Monkees deserve to be in rock Hall of Fame
The Monkees: Micky Dolenz, Mike Nesmith, Davy Jones and Peter Tork get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles on July 10, 1989. Credit: AP
Once again, I am disappointed with the roster of artists to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame [“Lamar to induct N.W.A. into Rock Hall,” News, Feb. 23].
I mean no disrespect to any of the artists selected for 2016, although some, in my opinion, are not rock and roll musicians. My gripe is with one glaring omission: the Monkees.
It’s highly negligent to leave out a band that in its heyday in the 1960s outsold the Beatles, Rolling Stones and Elvis, especially since this year is the 50th anniversary of their hit TV show.
The Monkees had far more of an influence on music and culture than most of us realize. The peace and love movement of the ’60s might not have gained such a strong foothold in mainstream society had it not been for these “tame hippies” who visited us in our living rooms weekly.
The progressive ideals of the era, such as environmental concerns, the liberation of women and gay people, and the legalization of marijuana, might have taken longer to manifest.
Rita Siermala-Hanley
Roosevelt
