Guitar-whiz Clapton was first inducted into the Hall in 1992 for his work with 1960s blues-rockers the Yardbirds, and was honored again the following year with the rock supergroup Cream. This time, he was inducted as a solo artist.

Earth, Wind & Fire, who emerged in the 1970s with a tight and uplifting R&B style that generated a long string of hits, were inducted into the Hall just days after band founder and principal songwriter Maurice White revealed that he has been battling Parkinson's Disease for several years. White retired from the road in 1996, but he remains the band's producer.

The folk-rock stylings of the New York-based Lovin' Spoonful led to 10 top-40 hits during a two-year stretch in the mid-1960s. The Moonglows were considered one of the premier R&B vocal groups of the 1960s, and are probably best known for their doo-wop classic "Sincerely." Blues rocker Raitt released her debut album in 1971, but didn't receive widespread recognition until 1990. That year, she picked up four Grammys for the album "Nick of Time."

The folk-pop of singer-songwriter Taylor saw its heyday during the 1970s. He scored his only No. 1 hit with the Carole King-penned track "You've Got a Friend," but he has produced a long list of radio staples over the years, including "Fire and Rain" and "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)."

The first five "Side-men" were also inducted into the Hall this year: tenor sax specialist King Curtis, Motown bassist James Jamerson, percussionist Hal Blaine, guitarist Scotty Moore and R&B drummer Earl Palmer. King Curtis was murdered in 1971 and James Jamerson died in 1983.

The "Side-men" category was introduced by the Hall of Fame Foundation last year in the wake of the publicity debacle that ensued when Bruce Springsteen was honored last year without the E Street Band.

Embattled Arista Records founder Clive Davis was inducted in the Hall's "Non Performer" category, and Nat King Cole and Billie Holiday, both deceased, were inducted into Hall in its ''Early Influences'' category,

Artists become eligible for induction into the Hall 25 years after the release of their first record. The rock historians who make up the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation's nominating committee annually select 15 nominees in the artist category, and ballots are sent to about 1,000 rock experts. Typically, five to seven artists are inducted annually.

A special committee selects inductees in the "Non Performer," "Early Influence," and "Side-men" categories.

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