Sam Rosenberg
The nominees have been announced, some surprising and some not so surprising. To be eligible for a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nomination, artists must have released their work at least 25 years prior to the vote. This year’s nominees had to have released their first single in 1987 or earlier.
The group of first time nominees are Rush, Deep Purple, N.W.A., Public Enemy, Albert King, The Marvelettes and Procol Harum. Despite it being his first nomination, blues guitarist Albert King has been eligible since 1987. Previously nominated acts Chic, Heart, Donna Summer, Kraftwerk, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Randy Newman, Paul Butterfield Blues Band and The Meters are also on the ballot.
Starting today and ending December 5, fans can vote at many sites including rockhall.com. The top five acts selected will be a part of a “fans’ ballot” that is counted with the international voting group made of up more than 600 artists, historians and industry members.
The winners will be revealed in December. The 28th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2013. Who do you think deserves a place in music history?