R&RHOF noms for induction

A WIDER SHADE OF PALE: Several long-eligible artists passed over by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominating committee in previous years have made the list of nominees for induction in 2013. While Randy Newman was expected to be in the conversation, given the length and vitality of his career, the inclusions of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Albert King, the Marvelettes and Procol Harum come as a surprise. Is this an aberration, or could it represent the beginning of a period of reconsideration in which artists who’ve previously lacked sufficient support from members of the committee get another look—historically significant figures like Todd Rundgren, Gram Parsons and Roxy Music? Either way, this initial list of finalists will be narrowed down to four or five inductees in a vote by an international voting body of more than 600 artists, historians and members of the music biz. Here’s the preliminary grouping:

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

“The definition of ‘rock and roll’ means different things to different people, but as broad as the classifications may be, they all share a common love of the music,” said Rock Hall Foundation President/CEO Joel Peresman in this morning’s announcement. “This year we again proudly put forth a fantastic array of groups and artists that span the entire genre that is rock and roll.” (10/4a)