Update (11/21/03) George Harrison is among the artists to be inducted in the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, reports Reuters, the Associated Press and Billboard.com. Also to be inducted: Prince, Traffic, ZZ Top, Jackson Browne, the Dells and Bob Seger. Here's the press release issued by the Hall:
THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME FOUNDATION
ANNOUNCES THE INDUCTEES
FOR THE NINETEENTH ANNUAL INDUCTION CEREMONY
CEREMONY WILL BE HELD MONDAY, MARCH 15, 2004IN NEW YORK
New York, New York, November 20, 2003-The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Foundation is proud to announce the 2004 Inductees in the “Performer”
category. The announcement was made today by Suzan Evans, Executive
Director of the Foundation.
The following artists will be inducted at the Nineteenth Annual Induction
Ceremony, which will be held Monday, March 15th in New Yorkat the Waldorf
Astoria Hotel:
Jackson Browne -- For more than three decades, Jackson Browne has been one
of rock’s consummate singer-songwriters. Writing intricately crafted,
deeply personal songs, he made his mark as a master chronicler of the
affairs of the heart.
The Dells -- The Dells began recording in 1953 and still perform today with
virtually all original members. They have performed and charted in every
decade since the Fifties, making them one of the most influential vocal
groups of all time.
George Harrison -- Post-Beatles, George Harrison’s career spanned three
decades during which he not only furthered his artistry as a musician,
songwriter, and producer (of music and numerous films), but as a
humanitarian on the world stage.
Prince – Self-produced since his debut at age 20, Prince is one of the most
unpredictable as well as one of the most magnificently charismatic figures
in the entire pop landscape. His fusion of rock, funk, soul, metal and
punk has defied all stereotypes.
Bob Seger – Detroit’s standard-bearer of rock and soul began his
multi-platinum streak in 1975, followed by a decade of nearly 20
consecutive top 40 singles, all of which celebrated Bob Seger’s allegiance
to and love affair with the music that provided his escape from an
impoverished childhood.
Traffic -- Nurtured in the communal flush of the British Invasion, Traffic
outgrew its
psychedelic pop roots to become a true fusion group – melding a
folk-inspired simplicity with bluesy jazz improv that was given plenty of
space on its extended compositions.
ZZ Top -- With the Texas soul, outlaw boogie, and souped-up hot rod funk
served up by the durable power trio of Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill and Frank
Beard – ZZ Top – is literally the last word in rock. Three-plus decades on,
these Funky Kings might just go on forever.
In commenting on this year’s inductees, Evans said, “These inductees
represent many influential genres of rock and roll, including pop, funk,
soul, boogie and psychedelia. We expect this year’s show to be unique and
exciting with highly anticipated moments.”
Artists become eligible for induction 25 years after the release of their
first record. Criteria considered includes the influence and significance
of the artist's contribution to the development and perpetuation of rock
and roll.
The Foundation's nominating committee, composed of rock and roll
historians, selects nominees each year in the "artist" category. Ballots
are then sent to an international voting body of about 700 rock experts.
The honoree in the Lifetime Achievement Award in the Non-Performer Category
will be announced shortly.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation was formed in 1983 and the first
induction ceremony was held in 1986. All inductees are represented in the
"Hall of Fame", a permanent exhibit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame &
Museum, in ClevelandOhio.
