First-Time Rock Hall Nominees Are an Eclectic Group

British rockers Radiohead, singer Nina Simone, and the Moody Blues are among the first-time nominees on the ballot for induction next year into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Nine of the 19 acts nominated Thursday are on the ballot for the first time, with Radiohead and Rage Against the Machine getting a chance for immortality in their first year of eligibility, the AP reports. Heavy metal favorites Judas Priest, British singer Kate Bush, the "Sultans of Swing" band Dire Straits, the popular '80s duo Eurythmics, and gospel guitarist Sister Rosetta Tharpe will also be on the ballot for the first time. J. Geils Band receives its fifth nomination, while Bon Jovi, Depeche Mode, The Cars, LL Cool J, The Zombies, New Orleans funk stars The Meters, Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan, revolutionary rockers MC5, and guitarist Link Wray are among the repeat nominees.

Radiohead has been at the forefront of experimenting in new ways to get music to their fans. The grungy hit "Creep" introduced Radiohead to the world in 1992, but its third album, OK Computer, proved a mission statement for the esoteric, challenging sound that has made the band critical favorites. Rock hall voters have recently opened their hearts to progressive rockers, which may benefit the Moody Blues. Meanwhile, the soulful Simone was a leader in pushing for civil rights and influenced the likes of Alicia Keys and Aretha Franklin before she died in 2003. Five to seven acts usually make it following a vote of 900 industry experts. Inductees will be announced in December, with the ceremony set for the Public Auditorium in Cleveland on April 14. The city is also home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. (More Rock and Roll Hall of Fame stories.)