Is Time Running Out for These Rockers? (Part Three)

Now we move to the 1970s. It doesn't seem that long ago until I count the years, realizing that in two years it will be a half-century since we embarked on that memorable decade. Times flies, whether you're having fun or not.

I thought the early to mid '70s produced some of the best music in rock history. While some may disagree, and I respect differing opinions, what started great didn't end well with the emergence of disco. But I digress.

We've gone through Pre-British Invasion and Post-British Invasion musicians. Now let's look at some acts who should be given considerable attention by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame since those in power are now dipping into the '80s and '90s.

As noted in previous post, credit artist(s) websites, Wikipedia, All-Music, and other music-related sites as sources as well as some personal recollections and reflections:

So here goes.

The 1970s:

The Alan Parsons Project—The Alan Parsons Project was primarily the work, inspiration, and imagination of Alan Parsons and the late Eric Woolfson (who passed away in 2009). The group recorded 10 albums, beginning with "Tales of Mystery and Imagination" in 1975, my introduction to their music. While noted for their theme albums, the APP had six Top 40 singles including No. 3 "Eye in the Sky" in 1982. Parsons is a noted studio engineer, having worked on The Beatl
es' "Abbey Road" and "Let It Be" and Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon." Woolfson sang most of the team's records and was also a composer and pianist. They were truly a dynamic duo.

Bad Company—A true supergroup, Bad Company was singer Paul Rodgers and drummer Simon Kirke from Free, guitarist Mick Ralphs from Mott the Hoople, and bassist Boz Burrell from King Crimson. Rodgers has one of the great voices in rock while Ralphs ranks among the best guitarists. The group was known for its albums, with four of its first five reaching the top five in the album charts. Among the memorable singles were "Can't Get Enough," "Feel Like Makin' Love," and "Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy."

Bread—David Gates and company were a soft-rock band that came out of California, producing some ballads that have stood the test of time. Bread recorded 12 Top 40 singles including chart-topper "Make It With You" in 1970. They fared even better on the Billboard Easy Listening chart with No. 1s "If," "The Guitar Man," and "Sweet Surrender." They could rock too, with tunes like "Truckin'" and "Mother Freedom." The Rock Hall has been too hard on soft-rock bands and artists.


Eric Carmen—Carmen had early success with The Raspberries ("Go All the Way" and three other Top 40 hits), but it was as a solo performer that he really displayed his vocal prowess. He had eight Top 40 songs including No. 2 "All By Myself," No. 3 "Make Me Lose Control," and No. 4 "Hungry Eyes." He also wrote "Almost Paradise," a big duet hit for Loverboy's Mike Reno and Heart's Ann Wilson that was featured in the move "Footloose." I like some of his lesser hits, notably "I Wanna Hear It From Your Lips" and the Beach Boys-inspired "She Did It."

The Carpenters—Richard and Karen Carpenter are the epitome of soft rock. Richard's arrangements and Karen's heart-felt vocals produced timeless classics. They had 20 songs reach the Top 40 including three No. 1s: "(They Long to Be) Close to You," "Top of the World," and "Please Mr. Postman," and five at No. 2. They even had a "power ballad" ("Goodbye to Love," featuring a scorching guitar solo by Tony Peluso) that drew the ire of a few fans but still hit No. 7. Sadly, Karen died in 1983 of heart failure, resulting from her battle with anorexia. By the way, the brother and sister sold more than 90 million records, which isn't soft.

Jim Croce—Croce was at the top of his game when he tragically died in an airplane crash in 1973, at the age of 30, with guitarist Maury Muehleisen. Croce had been performing since the mid-1960s, but didn't chart any songs until No. 8 "You Don't Mess Around with Jim" in 1972. He followed that with seven more Top 40 songs including chart-toppers "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown" and "Time in a Bottle." Croce had a sense of humor but could poignant tunes such as "Time In a Bottle" and "I'll Have to Say I Love You in a Song." I don't know about you, but "Time In a Bottle" brings tears to my eyes, especially when I think about what more Croce may have done in his life. He was an original storyteller.

The Doobie Brothers—In the previous post, I mentioned Johnny Rivers as an artist I would have considered a shoo-in for the Rock Hall. I feel the same about the Doobies. They were huge in the '70s (and still tour in 2018) with their high-intensity musicianship and great vocals. The Doobies had 16 Top 40 songs over a 20-year period including "Black Water" in 1974 and "What A Fool Believes" in 1977 reaching the top spot. The early Doobies featured Tom Johnston as lead vocalist, and after his departure, the soulful Michael McDonald became the primary singer. The Doobies could rock "(Listen to the Music" and "Rockin' Down the Highway"), roll ("Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me)), and do some soul ("Real Love"). And they've sold more than 40 million records during their long run.

Foreigner—Brits Mick Jones, Ian McDonald, and Dennis Elliott and Yanks Lou Gramm, Al Greenwood, and Ed Gagliardi formed Foreigner in 1976. The debut album sold more than 4 million copies and produced hits such as "Feels Like the First Time," "Cold As Ice," and "Long, Long Way from Home." In all, they've had 16 Top 40 songs including soaring "I Want to Know What Love Is," a No. 1 in 1984. Foreigner has sold more than 80 million records worldwide. Another super group that has been overlooked for too long, eligible since 2002.

Jethro Tull—I'm also puzzled that Jethro Tull, which has been eligible for the Rock Hall since 1993, hasn't been inducted. They have one of the most dynamic artists in vocalist/flutist Ian Anderson, and have recorded some of the best progressive music in rock history. Perhaps they've been overlooked because of their lack of hit singles? "Living in the Past,"  hitting No. 11 in 1969 and "Bungle In the Jungle" at No. 12 in 1974 are their only Top 40 hits. But they made up for it with 14 Top 40 albums, with "Thick as a Brick" in 1972 and "A Passion Play" in 1973 reaching No. 1. They sold more than 60 million records. Maybe the Moody Blues will open the hallowed doors for them.

Little River Band—This Australian band has sold more than 30 million records, charted 13 Top 40 hits in the U.S. Billboard magazine noted that the LRB was the only act to have a Top 10 hit on the American charts from 1978 to 1982. The No. 3 hit, "Reminiscing," written by Graham Goble and one of John Lennon's favorite songs, has been recognized as one of the most played tunes on American radio (5 million plus). "Lady" has also been popular with more than 3 million plays on the airwaves. The group has already been inducted in Australia's music hall of fame. I saw
them in concert in the 1990s, with most of the original members, and they were excellent. By the way, Glenn Shorrock is a standout singer.

Kenny Loggins—Loggins has a sterling resume as a singer and songwriter. His first major success came with Jim Messina in Loggins and Messina, selling 16 million records and posting three Top 40 hits. As a solo artist, he has 14 Top 40 songs including No. 1 "Footloose" in 1984. As a songwriter, he teamed with Michael McDonald for the Grammy winning "What A Fool Believes" and "This Is It,"and "Whenever I Call You Friend" with Melissa Manchester (also a big duo hit for him with Stevie Nicks). He still performs with country-rock group Blue Sky Riders. Loggins has sold more than 25 million records in his illustrious career.

Carly Simon—Simon has recorded 13 Top 40 hits including No. 1 "You're So Vain" in 1972. Her debut album, "Carly Simon," won a Grammy for best new female artist. The album included my favorite song by her, "That's The Way I Always Heard It Should Be," a tune that doesn't paint a rosy picture about marriage. She wrote "Let the River Run," featured in the movie, "Working Girl," which garnered Oscar, Golden Globe, and Grammy awards. Although known for her singing, Simon was inducted in the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1994. 

I'm sure I've missed a few (dozen). Who would you recommend?

Until the next time. . . .