Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Inductees: Chicago, N.W.A., Cheap Trick, Steve Miller & Deep Purple Named

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced its 2016 inductees Thursday morning: Cheap Trick, Chicago, Deep Purple, N.W.A. and Steve Miller.

Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Inductees

The 2016 inductees beat out The Cars, Chic, Janet Jackson, The J.B.’s
Chaka Khan, Los Lobos, Nine Inch Nails, The Smiths, The Spinners and Yes to get the honor this year. All nominated artists had to have put out their first album or single at least 25 years ago to be in consideration. After the nominees were selected, fans could cast votes online to help sway the vote. The “fan’s ballot,” won by Chicago this year, has only been around for four years.

Most surprised to find themselves as a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee is likely N.W.A., which experienced something of a resurgence due to the film based on their creation, Straight Outta Compton.

“When we started N.W.A, I couldn’t  have imagined this,” Dr. Dre told Rolling Stone. “I never thought the type of music we were making would receive such a high accolade. I have always done what I love to do, so to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is unreal. I am humbled to be included in such an amazing group of great artists. “

Cheap Trick guitarist Rick Nielsen found himself humbled by the accolade as well.

“Usually, I’m a man of many words, but this has got me in a tizzy here,” Nielsen said.. “I’m verklempt … Live at Budokan wasn’t too bad. Getting our first record deal wasn’t too bad. Doing 5,000 shows, not too bad. But this might get moved right to the top of our résumé.”

Though Chicago’s popularity is unquestionable, co-founder Robert Lamm thought that the time had passed for the band to get an induction, but was pleasantly surprised they finally were getting the honor.

“Frankly, I was very surprised that we’d been nominated since we’ve been eligible for so long,” Lamm told Rolling Stone. “I think that the body of work, even just considering the work we did on the first album and beyond, changed the face of pop music for us to be considered influential.”

The 2016 Hall of Famers will be honored at the induction ceremony on April 8.