Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nominees Announced

September 19 -- Michael Jackson and Paul Simon have both already been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as members of the Jackson 5 and Simon & Garfunkel, in 1997 and 1990, respectively. But on Monday, they were nominated for spots in the Cleveland museum once again, this time for their achievements as solo artists.

Other nominees this year include Patti Smith, AC/DC, the New York Dolls, Lynryd Skynyrd, Bob Seger, and rockabilly-country great Brenda Lee.

Eight of the 16 names on this year's ballot should look familiar to the elite body of roughly 1,000 artists, producers, writers and industry insiders who vote on the inductees. Aerosmith, Queen, Steely Dan, Black Sabbath, Lou Reed, soul great Solomon Burke, doo-wop ensemble The Flamingoes, and "La Bamba" singer Richie Valens have all been previously nominated — and passed over.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame honors performers, producers, songwriters, disc jockeys, and other individuals whose contributions have significantly shaped the history of rock music. Recording artists are eligible for nomination to the hall 25 years after the release of their first recording.