Run-DMC Among the 2009 Inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

The 2009 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees have been chosen and the event is poised to be one of the year's most celebrated events.

According to an article from the Associated Press, "Rapper Eminem, guitar legend Jimmy Page and Ron Wood of the Rolling Stones are among the presenters for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The ceremony will be held April 4 at Public Auditorium in Cleveland."

This year's list of honorees is a veritable concoction of musicians from all walks of life in the music industry. They are divided up into specific categories that exhibit their contribution to the world of music. Under the "Performer" category are the groundbreaking hip-hop group Run-DMC, English rock guitarist Jeff Beck, R&B/blues doo-wap group Little Anthony & the Imperials, heavy metal band Metallica and singer/songwriter/guitarist Bobby Womack. Under the "Early Influence" category is Rockabilly & Country music singer Wanda Jackson. Finally, under the "Side Men" category are Elvis Presley's bassist Bill Black as well as Presley's drummer DJ Fontana, along with southern soul musician/songwriter Spooner Oldham.

As for the presenters at the induction ceremony, Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers will be inducting Metallica and Little Anthony & the Imperials will be inducted by Smokey Robinson.

According to rockhall.com, the official Web site for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the perks that come with being inducted are discussed, "Once inducted, the artists are further honored when they are featured in the Museum's Hall of Fame exhibit, which includes a computerized 'jukebox' containing virtually every song of every performer inductee; etched-glass signatures of the inductees; a film on three huge screens recounting their careers and music; and a display of artifacts from the current year's inductees."

Rockhall.com also describes what it takes to be inducted into this assemblage of remarkable individuals, "Leaders in the music industry joined together in 1983 to establish the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation. One of the Foundation's many functions is to recognize the contributions of those who have had a significant impact on the evolution, development and perpetuation of rock and roll by inducting them into the Hall of Fame."