2009 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inducts Run DMC and Metallica

A wide variety of artists have been announced as the 2009 inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Rap pioneers Run DMC and heavy metal band Metallica show the obvious range of styles.

Metallica, who was formed in 1981, has become the fourth highest selling music artist since sound scan began tracking in May of 1991. Selling over 51,136,000 albums in the United States alone, their position in the industry has not gone unnoticed in sales and now will be documented in history. Guitarist James Hetfield told the Associated Press, "So all the work and effort that we put into our relationship back then has brought a lot of fruits of labor with that, on this album, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Grammys. So we're feeling good."

Run DMC is one of the most influential groups in hip-hop, bringing the underground genre to a more mainstream audience. Their groundbreaking style of combining traditional hip-hop with a rock sound has had an impact on artists in both categories.

Third member Jam Master Jay was shot to death in 2002 and the Associated Press reports that the other members don't consider this honor to be bittersweet. "Because Jay isn't here to celebrate doesn't mean he's not partaking in this event," Daryl "DMC" McDaniels said.

Other nominees include Jeff Beck, Bobby Womack, and Little Anthony & the Imperials.