| The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has issued the names of 19 artists eligible for the first time this year, and the pickings are the leanest to date with KISS, AC/DC, and Bad Company heading the class of 2000. To be eligible, an artist must have had an album released at least 25 years ago -- 1974 being the cut-off year. Others eligible are Ace, Joan Armatrading, Be-Bop Deluxe, Gap Band, Graham Central Station, John Hiatt, Hot Chocolate, Jefferson Starship, Judas Priest, Kansas, K.C. and the Sunshine Band, Robert Palmer, Phoebe Snow, the Mighty Diamonds, the Residents, and Utopia. It should be noted that no heavy metal bands have been inducted outside of Led Zeppelin, who are not considered a true "heavy metal" band. Among the notables who are eligible but have never been nominated are Abba, Aerosmith, Fleetwood Mac, LaBelle, Willie Nelson, Laura Nyro, the O'Jays, the Penguins, Queen, Paul Simon (solo), Steve Miller Band, Donna Summer, Traffic, Barry White, and Yes. Interestingly, Eric Clapton and George Harrison were inducted only as members of groups, never nominated as solo artists. A slate of 15 nominees will be announced in early fall, with only six to eight of them to be named to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. -- Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen |