18. Beyoncé was part of Destiny’s Child, and has an extremely successful solo career. I think that there is a good chance that she could be inducted twice. Although I am not sure if she is eligible yet.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Until a year or two ago, I'd have called her a cinch for double induction. Now, I'm not so sure. People seemingly aren't on board with people getting second inductions, and there's also a swath of people (with a bit of intersection with the previous camp) that no longer see Destiny's Child as being worthy.

      Delete
  19. Jack Casady and Jorma Kaukonen (Inducted 1996 as part of Jefferson Airplane, they were also part of Hot Tuna.) (this one is extremely unlikely)

    Tom Morello, Brad Wilk, and Tim Commerford (Have not been inducted (yet), but were part of Rage Against The Machine, and Audioslave.)

    Duane Allman (Inducted 1995 as part of The Allman Brothers Band, he was also part of Derek and The Dominoes)

    Matt Cameron (Inducted 2017 as part of Pearl Jam, he was also part of Soundgarden, and Temple of The Dog.)



    ReplyDelete
  20. I think Matt Cameron has a good chance of being inducted again with Soundgarden.

    ReplyDelete
  21. He has not been inducted (yet), but Mikkey Dee was in Motorhead, Scorpions, and King Diamond.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'd love to see Hot Tuna make it, but their chances get smaller every year. I can't remember if Matt Cameron was listed as one of the members of Soundgarden that stood to be inducted, but if so, he's definitely got a strong chance. Temple Of The Dog--nope. Derek And The Dominoes are almost universally regarded as a part of Eric Clapton's solo career, so no. I don't know that Audioslave is a good bet, but maybe. King Diamond has next to no chance, I think. Scorpions... if we can't get Kraftwerk in, Scorpions aren't getting in either.

      Delete
  22. Jack Irons was inducted in 2012 as part of Red Hot Chili Peppers. Though he was also part of Pearl Jam, he was not inducted with the band. He was also a part of The Wallflowers, Eleven, What Is This?, Spinnerette, Redd Kross, die Mannequin, and Raging Slab.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Mike McCready, Stone Gossard, and Jeff Ament were all part of Pearl Jam (Inducted 2017), and temple of the dog.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Bernard Sumner, Stephen Morris, and Peter Hook have not been inducted yet, but were all part of both New Order, and Joy Division.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Randy Meisner was inducted in 1998 as a member of the Eagles. Before he joined the band, he was part of another successful band called Poco which won a grammy and has been nominated for induction before.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Josh Freese was in Nine Inch Nails, Devo, Guns and Roses, Weezer, A Perfect Circle, and The Vandals, but I don’t think he has or will be inducted with any of them.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Don Henley (Inducted 1998 with the Eagles, also had a solo career)

    George Michael (Has not been inducted, but had a very successful solo career, and was part of the musical duo Wham!)

    Morrissey (has not been inducted, but was part of The Smiths, Modest Mouse, and The Cribs. Plus, he also had a solo career)

    Art Garfunkel (Had a solo career after Simon and Garfunkel)

    Annie Lennox (has not been inducted yet, but had a successful solo career and was the lead vocalist of Eurythmics)




    ReplyDelete
  28. The prevailing opinion is that Joy Division and New Order should be jointly inducted, as one band, like Small Faces/Faces. An induction of George Michael would likely kill any separate induction of Wham. Poco has not been nominated, only considered. The rest of them are pretty much not gonna happen. Henley solo....maybe, but I seriously doubt it.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Gladys Knight maybe has a chance. She was inducted as part of Gladys Knight and The Pips, but she also had a successful solo career.

    ReplyDelete
  30. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Steve Howe was in both Asia and Yes.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Lauryn Hill had a successful solo career after the Fugees.

    ReplyDelete
  33. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete