recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Keith Urban

**Keith Lionel Urban** (born 26 October 1967) is a New Zealand-born Australian singer, songwriter, guitarist, entrepreneur, and music competition judge. In 1991, he released a self-titled debut album and charted four singles in Australia before moving to the United States the following year. He found work as a session guitarist before starting a band known as The Ranch, which recorded one studio album on Capitol Nashville and charted two singles on the *Billboard* Hot Country Songs chart.

Still signed to Capitol, Urban made his solo American debut in 1999 with the album *Keith Urban*. Certified platinum in the US, it produced his first number one on Hot Country Songswith "But for the Grace of God". "Somebody Like You", the first single from his second Capitol album, *Golden Road* (2002), was named by *Billboard* as the biggest country hit of the2000s decade. The album's fourth single, "You'll Think of Me", earned him his first Grammy. 2004's *Be Here*, his third American album, produced three more number 1 singles and became his highest-selling album, earning 4× Platinum certification. *Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy Thing* was released in 2006, containing "Once in a Lifetime" as well as his second Grammy song, "Stupid Boy". A greatest hits package entitled *Greatest Hits: 18 Kids* followed in late-2007. *Defying Gravity* and *Get Closer* were released on March 31, 2009 and November 16, 2010 respectively. In September 2013, he released a brand new album titled *Fuse*, which produced four more number ones on the newly introduced Country Airplay chart, two of which are duets with Miranda Lambert and Eric Church. A new single, entitled "John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16", was released in June 2015[3] as the lead-off single to his upcoming eighth American studio album *Ripcord*.

Urban has released a total of nine studio albums (one of which was released only in the United Kingdom), as well as one album with The Ranch. He has charted 37 singles on the US Hot Country Songs, 18 of which went to number one, counting a duet with Brad Paisley and the 2008 single "You Look Good in My Shirt", which he previously recorded on *Golden Road*. Those also include his third Grammy Award winning single "Sweet Thing" from his album *Defying Gravity*.

Urban is also known for his roles as a coach on the Australian version of the singing competition *The Voice* and as a judge on *American Idol*. Since 2006, he has been married to actressNicole Kidman. In October 2013, Urban introduced his own signature line of guitars and accessories.
Hank Williams

## Info

Country musician and one of the most significant and influential singer-songwriters of the twentieth century. Numerous hits during the early fifties. Inducted into multiple halls of fame. His son Hank Jr. has seen major success, even providing the theme song to Monday Night Football until a political statement led the NFL to remove it. Has been tributed countless times by many artists.
James Jamerson

## Info

James Jamerson is a bassist who performed on many Motown hits. He performed with Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Gladys Knight and the Pips, The Temptations, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, and Diana Ross and the Supremes. He performed on thirty number one hits, surpassing a record commonly attributed to The Beatles. Influenced Jack Bruce of Cream, John Entwistle of The Who, John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin, Geddy Lee of Rush, and Flea of Red Hot Chili Peppers among others. Also performed with Robert Palmer. Died of liver problems due to alcoholism at the age of 47. A member of The Funk Brothers, who were honored with a Grammy lifetime achievement award. Numerous other awards, honors, and tributes.
Mick Jagger

**Sir Michael Philip Jagger** (born 26 July 1943) is an English singer, songwriter and actor, best known as the lead vocalist and a co-founder of The Rolling Stones.

Jagger's career has spanned over 50 years, and he has been described as "one of the most popular and influential frontmen in the history of rock & roll".[7] His distinctive voice and performance, along with Keith Richards' guitar style, have been the trademark of the Rolling Stones throughout the career of the band. Jagger gained press notoriety for his admitted drug use and romantic involvements, and was often portrayed as a countercultural figure. In the late 1960s Jagger began acting in films (starting with *Performance* and *Ned Kelly*), to mixed reception. In 1985 Jagger released his first solo album, *She's the Boss*. In early 2009 he joined the electric supergroup SuperHeavy.

In 1989 Jagger was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in 2004 into the UK Music Hall of Fame with the Rolling Stones. In 2003 he was knighted for his services to popular music.
Little Feat

## Info

California band who scored nine hit singles in the eighties, two topping the rock charts. Member Lowell George had previously played for Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention. He died in 1979 of a drug overdose. In the band's name the spelling "Feat" was an homage to The Beatles. The name was inspired by a comment about Lowell's "little feet" from a Mothers member. Original drummer Richie Hayward died of liver disease in 2010. Only bassist Bill Payne remains of the original lineup, although three current members were with the band in the seventies. The group has influenced countless artists including The Black Crowes, Bob Dylan, and Garth Brooks. Since 2003 Little Feat has performed annually in Jamaica.

## Genres

Country Rock

Blues Rock

Funk Rock

Jazz Rock
LĪVE

LĪVE (pronounced with a long I) is an alternative rock band from Pennsylvania. Their producer Jerry Harrison had worked with Talking Heads. Covered Johnny Cash. Toured with Blues Traveler. Album *Mental Jewelry* went platinum in the US. *Throwing Copper* went eight times platinum. *Secret Samadhi* went double platinum. *The Distance to Here* went platinum. Several other hit albums, including their first compilation. Numerous hit singles.
Johnny Burnette and the Rock N Roll Trio

***Johnny Burnette and the Rock 'n Roll Trio*** is the 1956 debut album of the influential rockabilly band The Rock and Roll Trio, fronted by Johnny Burnette. Recorded over two separate sessions in 1956, the album includes a number of the band's singles. 2008's *Icons of Rock* calls the album "an all-time rockabilly classic".[2] Released by Coral Records in December 1956 (#10041), it was released again in 1957 (#57080) and in 1978 by Solid Smoke (#8001). (A few years previously, there had also been an unauthorized reissue of the album which featured an exact reproduction of the cover and label.) In 1993, it was released on compact disc by Aris Records (MCD 30489). 1998's *Go Cat Go!: Rockabilly Music and Its Makers* characterizes the CD reissue as "legendary and essential."[3]
Helloween

## Info

Power metal band phenomenal in Europe, especially their native Germany. Also phenomenal in Japan. They released a compilation called *Death Metal* despite not being death metal themselves. Supported Anthrax. Performed with Exodus. Covered Scorpions, Jethro Tull, The Beatles, ABBA, and Deep Purple. Once featured Mikkey Dee from Motörhead and Stefan Schwarzmann of Accept.
Janis Joplin

## Info

Texan blues musician who found success as the lead vocalist of garage band *Big Brother and the Holding Company.* With her, Big Brother became one of the Big Five of the San Francisco Sound. Their hit and concert staple *Ball and Chain* was originally performed by blues musician Big Mama Thornton. She performed with several other backing groups before her death in 1970 at the age of 27 of an overdose of painkillers. Her final song, *Mercedes Benz* (always written without the hyphen) was recorded only three days before her death. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with no backing group. She got into the blues because no one in her native state seemed to like her, only to be hated just as much when she returned after becoming famous. This led her to get into drugs.
The Offspring

## Info

Punk band phenomenal in the United States. They are credited with helping revive interest in punk in the nineties. Producer Thom Wilson had worked with Dead Kennedys and Social Distortion. Influenced by The Adolescents, The Clash, Dead Kennedys, Ramones, Sex Pistols, and Bad Religion. Their music has appeared in many movies and TV shows. Album *Ignition* went gold. *Smash* went six times platinum. *Ixnay on the Hombre* went platinum. *Americana* went five times platinum. *Conspiracy of One* went platinum. *Splinter* went gold. Their greatest hits went gold. Many hit singles during their career. *You're Gonna Go Far, Kid* went gold. Covered The Damned and Ramones. *The Kids Aren't Alright* is named after the song *The Kids are Alright* by The Who. Covered Britney Spears, Buzzcocks, Sweet, Green Day, Ramones, Agent Orange, Bad Religion, George Michael of Wham!, Black Sabbath, The Stooges, The Police, Billy Idol and Generation X, AC/DC, Ben E. King of The Drifters, Guns N Roses, Marilyn Manson, Nirvana, and Weezer. Their *Complete Music Video Collection* went gold.

## Parody

Weird Al Yankovic parodied them with *Pretty Fly for a Rabbi*
Patti LaBelle

## Info

Patti LaBelle is a disco and soul musician with five gold albums, *Flame* going platinum and *Winner in You* going triple platinum. *Live!* was a hit album. *The Definitive Collection* was an R&B hit. Numerous hit singles. Featured on numerous soundtracks. Collaborated with Bobby Womack, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole's daughter Natalie, and Ray Charles. Many honors, awards, and tributes. Multiple halls of fame. Considered one of the pioneers of the disco movement. Influenced several contemporary soul singers.

## Genres

Disco

Soul
Suicidal Tendencies

**Suicidal Tendencies** (or simply **Suicidal**) is an American crossover thrash band founded in 1981 in Venice, California by vocalist Mike Muir, who is the only remaining original member of the band. The band is often credited (along with D.R.I.) as one of "the fathers of crossover thrash".[5] To date, Suicidal Tendencies have released nine studio albums, one EP, four split albums including the rare *Welcome to Venice*, six compilation albums (one of which is a "double-EP", while the other is a re-recording of their debut album), and two long-form videos. Three of their albums have gone gold. Two of their singles have made the top forty. Influenced by Motörhead. Toured with Metallica, Queensrÿche, Danzig, and Guns N Roses.
Saint Vitus

**Saint Vitus** is an American doom metal band from Los Angeles, formed in 1979. They consist of founding members Dave Chandler (guitarist) and Mark Adams (bass), alongside sporadic singer Scott Weinrich and recently added drummer Henry Vasquez. The band has been regarded and credited[1] as one of the first bands of the genre, starting out as early as the late 1970s, along with Pentagram, Witchfinder General, Trouble and Candlemass. They have released eight studio albums to date. Although Saint Vitus never achieved a popular breakthrough, the band is considered very influential within the doom and sludge metal subgenres.[2]

The original line-up consisted of Chandler, Adams, drummer Armando Acosta and singer Scott Reagers. They recorded their first two albums before Scott Weinrich replaced Reagers in 1986. The line-up of Chandler, Adams, Acosta and Weinrich was the longest-lasting, and recorded the band's next three albums, *Born Too Late* (1986), *Mournful Cries*(1988) and *V* (1990). Weinrich left the band in 1991 to focus on the reunion of his previous band The Obsessed, and was replaced by Chritus Linderson of Swedish doom metal bandCount Raven. Saint Vitus recorded the album *C.O.D.* (1992) before Linderson was dismissed from the band. In 1994, Saint Vitus reunited with Reagers and recorded *Die Healing*(1995), which would be their final album for 17 years.

After breaking up in 1996 and briefly reforming in 2003, Saint Vitus reunited again in 2008 with the band's "classic" line-up, featuring Weinrich, Chandler, Adams and Acosta, and embarked on a successful tour. After 31 years in the band, Acosta left Saint Vitus in 2009 due to worsening health, and was replaced by Henry Vasquez. The new line-up went on to record their latest album *Lillie: F-65*, which was released on April 27, 2012.

Influenced by Black Sabbath and Black Flag.

## Genres

Doom Metal

Sludge Metal
The Penguins

**The Penguins** were an American doo-wop group of the 1950s and early 1960s, best remembered for their only Top 40 hit, "Earth Angel", which was one of the first rhythm and blues hits to cross over to the pop charts. The song peaked at #8 on the *Billboard* Hot 100 chart, but had a three-week run at #1 on the R&B chart. The Penguins were one of a number of doo-wop groups of the period named after birds (such as Sonny Til and the Orioles, The Flamingos, and The Crows). Member Cleveland Duncan performed a reprise of *Memories of El Monte* with Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention. Vocal Group Hall of Fame. They are mentioned in a Paul Simon song. Duncan died in 2012. Although the Penguins never had another top forty hit, their *Pledge of Love* made it to number fifteen on the R&B chart.
Lynyrd Skynyrd

## Info

Lynyrd Skynyrd was a very popular southern rock band from Florida. Their song *Sweet Home Alabama* was done in response to Neil Young's songs *Southern Man* and *Alabama*, and even mentions him. The line "In Birmingham they love the gov'nor, boo boo boo." and a line mentioning Watergate sparked controversy, as the governor at the time was pro-segregation. The song *Free Bird* is phenomenally popular for its epic guitar solo and is often played at the end of every concert, although the single version controversially fades out during the solo. *Call Me the Breeze* was originally written and performed by J.J. Cale. Half of the original lineup was killed in a plane crash in 1977. The band was mentioned in the song *Gator Country* by fellow southern rock band Molly Hatchet. The song *Saturday Night Special* is about gun control. The band was named after a professor named Leonard Skinner. *That Smell* is about drug abuse, as is the song *The Needle and the Spoon.*The band reformed in 1991 with a new lineup led by Johnny Van Zant, brother of deceased Skynyrd founder Ronnie Van Zant. Also in this new lineup is original drummer Gary Rossington. This new lineup has seen little success.

## Genres

* Southern Rock
* Hard Rock
* Blues Rock
* Roots Rock

## Songs

Sweet Home Alabama

Free Bird

Gimme Three Steps

Simple Man

Tuesday's Gone

That Smell

Saturday Night Special

Call Me the Breeze

What's Your Name

The Ballad of Curtis Loew

I Ain't the One

Don't Ask Me No Questions

You Got That Right

Gimme Back My Bullets

Double Trouble

The Needle and the Spoon

## Influences

J.J. Cale

Neil Young
Mary Wells

**Mary Esther Wells** (May 13, 1943 – July 26, 1992) was an American singer who helped to define the emerging sound of Motown in the early 1960s. Along with the Supremes, the Miracles,the Temptations, and the Four Tops, Wells was said to have been part of the charge in black music onto radio stations and record shelves of mainstream America, "bridging the color lines in music at the time."[1]

With a string of hit singles composed mainly by Smokey Robinson, including "The One Who Really Loves You"", "Two Lovers" (1962), the Grammy-nominated "You Beat Me to the Punch" (1962) and her signature hit, "My Guy" (1964), she became recognized as **"The Queen of Motown"** until her departure from the company in 1964, at the height of her popularity. She was one of Motown's first singing superstars.

Influenced by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles and Jackie Wilson.

Covered by Marvin Gaye, with whom she also recorded a duet.

Supported by Diana Ross, The Temptations, Martha Reeves, Rod Stewart, Bruce Springsteen, Aretha Franklin, and Bonnie Raitt. Tributed by Stevie Wonder and Little Richard.

Died of pneumonia in 1992.

Several hit singles.
Genesis

## Info

Originally a progressive rock band, they later became a sellout pop band after changing lead vocalists from Peter Gabriel to drummer Phil Collins, although the band had been moving toward pop before Collins took over. This change has divided Genesis fans on which era is better. Both Gabriel and Collins would go on to have successful solo careers. Both Genesis and Gabriel have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but not Collins. It is believed the connection to Collins was a major contributor to their being inducted into the Hall of Fame.

## Genres

Progressive Rock

New Wave

## Songs

The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway

Just a Job to Do

ABACAB

I Can't Dance

Follow You Follow Me

That's All

Carpet Crawlers

Invisible Touch

Hold on My Heart

In too Deep

Misunderstanding

Tonight Tonight Tonight

No Reply at All
The Michael Schenker Group

The **Michael Schenker Group** is a guitar-oriented hard rock band formed in 1979 by former Scorpions and UFO guitarist, Michael Schenker. In 1986, Schenker and vocalist Robin McAuleyformed the McAuley Schenker Group, which lasted until 1993. After that, in 1996 the Michael Schenker Group was reformed.[1]

The music is best described as mostly melodic hard rock with progressive undertones. Schenker is famous for his half-black, half-white Gibson Flying V and for his unorthodox approach to lead guitar. He is sponsored by Dean Guitars and is well known in the neo-classical genre.
J.J. Cale

## Info

Blues, Rock, Country, Jazz, Folk musician who wrote *After Midnight and Cocain*e, popularized by Eric Clapton, and *Call Me the Breeze*, popularized by Lynyrd Skynyrd. His songs have been covered by many other artists such as, Jerry Garcia, Beck, Band of Horses, Captain Beefheart, Spiritualized, Lynyrd Skynyrd. John Mayer, Bryan Ferry, Santana, Chet Atkins, Johnny Cash, Lucinda Williams, The Band, Widespread Panic, Freddie King, Phish, Waylon Jennings, Maria Muldaur, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Hiss The Golden Messenger, Dan Auerbach, and Lee Fields, to name just a few. Despite this significance, he has yet to even been nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Rick Springfield

## Info

Power pop musician and one of the most successful of the eighties. Four platinum albums and one gold. Numerous hits throughout his career, with *Jessie's Girl* being his only chart topper. He claimed that the inspiration for the song came from a girl wearing a school jacket that said "Jessie" on it. He does not remember who she was, however.
Jack Scott

**Jack Scott** (born **Giovanni Domenico Scafone, Jr.**, January 24, 1936, Windsor, Ontario, Canada[1]) is a Canadian American singer and songwriter. He was the first white rock and roll starto come out of Detroit, Michigan. He was inducted into Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2011 and has been called "undeniably the greatest Canadian rock and roll singer of all time."[2]
New York Dolls

## Info

Glam metal band credited with influencing the look of Kiss and Twisted Sister. Member Johnny Thunders went on to found a group called the Heartbreakers, of no relation to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. They had a major influence on punk rock as well as metal. The Smiths, Sex Pistols, Ramones, and Guns N Roses all cite the NYDs as an influence.
Stiff Little Fingers

## Info

Stiff Little Fingers is a punk band formed in Ireland at the height of The Troubles, a political conflict between the predominantly Protestant constituent British country of Northern Ireland and the independent, predominantly Catholic Republic of Ireland. They were originally named Highway Star after a Deep Purple song. Member Bruce Foxton also played for The Jam. Phenomenal in their native Britain.
Gladys Knight and the Pips

## Info

Disco group best known for their hit version of *I Heard it Through the Grapevine,* although their single *Midnight Train to Georgia* is their sole chart topper. Sixteen overall top forty hits. Album *Imagination* went gold. *I Feel a Song* went gold. *2nd* Anniversary went gold. *Visions* went gold. *All Our Love* went gold. *If I Were Your Woman* also made the top forty. Soundtrack album *Claudine* went gold. *The Best of* made the top forty while *Greatest Hits* went gold. Dominated the R&B charts in the seventies. A few hit adult contemporary singles. Vocal Group Hall of Fame. Covered Hank Ballard and the Midnighters. Claimed that their hits were credited to Diana Ross and the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, and The Temptations. Provided backing vocals for Kenny Rogers. Inducted into the Apollo Theater Hall of Fame.

## Genres

Disco

soul

## Television

The Pips were featured in a Geico commercial.
Louis Armstrong

## Info

Popular jazz musician and one of the most famous of all time. His nickname, "Satchmo", is believed to be short for "Satchel Mouth". Noted for his unique singing voice and his scatting. He is referenced in an episode of Nickelodeon cartoon series *Rugrats* as character Angelica mishears the story of the Sasquatch (the Abominable Snowman) as "Satchmo".
The Jordanaires

**The Jordanaires** were an American vocal quartet, which formed as a gospel group in 1948. They are known for providing background vocals for Elvis Presley, in live appearances and recordings from 1956 to 1972. The group has also worked in the recording studio, on stage, and on television with many other country and rock and roll artists. They have worked for many other musicians, several of whom are already in the Hall of Fame. Despite this they have been neglected each time one is inducted.

## Genres

Gospel

Rockabilly

Folk
Pure Prairie League

## Info

Country rock band popular in the mid to late seventies. Four top forty albums, with *Two Lane Highway* being their highest charting at 24. The band was named after a fictional temperance union in the film *Dodge City*. Five consecutive top forty LPs in the seventies with a sixth in the eighties. Member Mick Robinson had worked with David Bowie and Mott the Hoople. *Two Lane Highway* features Don Felder of the Eagles and Emmylou Harris. Thanks to their hit *Amie*, which debuted during a small bluegrass revival, the album reached gold status. In 1978 the last original member, George Powell, retired. The group struggled to maintain a lineup throughout the eighties before breaking up in 1988. They reunited a decade later.
Keith Richards

**Keith Richards** (born 18 December 1943) is an English musician, singer, songwriter, actor, and one of the original members of the rock band The Rolling Stones. *Rolling Stone Magazine*credited Richards for "rock's greatest single body of riffs" on guitar and ranked him 4th on its list of 100 best guitarists.[1] Fourteen songs that Richards wrote with the Rolling Stones' lead vocalist Mick Jagger are listed among *Rolling Stone* magazine's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time".[2] The Stones are generally known for their guitar interplay of rhythm and lead ("weaving") with Brian Jones, Mick Taylor and Ronnie Wood over the years. In spite of this, Richards plays the only guitar tracks on some of their most famous songs including "Paint It Black", "Ruby Tuesday", "Sympathy for the Devil", and "Gimme Shelter".
The Cramps

## Info

A phenomenal Punk band formed in 1974 in Ohio and became part of the original CBGB's punk scene in New York. Formed by singer Lux Interior and his musical soulmate, guitarist Poison Ivy Rorschach, The Cramps mixed rockabilly, the blues and punk rock into a wild and dangerous form. Their single *Bikini Girls with Machine Guns* made it to number ten in the US. They are mostly known for their psychobilly work, combining macabre themes with rockabilly revival music. They are influenced by Link Wray and His Wray Men, The Ventures, Dick Dale and His Del Tones, Ramones, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, and sixties garage rock. They performed as the supporting act for The Police. They once performed on *Late Night*, their first US television performance. They were featured on *Beverly Hills 90210*. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has a drum used by the band. Member Brian Gregory died in 2001 of a heart attack at the age of 46. This led to a slow decline of the band before breaking up after Lux Interior died in 2009.

## Genres

Punk

Psychobilly
George Thorogood and the Destroyers

## Info

Popular, bad attitude blues rocker whose band The Destroyers originated in Delaware. *The song House Rent Blues/One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer* is a medley of two songs by John Lee Hooker, with the former providing a backstory for the guy ordering the drinks. His song *Bad to the Bone* is partially based on *I'm a Man* by Bo Diddley and *Mannish Boy* by Muddy Waters. Five gold albums. His first live album went platinum. One compilation went platinum and the other gold. Most of his singles were rock hits with *Willie and the Hand Jive* being a Hot 100 hit. His version of *Who Do You Love?* was used in comedy film *Joe Dirt.*

## Genres

Blues Rock

Hard Rock

Rockabilly Revival

## Songs

Bad to the Bone

I Drink Alone

House Rent Blues/One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer

Move it on Over

Reelin and Rockin'

Who Do You Love?

Madison Blues

Willie and the Hand Jive

## Influences

Bo Diddley

Muddy Waters
The Alarm

## Info

Alternative rock band phenomenal in their native Britain, but with some success in the United States. Their album *Strength* was their only top forty hit album. Thirteen mainstream rock hits with *Sold Me Down the River* being their biggest hit at number two. Toured with The Stray Cats. Performed with Bono from U2, eventually supporting the band. Supporting act for The Police. Performed at an anti-nuclear benefit concert at the Apollo Theatre in London. Performed with Queen at Wembley Stadium. Performed at the Fillmore in San Francisco. Member Craig Adams came from The Sisters of Mercy and The Cult. Performed with The Fixx.
Ringo Starr

## Info

Former member of The Beatles. Considered one of the greatest drummers of all time. Noted for his thick Liverpool accent. Had some solo success, but far less than Paul McCartney and Wings or John Lennon. His solo band was known as the All-Starr Band. He is the only Beatle not to be inducted twice as a performer. Instead, he was given the Award for Musical Excellence. His solo hits include a cover of *You're Sixteen* by Johnny Burnette and the Rock 'n Roll Trio as well as *Photograph* and *It Don't Come Easy*. Real name Richard Starkey, he adopted the nickname "Ringo" because of all the rings he wore. When Lorne Greene performed the song *Ringo*, it was a hit because everyone thought it was about Ringo Starr. It was actually about Western outlaw Johnny Ringo.
Hank Ballard and the Midnighters

## Info

Early rock and roll group noted for performing the original version of *The Twist*, popularized by Chubby Checker. Initially, only Ballard was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2012 it was discovered that, by inducting Smokey Robinson as a solo artist, the Hall had violated their rule that the artist's first record must have been released at least 25 years prior. This led to the creation of a special committee which inducted several long neglected backing groups, including the Midnighters.
The Dave Clark Five

## Info

British invasion band with numerous hits in the mid to late sixties. When first nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, they received enough votes to be inducted. However, some came late and therefore the group was not inducted. This caused controversy and the group was subsequently inducted the following year. The Hall used this excuse to induct Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, a group clearly not rock, instead, claiming "We couldn't go any longer without a rap act".

## Genres

Beat

Garage rock
The Brian Setzer Orchestra

## Info

Swing revival band led by former The Stray Cats member Brian Setzer. Their *Wolfgang's Big Night Out* was based on various classical pieces. One of the leaders of the revival during the late nineties. Despite it being called a "swing revival", what was actually being revived was the "jump blues" style of Cab Calloway and Louis Prima that had been popular in the forties. This revival occurred due to the use of swing revival music in popular movies such as The Mask.
Jackson Browne

## Info

Jackson Browne is a folk rock musician phenomenal from the mid seventies to mid eighties, with seven straight platinum albums and two later albums going gold. The same success can be said of three compilations. Numerous hits throughout the seventies and eighties.Has collaborated with many artists. Originally only a songwriter, being covered by numerous popular artists. Has participated in activism and environmentalism as well as performing for charity. Has been honored and tributed multiple times. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Bruce Springsteen. *Doctor My Eyes* was removed from radio playlists after the September 11 attacks.

## Genres

Folk Rock

Country Rock

## Songs

Running on Empty

Doctor My Eyes

Somebody's Baby

The Pretender
Ratt

## Info

Glam metal band best known for their hit *Round and Round*. Their debut album *Out of the Cellar* went triple platinum, while *Invasion of Your Privacy* went double platinum. Two other albums went platinum while *Detonator* went gold. Compilation *Ratt & Roll* went gold. Single *Lay it Down* also made the top forty. Eight other rock hit singles during the eighties and nineties with *Best of Me* making it to number thirty on the rock charts in 2010. Member Juan Croucier previously played for Dokken. Actor Milton Berle makes a guest appearance in the music video for *Round and Round*. Performed with Billy Squier, Ozzy Osbourne, Blackfoot, Iron Maiden, Mötley Crüe, Twisted Sister, and Lita Ford. *Round and Round* was voted one of the best hard rock songs by VH1. Home video *Ratt: the Video* went platinum. Their album *Invasion of Your Privacy* features a Playboy model. This was copied by Great White, Slaughter, and other glam bands. The album also caused controversy and led to the creation of parental advisory labels. Also toured with Bon Jovi. Performed with ZZ Top and Metallica. Tried performing thrash metal for awhile. Toured with Poison. Performed at Madison Square Garden. Also performed with Michael Schenker of Scorpions as well as UFO. Shared the stage with female rock band Vixen on MTV Unplugged. Member Stephen Pearcy left to form a band with a former member of Cinderella. Warren DeMartini also performed for Whitesnake. Performed with Great White as well as White Lion. Supported by Winger. Performed with Skid Row. John Corabi had previously played for Motley Crue. Carlos Cavazo later replaced him, having previously played for Quiet Riot. DeMartini toured with Dee Snider of Twtisted Sister. Influenced by Aerosmith, Sweet, Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Black Sabbath, Scorpions, and Kiss. Also influenced by Iron Maiden and Judas Priest.
Squeeze

**Squeeze** are a British band, that came to prominence in the United Kingdom during the new wave period of the late 1970s, and continued recording successfully in the 1980s and 1990s. They are known in the UK for their hit songs "Cool for Cats", "Up the Junction", "Tempted", "Labelled with Love", "Black Coffee in Bed", "Another Nail in My Heart", "Pulling Mussels (from the Shell)" and "Hourglass". Though not as commercially successful in the United States, Squeeze had American chart hits with "Tempted", "Hourglass" and "853-5937", and they have a dedicated following there and continue to attract new fans.[1] All of Squeeze's hits were written by band members Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook, with the former penning the lyrics and the latter handling the composition. The duo were hailed as "the heirs to Lennon and McCartney's throne" during their peak of popularity in the early 1980s.[2]

The group formed in Deptford, London, in 1974,[3] and first broke up in 1982. Squeeze then reformed in 1985, and disbanded again in 1999. The band reunited for tours through the United States and United Kingdom in 2007, and this touring version of Squeeze has continued.[2]

In 2010, they issued *Spot the Difference*, an album of newly recorded versions of older material. The band's first album of all-new material since 1998, *Cradle to the Grave*, was released in October 2015.[4]
The Smiths

## Info

Post punk band who influenced later revival groups. Frontman Morrissey also had a successful solo career. Morrissey was recently diagnosed with cancer. It is debated whether he is gay. Their song "Shakepsear's Sister" was the inspiration for the name of pop band Shakespears Sister. Morrissey admitted he forgot how he performed the riff for *How Soon is Now?*. *The Queen is Dead* went gold. *Strangeways Here We Come* went gold. Compilation *Louder Than Bombs* went gold. Phenomenal in their native Britain. Nominated for the Hall of Fame several times with no luck.

## Songs

There is a Light that Never Goes Out

How Soon is Now

This Charming Man

Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now

Bigmouth Strikes Again

Please, Please Please Let Me Get What I Want

Ask

Panic

William It Was Really Nothing

What Difference Does it Make

The Boy With the Thorn in His Side

Girlfriend in a Coma

You Just Haven't Earned it Yet Baby
Screaming Trees

**Screaming Trees** was an American rock band formed in Ellensburg, Washington in 1985 by vocalist Mark Lanegan, guitarist Gary Lee Conner, bass player Van Conner and drummer Mark Pickerel. Pickerel had been replaced by Barrett Martin by the time the band reached its most successful period. Although widely associated with grunge, the band's sound incorporated hard rock and psychedelic elements. Since its formation, Screaming Trees released seven studio albums, five EPs and three compilations.

Screaming Trees is known as one of the "Godfathers of Grunge" along with the Melvins, Mudhoney, U-Men, Skin Yard, Soundgarden, Green River, Cosmic Psychos andMalfunkshun. Screaming Trees rose to fame as part of the grunge movement of the early 1990s, along with bands such as Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam, Nirvana andSoundgarden and was one of the most successful underground music acts of the 1990s. The band achieved one top ten single on the Modern Rock Tracks charts. Screaming Trees were plagued by extended inactivity due to their problems with making a follow up to *Dust*. This led to their official breakup in 2000.
The Contours

## Info

Soul group who dominated the R&B charts in the mid sixties. *Do You Love Me* was their biggest hit at number one on the R&B charts at number three on the pop charts. Member Dennis Edwards also performed with The Temptations. *Do You Love Me* was featured in an episode of animated cartoon series

*Tiny Toon Adventures*. It was covered notably by The Dave Clark Five, but has also been covered by several other artists including The Sonics, Bob Marley and the Wailers, and The Hollies. The song was also featured in the film *Dirty Dancing* and on the show *Supernatural*.

The group was inducted into the Doo Wop Hall of Fame.

## Genres

Soul

Rock and roll
Seal

**Olusegun Olumide Adeola Samuel**[1] (born 19 February 1963), better known by his stage name **Seal**, is a British singer and songwriter.[2][3] He has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide[4] and is known for his international hits, including "Kiss from a Rose", which appeared on the soundtrack to the 1995 film *Batman Forever*. He was a coach on *The Voice*Australia in 2012 and 2013.[5]

Seal has won music awards throughout his career, including three Brit Awards—winning Best British Male in 1992, four Grammy Awards, and an MTV Video Music Award.[6][7] As a songwriter, he received the British Academy's Ivor Novello Award, for Best Song Musically and Lyrically, in consecutive years for "Killer" (1990) and "Crazy" (1991).[8]

His first four albums went at least gold. Phenomenal in Europe. Numerous hit singles.
Loverboy

## Info

Canadian hard rock band with several hits. Opened for Kiss. Also performed with Cheap Trick, ZZ Top, Kansas, and Def Leppard. Also opened for Journey. Recorded the 1984 United States Olympic Team theme. *Heaven in Your Eyes* was featured in the film *Top Gun*, while *Notorious* was cowritten by Bon Jovi. The band broke up in 1988. Performed with Bryan Adams at a charity concert in Vancouver as a part of their reunion. The benefit was raising money for Brian MacLeod, a former bandmate of Bill Henderson, who was fighting cancer. Richard Sera had previously played for Trooper. Toured with Pat Benatar. Ken Sinnaeve was formerly of The Guess Who and Red Rider. Numerous media references.Their first four albums have gone multi-platinum, their fifth gold. Compilation *Loverboy Classics* also went gold. Numerous hits throughout the eighties.

## Songs

Working for the Weekend

Turn Me Loose

Lovin' Every Minute of It

## Parody

Loverboy has been referenced on popular internet cartoon Homestar Runner
Sinéad O'Connor

**Sinéad Marie Bernadette O’Connor** (/ʃɪˈneɪd oʊˈkɒnər/ born 8 December 1966) is an Irish singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the late 1980s with her debut album *The Lion and the Cobra*. O’Connor achieved worldwide success in 1990 with a new arrangement of Prince and the Revolution’s song "Nothing Compares 2 U".

Since then, while maintaining her singing career, she has occasionally encountered controversy, partly due to her statements and gestures—such as her ordination as a priest despite being a woman with a Roman Catholic background—and her strongly expressed views on organised religion, women's rights, war, and child abuse. She is a lesbian.

In addition to her ten solo albums her work includes many singles, songs for films, collaborations with many other artists and appearances at charity fundraising concerts.

Her debut album went gold. *I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got* went double platinum. Numerous other hit albums, including compilations and an extended play. Numerous hit singles worldwide. Performed with The Edge of U2, Peter Gabriel, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, and others.

## Genres

Alternative

Folk Rock

## Parody

O'Connor is referenced in the commentary for a Homestar Runner cartoon.
Robert Johnson

## Info

Delta blues musician who provided the song *Crossroad Blues*, which was combined with his *Traveling Riverside Blues* in the Cream song *Crossroads.* Also the inspiration for the character Tommy Johnson in the film *O Brother Where Art Thou?* (although the name comes from another delta blues musician).
The Lords of the New Church

## Info

The Lords of the New Church are an American goth rock supergroup formed by Brian James of The Damned and three other punk rock musicians from other bands. The group was founded in 1982 and broke up after member Stiv Bators was killed in a car accident in 1990. They have been on-and-off ever since. Three Hot 100 hits. Phenomenal in Britain. Covered Madonna.
Sonny Rollins

## Info

Jazz musician recognized as one of the most important and influential. Worked with Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, and Thelonious Monk. Influenced by Louis Jordan. Appeared in an episode of *The Simpsons*. Multiple honors, awards, and tributes. Performed on *The Tonight Show*. Worked with The Rolling Stones on their *Tattoo You*, which had their hit *Start Me Up*.
Teddy Pendergrass

## Info

Soul musician with four straight platinum albums, three others going gold. Dominated the R&B charts. *Live Coast to Coast* went gold. *Playlist*, a compilation, made the top forty. Numerous hits throughout his career. *Close the Door* was his biggest at number 25, although he did much better on the R&B charts. Died of resperatory failure caused by colon cancer and obseity in 2010. Originally Pendergrass worked for Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes. Their song *I Miss You* was originally written for The Dells. *If You Don't Know Me By Now* was originally written for Patti LaBelle. *Bad Luck* was about the Watergate scandal. He went solo in 1977. His biggest rivals were Marvin Gaye and Barry White. Album *Love Language* featured Whitney Houston before she became famous. At the 1979 American Music Awards, pendergrass tied with Lou Rawls for favorite soul/R&B artist.

## Genres

Soul

Disco
The Moonglows

## Info

Doo wop group whose members included Marvin Gaye. Several hits throughout the fifties, with *Sincerely* being their sole chart topper. Covered by The McGuire Sisters. Inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. Compared to The Ink Spots in style. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame without Gaye.

## Genres

Soul

Doo Wop
The Jayhawks

**The Jayhawks** are an American alternative country and country rock band that emerged from the Twin Cities music scene during the mid-1980s. Their country rock sound was influential on many bands who played the Twin Cities circuit during the 1980s and 1990s like Uncle Tupelo, the Gear Daddies and the Honeydogs. They have released several studio albums, including five on the American Recordings label. On hiatus from 2005 to 2009, the band has since reunited, releasing an album, *Mockingbird Time*, in September 2011.[1] After another brief hiatus, the 1997 touring lineup reunited to play shows in 2014 to support the reissue of three albums released between 1997 and 2003. After the tour, Mark Olson again left the band. It was later revealed that he left because of a strained relationship with band member Gary Louris.[2] In September 2015 the band announced that they are recording a new album, produced by Peter Buck, which is expected to be released in 2016.
The Sugarhill Gang

## Info

Funk and hip hop group noted for their *Rapper's Delight*, argued as the first rap hit of all time, helping the genre become popular in the eighties. The song samples *Good Times* by disco band Chic.

## Genres

Funk

Rap

## Parody

Homestar Runner character Homsar mentions Wonder Mike, a member of the Sugarhill Gang, in his character video.
The J.B.'s

The J.B.'s are a soul and funk group best known for being one of the backing groups for James Brown. Their name comes from Brown's initials. When the Hall inducted several neglected backing groups, they chose the Famous Flames but not the J.B.'s. The group was nominated several years later but did not receive enough votes to be inducted.

## Genres

Funk

Soul
The Birthday Party

## Info

Post punk band whose music includes blues, jazz, and rockabilly. Influenced by David Bowie, Lou Reed, Roxy Music, and Alice Cooper. Covered Ramones and Them. The band was named after a play. Also influenced by Iggy Pop of The Stooges. Influenced My Bloody Valentine. ARIA Hall of Fame. Phenomenal in their native Britain.
The Count Basie Orchestra

## Info

Jazz musician considered one of the greatest of all time. Worked with Duke Ellington. Originally from New Jersey, Basie went to Harlem where jazz was popular. During his tours he met Louis Armstrong and traveled to New Orleans. He also met Fats Waller. Traveled to Kansas City, and became immersed in the "Kansas City Stomp". Later played with Lester Young and were sometimes broadcast on the local radio. Eventually moved to Chicago, where they were noted for their rhythm section. Eventually developed a "jumping beat" that was a part of his "jump swing sound". Went to New York, where he showcased Billie Holiday and Big Joe Turner. Later met Ella Fitzgerald. His *One O'Clock Jump* was recorded by Benny Goodman. Over time met several Hollywood actors including Clark Gable, Carmen Miranda, Bette Davis, and Dinah Shore. Later worked with Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, and Miles Davis. Lineup eventually included Sarah Vaughan and Stan Getz. Quincy Jones became his arranger. Performed for President Kennedy. His work was featured on television. Frank Sinatra was featured in his band along with Bing Crosby and Sammy Davis Jr. A theatre in New Jersey was named for him. The street on which he grew up was nicknamed in his honor. A street in Manhattan was renamed in his honor. A house in the area, where Basie lived, was made a national landmark. Featured in *Home Alone 2*. Winner of numerous Grammys, including four songs being inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Numerous other honors, awards, and tributes. Presidential Medal of Freedom by Ronald Reagan. Federal postage stamp in 1996. New Jersey Hall of Fame. Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The Charlie Daniels Band

## Info

Country musician best known for his hit *The Devil Went Down to Georgia*. Album *Fire on the Mountain* went platinum. *Saddle Trap* went gold. *Midnight Wind* went gold. *Million Mile Reflections* went triple platinum. *Full Moon* went platinum. *Windows* went gold. *Simple Man* went platinum. 1991 album *Renegade* was also a top forty hit. *How Sweet the Sound* made it to number forty. Compilation *A Decade of Hits* went platinum. *Super Hits* went double platinum. *Live!* made it to the top forty. *Country* made it as well. Seven top forty hits and twelve country hits. Inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. Worked with The Youngbloods and Bob Dylan. Also worked with Elvis Presley and Hank Williams Jr. as well as The Marshall Tucker Band. North Carolina Music hall of fame. His movie has been used by NASCAR, on television, and in film. He has been greatly involved in politics. Despite being a right wing he supported Jimmy Carter's Presidential campaign.
Quill

**Quill** was a popular Northeast United States band that played extensively throughout New England, New York and the mid-Atlantic states in the late 1960s and that gained national attention by performing at the original Woodstock Festival in 1969. The band was originally founded by two singer/songwriters and brothers from the Boston area, Jon and Dan Cole.
Rusted Root

**Rusted Root** is an American band from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania known for their fusion of acoustic, rock, world and other styles of music, with a strong percussion section that draws fromAfrican, Latin American, and Native American influences. Their lyrical content varies but often talks about Christianity and Judaism. Rusted Root has sold more than three million albums worldwide.

The band achieved fame in 1994 with its platinum-selling album *When I Woke*, which included hit single "Send Me On My Way." The song has been featured prominently in many films and commercials.

## Film

*Send Me On My Way* was used in the film Matilda.
The Big Bopper

## Info

Early rock and roll musician noted for his raunchy hit *Chantilly Lace*. Died in 1959 in a plane crash that also killed Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens in a moment that was immortalized in the folk rock song *American Pie* as "the day the music died". Despite Holly and Valens both being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame the Big Bopper has yet to get in. The Big Bopper was 28 at the time of his death, putting him a year too old to be a member of the infamous 27 club of musicians who died at that age.
The Revolution

**The Revolution** was an American rock band formed in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1979 by Prince. Although widely associated with rock music, the band's sound incorporated rhythm and blues, funk, pop, and hard rock elements. Before their official break-up, The Revolution had released two studio albums, two soundtracks, and two videos. The band is known for its many members, varied in race and gender.

The Revolution rose to international fame in the mid-1980s with *Purple Rain*, selling over 16 million albums in the United States alone.[1] The band achieved two number-one *Billboard* 200albums (*Purple Rain* and *Around the World in a Day*), six top ten singles on the *Billboard* Hot 100 chart, and won three Grammy Awards. The band officially disbanded in 1986 after the Hit n Run – Parade Tour, which supported *Parade*, the soundtrack for *Under the Cherry Moon*.
Scandal

## Info

Pop rock band featuring Patty Smyth (not to be confused with Patti Smith). Their debut album *Scandal* went gold. *Warrior* went platinum. Their biggest hits are *Goodbye to You, Love's Got a Line on You, The Warrior, Hands Tied,* and *Beat of a Heart.* They are not to be confused for another band of the same name phenomenal in Japan. Jon Bon Jovi once played for them.