Rock Hall of Fame adds six new inductees recognizing backing bands

The Crickets, the Comets, the Famous Flames, the Blue Caps, the Midnighters and the Miracles have one thing in common, aside from being very good. They all backed some of the most important acts in Rock and Roll history. These backing bands have been added to the list of 2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees.

According to Rolling Stone, when these groups failed to get recognition when their leaders were inducted, it caused controversy, especially when the Miracles, who backed Smokey Robinson, did not get into the Hall when the legendary Motown singer was inducted in 1987. The Crickets backed Buddy Holly, while the Comets worked under “Rock Around The Clock” singer Bill Haley. The Famous Flames worked with James Brown, the Blue Caps with Gene Vincent and the Midnighters with Hank Ballard.

“These inductees are pioneers in the development of the music we call rock and roll,” said Joel Peresman, president and chief executive of the Hall of Fame Foundation in a statement Thursday, reports the Los Angeles Times. He added that, “As part of our mission to recognize the most impactful, innovative and influential artists in rock, the committee brought forth these six groups that belong in the Hall of Fame.”

These groups will be inducted into the Rock Hall, along with the previously announced inductees. They include the Beastie Boys, Donovan, Guns N’ Roses, Laura Nyro, Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Small Faces/the Faces and Freddie King. Non-performers inducted this year include Don Kirshner, Cosimo Matassa, Tom Dowd and Glyn Johns.

The induction ceremony will take place on April 5 in Cleveland, where the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is located.