In terms of influencing the overall sound of rock 'n roll, Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Louis Jordan are the two most influential and significant, and yet only one of them has been inducted as an Early Influence. The Hall should have put the Sister in at least 25 years ago. With all the publicity Tharpe's had in the last 5 or so years (A PBS documentary, the declaration of Sister Rosetta Tharpe Day on 1/11/2008 in Pennsylvania, the installation of a proper gravestone for her, a recent biography, and her former Philadelphia home being approved as an historic site), the time is nigh for the Sister's rightful enshrinement. It better happen this year.

If anyone doesn't yet understand the historical significance and influence Tharpe has, I implore the uninitiated to do their research and acquire some albums of hers. Then you'll know why she remains such a hugely important figure.

Posted by Zach on Wednesday, 11/6/2013 @ 23:42pm

Zach, I agree with you on the musical influences that Louis Jordan and Sister Rosetta Tharpe have pasted down to rock n' roll singers.

Without Jordan's jump blues sound and wild energy while performing, singers like Fats Domino and Chuck Berry would not have become the rock n' roll heros that we look up to. Jordan's rapid vocal devlivery also gave us rapping.

As for Sister Rosetta Tharpe, she was a widely acclaimed jazz and gospel singer with a large following in both fields and a flamboyant perfromer as well whose music often crossed into the blues and swing. Had she out become a powerhrouse gospel singer, soul musicans like Sam Cooke and Al Green wouldn't have become the great singers that we know now.

Regarding your throughts on the 2014 Nominees, I would say that the only group that I woundn't celebrate getting into the Hall would be NWA. I too personally dislike thier music except "Express Yourself" and I just don't understand why so meny praise them when all they did was steer rap down a more gangester and racist path.

Otherwise, the other groups I like althrough I disagree with you on Linda Ronstadt because I happen to like her music and her voice.

For an Early Influence, I would pick Cab Calloway or The Ravens.

Lastly, here are some of my favorite films:

School of Rock
Monty Python & The Holy Grail
All the Star Wars films
All the Lord of The Rings films
The Hobbit
The Blues Brothers
Back To The Future
Planes, Trains, & Automobiles
Monty Python's The Meaning of Life
Animal House
All The Jurassic Park films
The Outsiders
Top Gun
Saving Private Ryan
Monty Python's Life of Brian
All the Indiana Jones films
Glory
Braveheart
Aladdin
Lincoln
The Last Samurai
Kingdom of Heaven
Young Frankenstein
Rodin Hood: Men In Tights
History of The World Part 1
Ray [although I haven't seeen it yet]
La Bomba [same thing]
The Buddy Holly Story [same thing here]
The Little Mermaid
A Fish Called Wanda
E.T.
Beauty & The Beast
The Lion King

Posted by Andrew on Thursday, 11/7/2013 @ 17:36pm

Andrew, you've got some excellent picks on your movie list. You owe it to yourself to view Ray, as it is perhaps the best biopic of a musician I've seen (in terms of historical accuracy and aesthetic qualities).

Be sure to read my posts about Sister Rosetta Tharpe on her respective page. I included quotes from some of her followers (Bob Dylan and Bonnie Raitt, among others), along with citations. The Sister's massive influence on the development of rock 'n roll cannot be overstated.

Finally, I'd like to inform you that I'm currently on the job search and looking for a position in the library industry. I've always loved reading books and doing research, plus I have experience from doing a work study at my college's library. I haven't been online as much lately, but I wanted to update you on my life. How'd the record store gig work out?

Posted by Zach on Friday, 11/8/2013 @ 12:51pm

To answer your question, Zach, my gig at the record store was just great. I did mostly innvantory with tapes and records and put up posters. I wasn't allowed to interact with the customers, but in that kind of work, you just need to back off and let them do thier shopping without you butting in all the time.

Lastly, that's wonderful that you are looking for a job in the library industry. Please keep me informed.

Long live 50s rock n' roll!

Posted by Andrew on Friday, 11/8/2013 @ 17:45pm

am i the only one who thinks these two would make a hella cute couple?

Posted by GFW on Friday, 11/8/2013 @ 18:05pm

GFW, let me tell you something: We enjoy talking about music. Just because Zach and I talk with each other a lot dosen't mean that you should pin us as a couple because we aren't.

If I were you, I would stay out of what we're talking about!

Posted by Andrew on Friday, 11/8/2013 @ 21:26pm

GFW, please refrain from such juvenile commentary. Andrew and I are enjoying our discussion and don't need children like you interrupting. Now go back to your Carly Rae Jepsen records and let the adults have the table.

I'm straight, by the way.

I'm glad you enjoyed your job at the record store, Andrew. Any reason in particular why you're not working there anymore? With your knowledge of music and friendly personality, a record store job seems tailor-made for you.

Lastly, are you a fan of early 20th century (1900s-1920s) pop singers? I have recently become enamored with this period of music in the last year. It's criminally neglected, but there were some phenomenal talents who emerged in this timeframe. I'd recommend listening to some songs from Billy Murray, Al Jolson, Henry Burr, Whispering Jack Smith, or Bing Crosby when you have the time.

Posted by Zach on Saturday, 11/9/2013 @ 12:04pm

lol i am the worst.

Posted by GFW on Saturday, 11/9/2013 @ 14:27pm

Yeah, I'd say that you're the bottom of the barrel, too.

Posted by Zach on Tuesday, 11/12/2013 @ 00:00am

started at the bottom (and im still there)

but still higher than uuuu :D

Posted by GFW on Tuesday, 11/12/2013 @ 12:22pm

Naah, you're just deluding yourself if you seriously believe you're above me. For one, your typing skills are atrocious. Please refrain from responding to any of my future posts, as you lack the coherency and the knowledge to carry on any type of conversation. Muchas gracias.

Posted by Zach on Tuesday, 11/12/2013 @ 13:07pm

GFW, let me tell you something: you are not better then Zach or me or anyone else on this site, and you can pack up all that teenage arrogance and leave as it is impossibe for you to carry on any type of conversation about music due to your lack of knowledge.

Zach, responding to your comment, the only early 20th century pop singer that you listed that I've listened to is Bing Crosby but I would be more then happy to take a listen to some of the other ones. Just give me a few songs to listen to by the other artists. By the way, what are your feelings on 50s pop singers like Patti Page or Doris Day?

Regarding Rage Aginst The Michine, I strongly disagree with you on them as They are the only rap-metal group that has produced some fantasic political songs and I know that you aren't a fan of that kind of music, but some love it and some don't.

Posted by Andrew on Tuesday, 11/12/2013 @ 17:50pm

im finna stop commenting as this is getting boring but gotta address this

"leave as it is impossibe for you to carry on any type of conversation about music due to your lack of knowledge."

imma ruin you, cǚnt.

Posted by GFW on Tuesday, 11/12/2013 @ 17:55pm