As a guy who just get informed yesterday that I’m going into “my Hall of Fame” – my broadcast school, Specs Howard’s HOF out of Detroit, I can only image how pleased The Doobie Brothers must feel today. The Doobie Brothers lead the way, gaining induction in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class of 2020.

This year’s inductees: The Doobie Brothers, the lone, true, classic rock rep, Depeche Mode (who I personally dig – Personal Jesus!), Whitney Houston (I admit to buying her first couple albums –  great looks and that voice!), Nine Inch Nails, The Notorious (and deceased) B.I.G. and T. Rex, the glam rockers led by Marc Bolan.

The Doobies are certainly worthy. They’re a band from my 70’s childhood that evolved with two different lead-singer eras, Tom Johnston, then Michael McDonald, and they produced enough great music with both to deserve the honor.  And I don’t wanna leave out the contribution of original member Patrick Simmons, plus Skunk Baxter and other rotating members. Their California cool, guitar-based rock and harmonies were a cornerstone of any Baby Boomers’ youth. And the Michael McDonald addition, during my high school years, gave them a great second act with his killer vocals and keyboard work.

I’m bummed that the act I was openly campaigning for – Pat Benatar – somehow didn’t make the cut. I’m sure some of you feel the same about Judas Priest or Thin Lizzy. And Dave Matthews Band fans have to be salty since the DMB won the fan vote, but was left off the list of 2020 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees. The top fan voter getter has been inducted EVERY YEAR since the fan vote was initiated in 2012.

The induction ceremony will by May 2 in Cleveland and eventually seen on HBO

Doc Watson