Originally Published on Apr. 20, 2018
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Snub Week
The Song of the Day is:
Willie Nelson – “Shotgun Willie”
From the album Shotgun Willie (1973)
It would appear that the Hall only has room for one rock & roll era country musician (Johnny Cash). While I don’t think that the institution should be inundated with Dixie, I think that there are a few “modern” country musicians who have had enough of influence on rock and popular music to warrant their inclusion. My top on said list is Willie Nelson, and at the risk of being insensitive, the clock is ticking. Willie will turn 85 before the month’s end, and he could use another notch on his belt before he calls it a day. Willie’s music is inherently country, but he has a deceptively complex singing and playing style that incorporates jazz and folk. He can also rock out, listen to his guitar solo on the live “Angel Flying To Close to the Ground”. Willie has shared a stage with nearly the whole of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, I can’t believe that he doesn’t have advocates for his induction. One day they’ll look back and realize that they’ve waited too long. Willie has one of the largest catalogs of any performer, he’s released a new album almost every year since 1962. If he misses a year, he’ll usually release two the next year. He also seems to be on a never-ending tour, amassing fans of all genres. Really, any rock & roll fan has a few Willie records in their collection, the man has a widespread appeal. He’s even already performed at the Hall of Fame ceremony (his “Funny How Time Slips Away” with Al Green) and he inducted the Allman Brothers Band. So why has he not been recognized in the same fashion that Johnny Cash has? Well had he recorded at SUN Records, I’m sure he’d be in. The only excuse is that he is too country, but if this institution will induct artists in the rap, disco, and adult contemporary genres, then what is holding them back? If he makes the ballot, Willie will make it in.
For the record, I’d gladly take a Highwaymen induction (Willie, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson and Johnny Cash for the double)
Hear Today, Grown Tomorrow 