2009 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees announced

Here they are: the members of the class of 2009. Let the debate begin.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees were announced recently, and include heavy-metal pioneers Metallica, hip-hop breakthrough act Run-D.M.C. and Yardbirds guitarist Jeff Beck. Also included is doo-wop group Little Anthony and the Imperials and soulster Bobby Womack, who will be inducted in his hometown when after more than a decade, the ceremony returns to (go figure) Cleveland, the city where the museum resides.

To be eligible, all contenders must have released their first proper album at least 25 years from the induction year.

Darryl "DMC" McDaniels seemed genuinely honored by the induction, telling the AP, "I'm a rap dude, I'm an MC from Hollis (a neighborhood in New York's borough of Queens), just rockin' the mic, and to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with the Beatles, and (Bob) Dylan, and the rock 'n' roll gods? It's ridiculous! Ridiculous in a good way."

Worth mentioning is the "Early Influence" inductee, '50s rockabilly queen Wanda Jackson. A rarity for her time, it almost feels a little disingenuous putting her in the "Early Influence" category, though it's nice to see her earning some acclaim. It's also a shame (especially considering Ron Asheton's recent passing) that the Stooges didn't get their dues this time around.

Related links:
RockHall.com
News: Rock Hall announces presenters for 2008 ceremony
News: Metallica, Stooges, Run-DMC nominated for Rock Hall

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