Madonna: In Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame : Netglimse.com News

Madonna: In Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame

Just during the end of this year, Madonna got fast-tracked into the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame, making the cut for the class of 2008 on her very first try.

To be considered for entry, an artist must have released their first music twenty-five years earlier. Madonna issued her first song, "Everybody," in 1982.

Madonna is the highest profile star to make this year's coveted list. The four others are Midwest rocker John Mellencamp, Canadian singer-songwriter and literary lion Leonard Cohen, British invasion pop stars The Dave Clark Five, and California surf rock instrumentalists The Ventures.

Chicago bluesman Little Walter will also be inducted this year, in the sideman category, and the architects of Philly soul, Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. The latter are slated in the "non performer" slot, which has been re-named this year after the late founder of Atlantic Records Ahmet Ertegun.

Those who are nominated this time, that didn't make the cut include Donna Summer, Chic, Afrika Bambaataa, and The Beastie Boys.

Just like Madonna, The Beasties put out their first release in ‘82, a pre-rap, punk EP called "Polly Wog Stew." Though they have far longer careers, Cohen and The Ventures had never been nominated before this year.

A small cabal of music industry types come up with the nominees. Then, some 600 music industry types vote on the final entrants.

The new inductees will be honored at a ceremony on March 10, 2008 held at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, to air live on VH1. Presenters and performers will be announced at a later date.

The 2008 class spans a range of talent, from the supremely gifted to the less so. As cheery as the Dave Clark Five may have been, they're the least substantial of the artists gaining entry this time. It's a long way down from Leonard Cohen who, by most critics' measure, ranks as one of the three best lyricists of the last half century. (The others in that holy trinity would be Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell, who each got into the Hall years ago).

Madonna's quick entry may irk some who view her more as businesswoman, and self-generating PR machine, than musician. But no one giving a serious listen to her long list of hits could doubt their remarkable sonic innovation, and sheer hook appeal. If nothing else, it's sure to generate a new round of controversy, mother's milk to Madonna and a good way to generate extra chatter for the Hall as well.