By: Lia Richardson
Some of the biggest names have been nominated for the 2017 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame including Chaka Khan, Tupac Shakur, Janet Jackson and more.
The nominees were announced on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame website.
This year’s list includes Jane’s Addiction, Joan Baez, Joe Tex, Journey, Kraftwerk, MC5, Pearl Jam, The Zombies, Yes, The Cars, Steppenwolf, Bad Brains, Chic, Depeche Mode, ELO, The J. Geils Band.
Some of the biggest previous inductees include The Bee Gees, Aretha Franklin, Abba, B.B. King, The Beastie Boys, Billy Joel, Bob Marley and more.
Chaka Khan said on Twitter she’s hoping fans will vote for her.
3rd time’s a charm, right? Here’s hoping I get inducted 2 @RockHallFame! Vote now at https://t.co/8S5YCJNDn8 #rockhall2017
— Chaka Khan (@ChakaKhan) October 18, 2016
The Zombies tweeted they were honoured by the nomination.
Such an honour to be in the company of such incredible artists! https://t.co/k1Pl6biecK pic.twitter.com/Uhkd1l2o4o
— The Zombies (@TheZombiesMusic) October 18, 2016
The top five with the most votes will be announced on Dec. 6th and then inducted next April at the Brooklyn Barclays Centre. HBO will later air the ceremony.
Each nominee’s first single or album had to be released before or by 1991 to be eligible for the ballot.
Some fans said the announcement made an impact on them.
Twenty-year-old Humber fitness and health promotion student Merhawit Tekle, said she’s proud to see Tupac Shakur make the list as it’s hard for hip-hop artists to gain that level of status.
“I’m clearly young because I only recognized Tupac’s name and he’s all I would listen to growing up,” said Tekle.
Toronto music teacher and vocal coach Jenna Cowans said the importance of the award means more than just a title.
“The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame represents artists with a rich legacy in the music industry. ‘Queen of Funk’ Chaka Khan has proven her place in the Hall of Fame, with her successful career of four decades and numerous awards and accolades,” said Cowans.
Here’s a look at some fun facts about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.