The 2021 nominees for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame have been released and once again, there is a BIG name missing. Let's start with highlighting the artists who are nominated. They are Jay-Z, Carole King, Tina Turner, Devo, Foo Fighters, Kate Bush, Mary J. Blige, The Go-Go's, Iron Maiden, Chaka Khan, Fela Kuti, LL Cool J, Rage Against The Machine, New York Dolls, Todd Rundgren and Dionne Warwick.
Now through April 30th fans will get to cast their vote every day on the Hall of Fame's site or at the museum itself in Cleveland. Then, the top five artists will be comprised of "fan ballots" that will be tallied, along with other ballots to finalize the 2021 Inductees.
Here's the thing, the biggest selling solo artist of all-time has been eligible since 2014. Yes, I'm referring to Garth Brooks. How is it possible that in his seventh year of eligibility did he not get the nomination? And with seven being Garth's favorite number, it would certainly be the right year. It's also his birthday week too, just sayin!
Now, before you say "but he's a country artist," remember there are 11 acts inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. They include Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Brenda Lee and a few others.
It is fair to point out that Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard aren't in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame either. So there is clearly a deficiency of country representation in Cleveland. But if the criteria focuses on impact on the sonic landscape of the world and influence on other artists, how do you not include Garth?