Elton John Says It's a "Disgrace" that Donna Summer Isn't in Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

KMazur/WireImageDonna Summer's untimely passing on Thursday inspired an outpouring of emotion from artists of all musical genres -- and an outpouring of anger from Elton John, a friend of the late diva.

In a statement on his official website, Elton says, "I'm so sad. This woman was the queen of disco and so much more. Her records sound as good today as they ever did.  That she has never been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a total disgrace, especially when I see the second-rate talent that has been inducted."

While shortlisted several times for the Hall of Fame, Summer had not yet been inducted at the time of her death.  She was the first woman, and the first African American, to win a Grammy for Best Rock Vocal Performance, for her hit "Hot Stuff."

Elton went on to say of Summer, "She is a great friend to me and to the Elton John AIDS Foundation and I will miss her greatly."

Meanwhile, Barbra Streisand, who scored a smash hit duet with Summer on the song "No More Tears (Enough is Enough)," posted a note on her website saying, "I was shocked to hear about Donna. She was so vital the last time I saw her a few months ago. I loved doing the duet with her. She had an amazing voice and was so talented. .. It's so sad."

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