The nominees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s class of 2016 have been announced. Highlighting the list of candidates are Nine Inch Nails, The Smiths, N.W.A., Janet Jackson, Chic, The Cars, Deep Purple, and Cheap Trick.
Other nominees include Chaka Khan, Chicago, Steve Miller, Yes, Los Lobos, and The Spinners.
In order for an artist to be eligible for the Hall of Fame, their first recording must have been released at least 25 years ago. This marks Nine Inch Nails and The Smiths’ second year eligible, while Chic has been nominated a record 10 times. On the other hand, this is the first year Jackson, The Cars, and Cheap Trick are up for inclusion.
(Read: The 20 Worst Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Snubs)
As Alternative Nation points out, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, and Jane’s Addiction are among the notable acts snubbed of a nomination in their first year of eligibility. Pearl Jam, however, was not eligible as their debut album was released in August 1991, four months after the 25-year cutoff. Instead, they’ll be eligible in 2017.
The top five vote-getters, as determined by a group of artists, historians, and music industry members, will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in April 2015. Fans are also able to vote, with the “fan’s ballot” counting as one of the more than 600 ballots used to determine the inductees. Fans can vote now until December 9th at RollingStone.com.
