El Paso’s Talented Musicians Who Deserve Hall of Fame Glory

Think of all the names that are in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame... I can easily see some artists that deserve to be in there (and some that frankly DON'T need to be in there...). But I haven't seen any names from El Paso, Texas... why not? According to the R&R HoF themselves, in order for an artist to be eligible for nomination: "an individual artist or band must have released its first commercial recording at least 25 years prior to the year of nomination"...Well that's easy. I can think of 5 acts that deserve to go in that represent El Paso, Texas

At The Drive-In:

Let's start with an easy one. Arguably the biggest name to come out of El Paso, At The Drive-In was formed back in 1994 but their debut album, Acrobatic Tenement was released 25 years ago, in 1997.

Their hugest hit, One Armed Scissor, was a BIG deal in 2000. It was ranked #255 in Pitchfork's top 500 songs of the 2000s. I would've thrown The Mars Volta or Sparta in the mix but we'll wait a bit before THEY become eligible for nomination.

Pissing Razors:

Just like At the Drive-In, the Pissing Razors ALSO were founded in 1994. However their first release was even earlier: Psycho Punko Metal Groove back in 1996.

They may not be as big a name as ATDI, but their name absolutely carries weight in the metal world; especially those who are Pantera fans. They were looked at as the successors of the groove metal sound since Dimebag's tragic passing. Ever since they've become a name that metal heads know & they're a name the WORLD should know.

Clint Ballard Jr:

People might be unfamiliar with the name Clint Ballard Jr, but there's a good chance you HAVE heard his writing in songs before:

• "Game of Love" by Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders
• "You're No Good" by Linda Ronstadt/Dee Dee Warwick/Van Halen
• "Good Timin'" by Jimmy Jones
• "I'm Alive" by The Hollies"

He's written many hit songs in his career until his passing on December 23rd, 2008. He's mostly known for his songwriting career but he DID has recordings out there. Trust me, he ain't the only El Paso name that's written some amazing hit songs.

Therefore... I think he deserves a spot.

Phil Ochs:

Who's Phil Ochs? He's the man that nearly more famous than BOB DYLAN. The El Paso born Phil Ochs was a HUGE name in the 60s but sadly he would never reach that level of stardom. He would die at the age of 35 back in 1975.

But his songs live on & his name is still talked about to this day. So I think he deserves to get the credit where credit is deserved, by putting his name in the Hall of Fame right next to Bob Dylan (who YES is in the Hall of Fame).

Bobby Fuller:

The king of El Paso Rock n Roll himself... he absolutely deserves a spot. I'd argue he should be the FIRST to be inducted. In fact you can probably make a case for the whole band, The Bobby Fuller Four.

Died at the young age of 23, Bobby's name is still synonymous with rock & the El Paso music scene as a whole. Put Bobby in the Hall of Fame!

I hope we see these names, and MORE names get inducted in the upcoming years!

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