Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nominees Announced

This morning, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced their nominees for their 26th induction ceremony. 15 artists were nominated, including nine new nominees.

Three female-fronted bands received their first nominations with Heart, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and Rufus. No surprise are the inclusions of Guns ‘N Roses, The Cure and Eric B. & Rakim. If Eric B. & Rakim were to make the Hall of Fame, they would be only the third hip-hop act, right behind Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five and Run-D.M.C.

Other new nominees included Freddie King, The Spinners and The Small Faces, later known simply as The Faces when Ronnie Wood and Rod Stewart joined the disbanded group.

Being nominated once again are Beastie Boys, Donovan, Red Hot Chili Peppers, War, Donna Summer and Laura Nyro.

An artist can only be nominated for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25 years after their first album or single is released. These choices were made by 40 critics and music experts from the nominating committee, who now send ballots to 500 critics that will vote on who should be added to the Hall of Fame. The hall will induct at least five of the artists that will be announced in November.

The 26th Hall of Fame induction ceremony will occur on April 14 at the Cleveland Convention Center.

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