Chris Isaak

Not in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Eligible since: 2011

First Recording: 1985

Previously Considered? No  what's this?

Chris Isaak
HALL OF FAME INDICATORS
🔲Rolling Stone 500 Albums
🔲Rolling Stone 500 Songs
Rolling Stone Cover
Saturday Night Live
🔲Major Festival Headliner
🔲Songwriters Hall of Fame
🔲“Big Four” Grammys

Essential Albums (?)WikipediaYouTube
Heart Shaped World (1989)
Forever Blue (1995)

Essential Songs (?)WikipediaYouTube
Wicked Game (1989)
Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing (1995)

Chris Isaak @ Wikipedia

Will Chris Isaak be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame?
"Musical excellence is the essential qualification for induction."
Yes: 
No :


Comments

14 comments so far (post your own)

I have to agree with all the comments above. Isaak is the ultimate entertainer. His performances are polished and consistent and his shows are just a great time. True he doesn't have commercial hit after hit but the fact he can almost constantly tour the US and then every second/third year tour Australia and UK/Europe, shows just how solid his following is. Anyone doubting his eligibilty for the RnR HoF needs to get to a show and see the varied demographics of the audience. No one ever leaves Isaakland, he just adds more and more fans after every concert.

Posted by Cathy on Wednesday, 02/6/2013 @ 17:01pm


Chris Isaak's contribution to music, and his impact on later generations are significant and must not be ignored despite his lack of top 10 hits. This man has influenced many crooners such as Michael Buble, Gary Allan, M. Ward and Enrique Iglesias, along with over a dozen indie bands who cover his hits and other artists who named their bands after him on different continents. Female artists have also been influenced by him, notably Lana Del Rey who has been called "the female Chris Isaak."

His music has also contributed to popular culture as it has been featured in over 50 films and TV shows. And unlike many popular performers, Chris Isaak writes all his songs.

It's a shame he's one of the most underrated and overlooked artists of all time. There is more to him than Wicked Game. Check out his amazing songs: Gone Riding, The Lonely Ones, Back on Your Side, Tears, Voodoo, Blue Hotel, Lovers Game, Funeral in the Rain, Black Flowers, Except the New Girl, Shadows in a Mirror, Lie to Me, Waiting for the Rain to Fall, Blue Spanish Sky, Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing and many more... A lot of atmosphere and emotions come through his songs. His haunting and melodious voice is a gem - he has the best vocals in the industry.

Had Chris Isaak surfaced in the 50s at the height of rock and roll, no doubt he would have rivaled Elvis and other icons. He would have enjoyed the cult status of many legends who do not even write their own songs.

The Hall of Fame needs to revamp their criteria and stop overlooking talented artists.

Posted by Matt on Sunday, 03/30/2014 @ 01:31am


Chris Isaak definitely deserves to be inducted. He is a rare breed of musician, with a style and sound all his own, which set him apart from many of today's contemporary artists. He is incredibly talented and has one of the best voices out there, in my opinion. Every album has been outstanding, and Chris and his band sound absolutely amazing live! Aside from his musical talent, he writes his own songs, does his own artwork for many of his albums, has had his own tv shows, and has acted in movies, guest starred on sitcoms, and hosted award shows. If all of that isn't enough, he is very kind to his fans. He used to do public m&g's after his shows and sign and draw things on merchandise for hundreds of people. He often invites people up on the stage during his show, and really connects with his audience. He has a great sense of humor and gets the audience laughing as well. Chris Isaak is one of the most underrated musicians of our time. Does he deserve to be inducted? Yes, 110 percent absolutely he does deserve this honor.

Posted by Georgie on Sunday, 03/30/2014 @ 07:07am


Chris Isaak needs to duet with Harry Connick Jr.

Posted by Roy on Sunday, 03/30/2014 @ 08:15am


Chris Isaak is an amazing Artist! He deserves to be inducted! His talent of writing and singing is a fantastic contribution to music today. He is as brilliant live as in the Studio

Posted by Teresa on Sunday, 03/30/2014 @ 16:39pm


Chris is definitely worthy of a Hall of Fame nod. 30 years of consistently good music; the best live show I have every been to year after year; and not a scerrick of scandal to sully him.

Posted by Cathy on Sunday, 03/30/2014 @ 23:00pm


I have been a Chris Isaak fan for 27 years….half of my life! I consistently listen to his music on a daily basis and will never tire of his music. He is the definitive Rocker and truly deserves to be in the RRHF!!

Posted by Judy Mildenhall on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 13:39pm


Puh-leeeeze, whoever considers Chris a one-hit wonder has absolutely no clue. So many of his songs have been used in movies, from David Lynch to Stanley Kubrick, Clint Eastwood, John Badham, Tony Scott, Tarantino, etc. And what about songs like 'Blue Hotel' (a hit in Europe way before anyone knew who is was in the US), Baby did a bad bad thing, San Francisco Days, Let me down easy... Not only that, but the guy is a fabulous showman and has consistently been filling concert halls for over 30 years all over the world (and not on the strength of his wild suits alone). All of his albums are very well crafted and sound fresh even today. His music is timeless. And while you're at it, why not induct his fantastic band as well: Silvertone!!! I rest my case, your honor :-)

Posted by Frank Scholl on Saturday, 01/13/2018 @ 05:45am


Chris Isaak absolutely deserves to be inducted. He writes his own music, has a crack backup band and puts on consistently great shows. It’s a crime that he hasn’t even been considered.

Posted by Mary Thomas on Saturday, 03/30/2019 @ 12:53pm


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0kDuZ2mcyg

Stone Sour's rendition of Chris Isaak's "Wicked Games."

Posted by The Dude on Tuesday, 09/10/2019 @ 17:14pm


It is a doggone shame that the Hall of Fame has not yet recognized Chris Isaak for his positive contributions in the music industry. He has inspired and mentored many artists. For over 40 years, he's been a consummate performer and his recordings and concerts leave the public with haunting satisfaction while wanting to hear more.

Posted by Danielle Stoner on Wednesday, 05/12/2021 @ 20:10pm


Listen to his Forever Blue album start to finish. Yes, Chris Isaak definitely belongs in the R&RHOF!

Posted by Thomas Grogan on Friday, 10/15/2021 @ 04:56am


Like someone said before me, if Chris had come out around the time of Elvis, there's not a single doubt he would be a legend by now. I am saddened by his diminishing output, but even if he didn't released any new music again, his legacy is already there. It's just a matter of the HoF to wake up and listen to him. One of the most deserving artists to be inducted.

Posted by Soul Break on Friday, 04/22/2022 @ 16:54pm


Of course he deserves a place in the rock and roll Hall of Fame.

Posted by Rob on Thursday, 12/22/2022 @ 13:08pm


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Future Rock Legends is your home for Chris Isaak and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, including year of eligibility, number of nominations, induction chances, essential songs and albums, and an open discussion of their career.


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