The approximately 1,000 rock experts who make up the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction committee have been mailed their ballots, and now must decide which acts will take a place on the Hall's hallowed walls in Cleveland.

Under consideration for the honor this year are Lou Reed, Eric Clapton [ tickets ], James Taylor, Earth, Wind, & Fire, Bonnie Raitt, Aerosmith, Black Sabbath, Queen [ tickets ], Ritchie Valens, The Lovin' Spoonful, The Moonglows, The Flamingos, Solomon Burke, the O'Jays and Steely Dan [ tickets ].

Clapton has already joined the Rock Hall as a member of Cream and the Yardbirds. If makes the cut this year on his own merits, Clapton will be the first artist to be inducted three times. Reed, who is already in the Hall for his part in The Velvet Underground, could be honored for a second time.

Artists become eligible for induction 25 years after the release of their first record. The award aims to recognize the contributions of people ''who have had a significant impact over the evolution, development and perpetuation of rock and roll,'' according to the Hall's literature. A panel of rock historians decides the nominees.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation will announce the newest inductees in November. Though the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is located in Cleveland, the induction ceremony will take place in March at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York.

Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, Dusty Springfield, Curtis Mayfield, The Staple Singers, and Del Shannon joined the Hall last year.