INTRODUCING THE R&R HALL OF FAME'S CLASS OF 2015

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has announced its 2015 inductees following the counting of 700 or so ballots from the artists, tastemakers and music-biz toilers who make up the voting body. Making the final cut were The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Green Day, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Lou Reed, Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble and Bill Withers.

The other finalists were Chic, Kraftwerk, The Marvelettes, N.W.A., Nine Inch Nails, The Smiths, The Spinners and Sting.

The Award for Musical Excellence goes to Ringo Starr, while doo-wop group The "5" Royales will receive the Early Influence Award.

The Butterfield Band, which starred the venerated guitarist Michael Bloomfield, and SRV, who died in a 1990 helicopter crash, are sure to draw blues guitar all-stars to the stage of Cleveland’s Public Hall for the April 18 ceremony/concert to celebrate their fallen heroes. Jett, Green Day and those artists who gather to honor proto-punk Reed are sure to keep the vibe fast and loud. And Withers’ "Lean on Me" is a no-brainer for the evening’s climactic all-star jam.

"As we mark 30 years of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductions, we’re proud to honor these artists," said Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation President Joel Peresman for the record, sounding eerily similar to Neil Portnow. "These Inductees epitomize rock and roll’s impact over the past 50 years and continuing through today."