R&RHOF inductees

PLUS THREE ON THE SIDE: We told you last week that Tom Waits, Darlene Love, Dr. John, Alice Cooper and Neil Diamond had made the final cut in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame voting. But those aren’t the only new inductees. Also going in are Elektra founder Jac Holzman and Speciality Records creator Art Rupe, co-recipients of the annual Ahmet Ertegun Award bestowed on influential record executives, while Leon Russell is getting the Award for Musical Excellence, previously the Sideman category, following intensive lobbying by Elton John. Of course, Elton had something more substantial in mind for his primary inspiration—but then, we could compile a list of acts consistently overlooked by the Nominating Committee just as prestigious as the list of those who’ve been voted in—bands and artists whose music is an essential part of any basic record collection… Sorry about that, but we can’t help ranting whenever the subject comes up. (12/15a)