The Ramones and Talking Heads were two of the most important bands to emerge from the New York punk scene of the mid-'70s. The fast songs and simple melodies of the Ramones--who released 22 albums in 22 years--became a blueprint for the punk rock that followed. Frontman Joey Ramone died of cancer in April. Talking Heads, meanwhile, brought an artistic edge to punk, and led the New Wave movement.

Rockers Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, led by the unmistakable nasal drawl of its frontman, released their first album in 1976, and remain a popular recording and touring act. Their hits have included "American Girl," "I Need to Know," "Refugee" and "Don't Do Me Like That."

Isaac Hayes emerged from the Memphis scene in the '60s as a keyboardist for the Mar-Keys, and co-wrote the standards "Hold On I'm Comin'" and "Soul Man." As a solo artist, he's best known for the theme from the blaxploitation film "Shaft."

As a teen, Brenda Lee put together a long string of country-pop crossover hits in the early '60s. Among her Top 10 tracks were "I'm Sorry," "I Want to Be Wanted," "Emotions" and "All Alone Am I."

Gene Pitney's early '60s hits included "Town Without Pity" and "It Hurts to Be in Love." He was also a very successful songwriter, penning, among other hits, "Hello Mary Lou" for Rick Nelson and "Rubber Ball" for Bobby Vee.

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. About 1,000 rock experts make up the voting panel. A special selection committee elects inductees in the Non Performer and Side-men categories.

To be inducted into the Hall, a performer must receive at least 50 percent of the vote, and even then, the Hall typically limits the number of inductees per year to seven or fewer. Winners are usually revealed in December, and induction ceremonies take place early the following year.

Though the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is located in Cleveland, induction ceremonies typically take place in New York. VH1 will telecast the ceremony on March 20.

Among the other acts that appeared on the ballot this year were AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Jackson Browne, Gram Parsons and the Sex Pistols.