San Jose’s Doobie Brothers finally, belatedly nominated for Rock Hall

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The Doobie Brothers have long been the most glaring and puzzling Bay Area omission from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The San Jose band’s credentials are beyond reproach, so much so that arguably eclipse those of a number of acts who have already been enshrined in the Rock Hall.

Simply put, the band deserves to be in there, next to such all-time greats as Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, Public Enemy and Nina Simone.

And, thankfully, that could indeed happen very soon, given that the Doobie Brothers were among the 16 nominees announced today (Oct. 14). If selected, the Doobies would be inducted into the Rock Hall in May 2020.

The others competing for enshrinement are Pat Benatar, Dave Matthews Band, Depeche Mode, Whitney Houston, Judas Priest, Kraftwerk, MC5, Motörhead, Nine Inch Nails, The Notorious B.I.G., Rufus featuring Chaka Khan, Todd Rundgren, Soundgarden, T.Rex and Thin Lizzy.

So, will the Doobies make the final cut when the inductees are announced in January?

It’s really hard to say. They are facing stiff competition in the race. It’s hard to argue against any of the 16 nominees. And voters will likely only select six acts for induction — which is the same number that made it into the Rock Hall with the Class of 2019.

But it’s a great sign that the Doobies are finally being nominated for the Rock Hall.

Yes, that’s right. The Doobies have never been previously nominated, despite the fact that the band has been eligible for induction since the mid-’90s.

That’s pretty hard for fans’ to wrap their heads around, given all that the band has accomplished over the years – including releasing eight gold/platinum-selling studio albums as well as a “best of” collection that achieved the rare “diamond” certification, denoting 10-million-plus in sales.

Then there’s all the songs, which have been a part of the soundtracks to millions of lives over the decades. We’re talking about such classic-rock staples as “Listen to the Music,” “Jesus Is Just Alright,” “China Grove,” “Black Water” and “Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me)” as well as such Top 40 pop-rock nuggets as “What a Fool Believes” and “Minute by MInute.”

Yes, that’s a catalog that definitely needs to be represented in the Rock Hall.

But what I really thinks pushes the Doobies over the edge and gives them an advantage in this race is longevity. The group got its start in San Jose in 1970 and is still a popular concert attraction in 2019.

Notice anything interesting about those dates? Yes, the Doobies are set to celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2020, which I think could turn out to be the difference maker in the voting. The timing for the induction would just be perfect, as the voters honor a half century of music from one of the greatest Bay Area bands of all time.

So, yes, my money is on the Doobies being inducted next year.