The nominating committee has released its list of sixteen potential artists for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2020. The list of artists will be sent to another committee – including previous inductees of the Hall of Fame and other industry insiders – to vote on the final listing. Over the previous few years, the Hall of Fame has also conducted a popular online fan vote to help induct favorites.

So, what does it take to be considered as a potential nominee? The main criteria is the artist’s first recording has to have been at least twenty-five years prior. Other “nonessential” factors when the voting process begins include the artist’s innovation and influence on music. While it works for some, the system has shown it isn’t foolproof with arguments over the years regarding the inclusion of some while other artists have never been nominated or are frequently passed over.

This year’s list of sixteen include:

Dave Matthews Band who’s debut album, “Under the Table and Dreaming” was released in 1994. To date the band has sold over forty million albums.
Pat Benatar - the Grammy winning solo artist, who debuted over forty years ago with “In the Health of the Night”.

Depeche Mode - the electronic music band formed in the UK in early 1980. Their debut album, “Speak & Spell” was released in 1981.

The Doobie Brothers - the American rock band had their greatest success in the 1970s. Still touring, the band released their self-titled debut album in 1971.

Whitney Houston - the iconic female vocalist and Grammy winner. After releasing “Whitney Houston” in 1985, she would become one of the top-selling female performers of all time.

Judas Priest - Having sold over fifty million albums worldwide, the English heavy metal band was a previous Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction nominee. Their debut album, “Rocka Rolla”, was released in 1974.

Kraftwerk - The German electronic music band made their debut in 1970. Their self-titled debut album was also released that year.

MC5 - The American rock band made their debut in the 1960s and have been previously nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame four times. The live album, “Kick Out the Jams”, which was also their debut album, was released in 1969.

Motorhead - The British heavy metal band with front man Lemmy Kilmister debuted in 1977 with their self-titled album, “Motorhead”.

Nine Inch Nails - Often referred to as NIN, the industrial rock band is led by front man Trent Reznor. Their debut album, “Pretty Hate Machine” was released in 1989.

Notorious B.I.G. - Considered to be one of the greatest rappers of all time, Notorious B.I.G. aka Christopher Wallace released his debut hip hop album, “Ready to Die” in 1994.

Rufus with Chaka Khan - One of the most influential funk bands in the 1970s was Rufus. With their self-titled debut album released in 1973, Rufus helped to launch the career of singer Chaka Khan.

Todd Rundgren - The singer, songwriter, instrumentalist has been a major influence on rock musicians over the years. Starting out with the band Utopia, Todd Rundgren’s first solo album was 1970’s “Runt”.

Soundgarden - The alternative rock band from Seattle, Washington, Soundgarden, with front man Chris Cornell, debuted in 1988 with their album “Ultramega OK”.

T. Rex - The glam rock band from England featured the legendary Marc Bolan as their front man. Formed in 1967, T. Rex’s self-titled debut album was released in 1970. However, as “Tyrannosaurus Rex”, they released four albums, including the 1968 debut “My People Were Fair and Had Sky in Their Har…But Now They’re Content to Wears Stars on Their Brows”.

Thin Lizzy - The influential hard rock band from Dublin, Ireland released their self-titled debut album in 1971.
Which of the class of sixteen will make the final list to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame? You can vote daily for up to five nominees at the Rock Hall website (vote.rockhall.com) until January 10th, 2020. The induction ceremony will take place May 2nd, 2020, at the Public Auditorium in Cleveland, Ohio.