Rock hall of fame nominees chosen

NEW YORK — Late rapper Tupac Shakur and Seattle-based rockers Pearl Jam are among the first-time nominees on the ballot for induction next year into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Nine of the 19 acts nominated are on the ballot for the first time, with Shakur, who was shot and killed in 1996, and Pearl Jam in their first year of eligibility.

More than 800 artists, historians and music-industry officials vote, with results announced in December and induction next April. Among those back for another chance is pop star Janet Jackson, who was nominated for the first time last year.

Journey and Canadian rockers Steppenwolf are other first-time nominees, as are hardcore punk pioneers Bad Brains and 1980s synth-poppers Depeche Mode.

The influential disco-era band Chic, who have become the hardluck losers of the rock hall induction process, are on the ballot for the 11th time.

To be eligible, all of the nominees had to have released their first recording no later than 1991.

The public will also be invited to vote online, with the top five selections cast as a “fan’s ballot.”

Inductees will eventually be enshrined in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame museum in Cleveland.