During the 1970s and early 80s, the Electric Light Orchestra was arguably one of the preeminent pop/rock bands of the time. With twelve original album releases over three decades, countless hits packages and top 40 songs, ELO was, and is, a powerhouse of music that continues to entertain to this day.

Led by founder and frontman, Jeff Lynne, ELO built their sound from the ashes of the The Move. Ambitiously blending the classical stylings of violins, cellos and full orchestration with identifiable rock music, their unique sound attracted fans from every corner of the globe. According to Jeff, ELO was picking up where the Beatles left off with I Am The Walrus. To counter that, John Lennon himself once said that ELO is what the Beatles would have sounded like had they stayed together. A worthy compliment to a band that has endured for forty years.

Upon the intial disbandment of ELO, Jeff Lynne emerged as a highly sought after producer. In what had to be one of his proudest accomplishments, he was called in to work with the remaining Beatles, Paul, George and Ringo, to work his magic on the final two Beatles singles using demo tapes that John Lennon had recorded in his living room on an old cassette deck. He also created the immensely popular supergroup, The Travelling Wilburys, with his good friends, and heroes, George Harrison, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty and Bob Dylan. He has also produced many others including Del Shannon, Dave Edmunds and, more recently, Joe Walsh.

ELO was resurrected in 2001 with a new album and promise of a tour. Unfortunately the tour didn't materialize, Jeff returned to producing and ELO all but disappeared again.

Fast forward to 2012. A new ELO album of re-recorded hits is released. In addition, an album of the live recordings from their 2001 television concert and a solo album by Jeff Lynne are also released. This musical trifecta creates a huge resurgence of interest in ELO. Their music is featured in movies, television shows and commercials all over the world. Jeff Lynne is honored with a star on the Birmingham Walk of Fame and will soon be receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. To top off the frenzy, ELO recenty headlined a live concert in London's Hyde Park that drew an astonishing 50,000 spectators to see them perform live for the first time in 23 years.

ELO is a band that has clearly endured the test of time and is well deserving of a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It is hoped that this petition will do just that. Year after year we see bands that, while they may be deserving of the honor, do not match the catalog, fan base and outright stamina that ELO has had in the music industry. We feel it is time that the Hall of Fame stop overlooking the accomplishments of this band and recognize them, and their leader, for the tremendous contribution they have made in Rock and Roll history.