Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Four

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Four Contemporary Artists That Will Likely Be Successful in the Future

It is difficult to determine which artists will continue to have an impact on society and release music that appeals to audiences aesthetically and financially. Moreover, continuously changing tastes require that a recording artist create music that will stand the test of time and continue to appeal to audiences. Given the changing world of the recording industry -- one where artist development is no longer a priority -- it is important for an artist to know who they are and what they represent before they are even introduced to the public. Regardless on the number of albums that are released by an artist or group, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is contingent on said artist making a contribution that changes or enhances music as an art form. Take the Sex Pistols for example; the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 despite the fact that they released only one album in the late 1970s after having been dropped and signed by several record labels.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominees come from four distinct categories including performers, non-performers, early influences, and side men. For the purposes of this evaluation in which four current and new artists will be analyzed, emphasis will be placed on artists and/or groups that may potentially be nominated in the "performers" category in the future. In order for an artist or group to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, they must have released their first album within the past 25 years, with an evaluation made on the "influence and significance of the artists' contributions to the development and perpetuation of rock and roll" (Induction Process, n.d.).

One of the most popular new artists currently in the spotlight is Canadian artist, Justin Bieber. Bieber's debut album, My World, was released in November 2009 and was certified platinum in the U.S. two months later. Moreover, Bieber was able to promote himself and his music before the release of his debut album and was the first solo artist in Billboard history to have four singles among the top 40 before his album was even released. Bieber was also able to turn his current success into box office gold through the release of the documentary/concert film, Justin Bieber: Never Say Never, which not only further promoted him as an artist, but also demonstrated the appeal of Bieber beyond the scope of the musical realm (Justin Bieber: Never Say Never, 2010).