Congrats are in order for NWA, Janet Jackson, and Chaka Khan, among others. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has announced their long list of nominees for induction in 2016.
Rockers Cheap Trick are nominated for the first time since becoming eligible in 2002. The “I Want You to Want Me” singers join other first-ever nominees including the iconic Janet Jackson, The Cars and Mexican-American group Los Lobos. Chaka Khan is also nominated (solo). You may recall she was previously up for 2012 induction with funk band Rufus. While Steve Miller and Chicago are in contention after two decades of eligibility, Nine Inch Nails, N.W.A., Chic and The Smiths are also in the running for the second consecutive year.
“It’s a wide range,” Joel Peresman, CEO and president of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation said. “I always find that’s how it comes together, but it’s representative of different people’s definitions of rock.” With less-familiar artists such as James Brown’s funk group The J.B.’s in the mix, “it’s not necessarily how many records you’ve sold, it’s about what your influence in the arts is.”
Although inductees will be determined by more than 800 artists, historians and music-industry professionals, fans can participate in the process by voting through select media outlets, including usatoday.com, and at rockhall.com. Voting ends Dec. 9. The top five artists will make up a fan’s ballot, counting as a single vote.
In the meantime, check out five iconic acts we’re rooting for!
