One more quick question before Phyllis Schlafly gets her honorary sheepskin (from an honorary sheep, perhaps) from Washington University on Friday….

Though the situations are not precisely parallel, the controversy nonetheless recalls two other recent honors kerfluffles:

• Mayor Clarence Harmon’s refusal in 2000 to issue a proclamation in honor of Nelly, the local rap superstar. Nelly fans were outraged. Mr. Harmon’s successor, Francis Slay, countermanded that decision in 2001.

• But Mr. Slay last year refused to extend similar recognition to rock ‘n roll pioneer Ike Turner, earning the mayor raspberries from rock fans across the nation.

Phyllis, Nelly and Ike — who had the biggest impact on American life and letters?