Hall Announces 2017 Nominees: It's Only Rock 'n' Roll?

The Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame is a prime example of how today's overzealous attempts to achieve an all-inclusive society can turn unity into chaos and political correctness into fear and loathing.
As the Rolling Stone's sang, "It's Only Rock 'n' Roll." Or, is it?
There are only two artists in both the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame: Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.
Presley? Yes, without a doubt.
Cash? A bit of a stretch, in regard to the RRHF, especially if you're a purist.
One's a little bit country (Presley). The other's a little bit rock 'n' roll (Cash).
Don't get me wrong. Johnny Cash is one of my all-time favorite artists. But, I could live without him being in the RRHF.

Yes, there are arguments to be made. But, if there are arguments, it should mean no. The answer should be quite clear.
It should be renamed the Music Hall of Fame. That would truly make it inclusive and nobody's feelings word get hurt.
It's no longer the RRHF, anyway. It hasn't been for years.
Nonetheless, I was pleasantly surprised last year when Cheap Trick was inducted.
They're my hometown boys.
I grew up with them in Rockford, Illinois, which is about 90 miles northwest of Chicago.
They played all the seedy bars on the local circuit. In fact, I once played foosball with Rick Neilson between sets.
He can still be seen roaming around town wearing one of his trademark caps and attending local sporting events.
All his kids are now in local bands.
As a matter of fact, Neilson's son, Daxx, has replaced Bun E. Carlos as the drummer for Cheap Trick.
Carlos, who has become an estranged member, sued the others over royalty issues and won.
He's now formed his own little band and periodically plays an old friend's bar on Monday nights.
To the band's credit, Carlos was welcomed to play with them at the induction ceremony. Neilson and Carlos remain close friends despite the legal hassles. I hear Zander is another story.
However, they still get very little respect from state officials.
The Illinois Department of Transportation forced the removal of four signs celebrating their induction, claiming they were a form of advertising and didn't meet the IDOT's rules regarding sign placement.
Four major streets had been temporarily renamed in honor of each of the original members.
I doubt this would have happened in the City of Chicago, if its namesake, which was also inducted last year, was involved in a similar situation.
But, I digress.
Instead of listing all 19 of the current nominees, I've decided to present a graphic that indicates my feelings on the subject.
In the end, five will be inducted. The chosen few are to be announced sometime in December, following the always controversial vote.
There are 800 artists, music historians, and industry insiders, entrusted with a vote.
However, you may cast a vote, too. Fan votes are collectively counted as one vote.
Just go to https://www.rockhall.com between now and Dec. 5.
Okay, let's take a look at how I feel about the class of 2017. Keep in mind that I am an aging Baby Boomer and pretty much set in my ways. Rock 'n' roll has been a major part of my life. I don't take it lightly. It's one of the only things I still give a rat's ass about these days.