By Tai Saint Louis
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation has released the names of its latest class of inductees, which includes only the second Hip-Hop group to be selected in the organization’s 24-year history.
Run-DMC will be honored this year alongside performers Jeff Beck, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Metallica, and Bobby Womack.
Other inductees include Bill Black, DJ Fontana, and Spooner Oldham in the "Sidemen" category, and Wanda Jackson in the "Early Influence" category.
"This year's class of inductees truly represents what the Hall of Fame is all about. From classic artists that began their careers in the 50's and 60's to those that have defined the modern sound of rock and roll," Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation President & CEO Joel Peresman said in a statement. "These artists demonstrate the rich diversity of rock and roll itself. We are proud to honor these artists and celebrate their contribution to rock and roll's place in our culture."
Founded by Joseph “Reverend Run” Simmons, Darryl “D.M.C.” McDaniels, and the late Jason “Jam-Master Jay” Mizell, Run-D.M.C. is being recognized for its influence on pop culture in general, as the first group to bring Hip-Hop music to a mainstream audience.
Since the release of their first single “It’s Like That/Sucker MCs” in 1983, Run-D.M.C made strides in areas that are now seem common in the world of Hip-Hop, but were great achievements then.
They were the first major rap group to appear on American Bandstand, the first rap act to chart in the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 more than once, the first rap group to hit top ten on a pop chart, and the first rap act to release an RIAA-certified gold, platinum and multi-platinum album.
In addition, Run-D.M.C. was the first rap act to appear on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine, be nominated for a Grammy Award, make a video appearance on MTV, or sign a sneaker deal.
Rolling Stone’s Encyclopedia of Rock & Roll credits the pioneering group with introducing “hats, gold chains, and untied sneakers to youth culture’s most stubborn demographic group: white, male, suburban rock fans."
“In the process, the trio helped change the course of popular music,” the encyclopedia continues, “paving the way for rap’s second generation.”
In addition to joining the Hall of Fame, Run-D.M.C. and the other inductees will be celebrated with a display at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, Ohio.
Each inductee will also be commemorated as part of an exhibit and film telling the story of modern music.
The 2009 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction ceremony will also mark the return of the annual event to the Rock and Roll Museum’s home of Cleveland, Ohio, for the first time in 12 years.
As part of a new three-year between the Foundation and cable network Fuse TV, the ceremony will also be broadcast on April 4, 2009 and simultaneously telecast at www.fuse.tv.
For the first time ever, tickets to the ceremony will be made available to the public.
Following a members-only pre-sale next week on January 22 and 23, fans will have the opportunity to purchase pre-sale tickets for day only on January 24.
The early tickets will only be available at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum Box Office. General sales via Ticketmaster will start on January 26.