Cooper, 62, is one of 15 nominees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Class of 2011, which was announced this morning on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s website. The other nominees are Detroit favorites J. Geils Band, Beastie Boys, Bon Jovi, Chic, Neil Diamond, Donovan, Dr. John, LL Cool J, Darlene Love, Laura Nyro, Donna Summer, Joe Tex, Tom Waits and Chuck Willis.
Five of the nominees will be chosen for induction; inductees are typically named in December or January. Artists are eligible for induction into the Rock Hall 25 years after their first release.
Cooper, born Vincent Furnier in Allen Park, released his debut album, “Pretties for You,” in 1969. He went on to pioneer an over-the-top style of shock rock with a stage show that included beheadings via guillotine, electric chairs and fake blood. Artists ranging from Kiss to Marilyn Manson to the Insane Clown Posse owe Cooper a debt of gratitude.
Darlene Love, Laura Nyro, Donna Summer, Joe Tex, Tom Waits and Bon Jovi*.? That is a really weak field. If Bon Jovi makes it and the Coop doesn’t…
*I’m sure I’ll be hearing from the Jersey contingent. They get real sensitive about Jon and the boys.
Isn’t there a pop music hall of fame or something for Bon Jovi?
There should be!
Bon Jovi makes it a WEAK field? Dude, them’s fightin’ words!
Interesting fact about Alice Cooper. He’s a multi-multi-millionaire, not from music, but real estate. He never thought the music thing would take off, and figured it would end at the drop of a hat when people got tired of his schtick, so he hedged his bets and invested in all kinds of businesses. Guy’s a real savvy businessman. Capitalism, you find it in all the right places!
Like I said, I’ll be hearing from the Jersey contingent…
Thanks for the info on A.C.
From time to time here in Detroit you will catch an interview with Cooper on the radio. The guy is really sharp.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/alice-cooper-is-it-time-for-rocks-oldest-shocker-to-give-up-the-gore-1729127.html
Sorry, Steve… Alice Cooper may have been BORN in Detroit, but we Arizonans claim him as our own bro — I have loved this guy for 30 years. He should have been installed in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame eons ago.
And yes, not only is AC talented and quite the savvy businessman, but he’s quietly philanthropic and spiritual as well. Cool info from his Arizona-based Solid Rock Foundation website:
As long-time residents of Arizona and devoted fathers, Alice Cooper and Chuck Savale understand firsthand how desperately Valley communities must address the needs of its teenagers. The two shared their dream while playing 18 holes of golf, a favorite pastime of theirs. Together, they envisioned a Christian organization solely dedicated to helping these teens. In November of 1995, Solid Rock was founded and the dream became a reality.
Originally, Solid Rock existed to raise money for other Christian organizations and individuals with like-minded missions. However, the dream went well beyond its original fundraising foundation. Alice and Chuck envisioned a teen center that provides an outlet where teens can flourish, understand themselves, learn and equip themselves for the road ahead. Thus, the idea of “The Rock” was born and the primary mission of Solid Rock was realized.
Yes A.C. lives in Arizona now, but he is a regular on Detroit radio (live interviews and not the syndicated radio show) and his concerts are instant sell outs in Detroit.
Cooper broke it big in Detroit in the 70′s and the city really embraced him. And vice-versa:
It’s really great that he has a big time fan base in Arizona- And Detroit.
SU random again! All within ten minutes. MCT is on the list bigtime!
Thanks for the good news! I’m glad to hear this.