There is just no excuse other than snobbery for the snub. Musicians and singers audition all the time, all entertainers employ studio musicians, and most entertainers don't write their own songs leaving it instead to the pros. The Monkees became a legitimate group despite the television series, and the television series in turn was highly influential on the music video and sixties popular culture.
A lot lesser acts have been inducted.
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Speaking of Hall of Fame, or could it be Hall of Shame, a new documentary has been released about the life of the curmudgeon drummer Ginger Banker. He's in his seventies and as "crazy" as ever:
Baker’s passion and talent, however, were often overshadowed by his heroin use and fits of lunacy. By now, he’s on his fourth marriage and has fled as many countries — England, Nigeria, Italy and America — because of problems with drugs or taxes or immigration. Abrasive, difficult and bitter over the small share he receives in royalties for Cream’s music (most of the writing credits had gone to Clapton and Bruce), he cut many family ties and burned many musical bridges. This may explain why Baker is often passed over for the likes of Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham and Rush’s Neil Peart when it comes to “greatest drummer” compilations, such as a 2011 Rolling Stone piece that ranked Baker ninth out of 10. It’s a point not lost on Baker. “Ginger Baker: Hellraiser,” his 2010 book, is subtitled “The Autobiography of the World’s Greatest Drummer.”
At least Cream made it to the Hall of Fame.
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