Although Goodman was wrong about the lasting appeal of groups like The Rolling Stones, I would have to join him in saying that I am not too fond of their overall catalogue. It's no surprise that I just can't tolerate must of the 1960s/1970s classic rock staples. I'll admit to enjoying a few of the Rolling Stones' singles, but none of their albums I've listened to were keepers. Ditto for the Clash, whose fascinating melting pot of musical styles is often spoiled by unnecessary politically-charged lyrics. Blondie's about the only one out of that trio that has any representation in my library. I am far too interested in other styles of music to just narrow my interests down to classic rawk.

Posted by Zach on Tuesday, 09/30/2014 @ 17:18pm

Benny Goodman was the King of Swing, and he is known to have a strong dislike for rock and roll. Benny became interested in bebop as it became popular in the late 40's, but ditched it soon after and never picked up any new type of music again. It would be insulting to his legacy to induct him into the hall of fame of a type of music he so emphatically hated, despite the fact that he helped to pave the way for it to become popular.

Posted by Swinglover1939 on Saturday, 05/9/2020 @ 21:58pm

I've seen this excuse used before with other artists and frankly I don't think their feelings should really play a part in the matter, especially since Goodman's been dead for over thirty years. If the hall of fame is a museum detailing the history of rock in all of its iterations, including the defining artists of the genres that shaped rock and roll, then it'd be criminal to not include Benny Goodman. He's frankly too significant an artist and would be a perfect candidate for the influence category.

Posted by Steve Z on Tuesday, 05/12/2020 @ 09:13am

Zach, you shouldn't begrudge benny for being narrow minded about the music that came out when he was an old man as you are similarly narrow minded towards music of the past 35 years. Great music didn't stop when you or Benny stopped listening.

Posted by David on Friday, 02/19/2021 @ 16:33pm