BY MELISSA RUGGIERI
Finally, classic rock fans can rejoice that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is paying attention to Cheap Trick, the Cars, Steve Miller and Chicago.
They're among the first-time nominees for entry into the hall, as are Chaka Khan (her first time as a solo artist; she was previously nominated with Rufus), Janet Jackson, Los Lobos and The J.B's.
Chic is threatening to become the Susan Lucci of nominees, as the '70s funk pioneers make the list for a record 10th time. This is the fourth attempt for N.W.A. to make the final cut, as well as the third time for Deep Purple and The Spinners.
Back on the list for a second try are Nine Inch Nails, The Smiths and Yes.
To be eligible for nomination, an individual artist or band must have released its first single or album at least 25 years prior to the year of nomination, so the 2016 nominees had to release their first recording no later than 1990.
An international collection of more than 800 artists, historians and members of the music industry will vote for the final inductees.
For the fourth consecutive year, fans will also have a say in the final balloting. Today through Dec. 9, fans can visit www.rockhallcom to cast their votes. The top five artists, as selected by the public, will comprise a "fans' ballot" that will be tallied along with the other ballots to choose the 2016 inductees, who will be announced in December.
The annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place in New York in April and air on HBO later in the year.
What do you think of this year’s selections? Who should have made the list instead? Sound off in the comments section.
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