After installing its arguably most stellar class in 2014, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame attempts to top it with the 2015 list of nominees.

The list is led by Lou Reed, nominated this time for his solo work (he's already in as a member of the Velvet Underground); and Stevie Ray Vaughan, the blues guitarist whose life was tragically cut short in a helicopter crash in 1990.

But who among this year's nominees will make it in? Here's my picks.

Vaughan, who still has a cult following for his Texas-bred heavy blues sound, isn't the only blues based musician on this year's list of nominees. The '60s icons The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, who were on the bill at Woodstock are up for consideration as well.

Sting, already in the Hall with the Police, is up for his solo body of work, which leans more toward pop and jazz than rock is on the list, as are first time nominees Green Day and Nine Inch Nails, who hit the 25 year threshold last year (you cannot be nominated until it has been 25 years since your first recording).

Rounding out this year's nominees are Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, '70s soul-funk jamsters War, German electronic pioneers Kraftwerk, the Nile Rodgers-led disco group Chic, moribund British rockers The Smiths, Motown legends The Marvelettes, the soul stylist Bill Withers, best known for the seminal hit "Ain't No Sunshine", and rap outlaws NWA, whose anarchist anthem "F*** The Police", led to the creation of the parental warning label.

So who do I think will get in this year's class? I think two are easy picks, and after that, it's a crap shoot.

Reed, who gained accolades for being a huge influence to a multitude of rock legends following his death in October of last year, is a sure bet to make the Hall, along with Vaughn, whose fans have led a steady drum beat for years to get him inducted.

Green Day also stands a pretty good chance of getting elected to the Hall this time around, having led the post punk movement with Nirvana that led to the creation of the "Alternative Rock" radio format.

Joan Jett (already in as a member of the Runaways) and Sting could get in on this vote, but it will be tight. Kraftwerk, Bill Withers and War are long shotsto get in at best, while The Smiths, The Marvellettes and NWA stand little or no chance of getting in, in my opinion.

A panel will vote on these nominees soon, and the five artists with the most votes will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next April. Fans are also allowed to vote again this year. The winner will get one vote among the 700 ballots cast. The ballot is up at Rolling Stone. You can vote until Dec. 9. The inductees will be announced shortly after.

What do you think? Is this a class that's up there with 2014's, which saw the likes of Hall and Oates, Peter Gabriel, Linda Ronstadt, and KISS get in?

Here's a little taste of this year's nominees, starting with Stevie Ray Vaughan and his band Double Trouble covering Jimi Handrix' "Voodoo Chile".

And now, Lou Reed's solo hit, "Perfect Day".

Bill Wither's "Ain't No Sunshine" is timeless.

 

 

 

 

 

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