The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame announced the candidates for 2013 induction, with English rock pioneers Deep Purple, Canadian prog-rock band Rush, and influential rap groups N.W.A. and Public Enemy earning first-time nods. They join fellow nominees Heart, Joan Jett And The Blackhearts, Kraftwerk, Donna Summer, and Randy Newman, among others. (Artists and bands are eligible for nomination after at least a 25-year period from their first released recording.)
Although the nominees vary in genre from blues to rap, the Rock Hall says, "The definition of ‘rock and roll’ means different things to different people," meaning basically that if a band is popular enough, it will get in eventually, regardless of what they play.
For the first time ever, fans can vote online for their top five nominees, with the winners comprising a "fan's ballot." After the voting ends on Dec. 3, the five most popular artists will be counted as one ballot in addition to the 600 other ballots from industry members, musicians, and historians.
The 28th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on April 18, 2013 in Los Angeles. HBO will broadcast the event.
The complete list of 2013 nominees:
The Paul Butterfield Blues Band
Chic
Deep Purple
Heart
Joan Jett And The Blackhearts
Albert King
Kraftwerk
The Marvelettes
The Meters
Randy Newman
N.W.A.
Procol Harum
Public Enemy
Rush
Donna Summer