Metallica, Run-D.M.C. Get Hall of Fame Nods

Metallica and 1980s rap group Run-D.M.C. could "walk this way"--right into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!

On Monday, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation announced its nine nominees for next year's hall of fame class, including Jeff  Beck, Wanda Jackson, Little Anthony and The Imperials, War, Bobby Womack and disco and R&B group Chic.

"It's an interesting group because it really shows the nominating committee showed some thought and energy into who should be inducted," Joel Peresman, president and CEO of the NYC-based Rock Hall foundation.  "It truly shows it's never a closed door for any artist to be nominated."

The five leading vote-getters will be announced in January and inducted April 4, 2009, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Run-D.M.C. is known for its unique rap blends like the 1986 cover of Aerosmith's "Walk This Way" and classics like "It's Tricky" and "My Adidas."

''The big thing they did is took hip-hop more into the mainstream,'' said Jim Henke, chief curator of the hall of fame and a member of the nominating committee. ''They did combine a lot of rock elements. As far as hip-hop groups go, they're certainly right there at the top.''

Metallica jumped on the heavy metal wave of the '80s and 25 years later is still selling out arenas. This month the group released ''Death Magnetic,'' which marks a return to its early speed metal days.

Left off the ballot were Stevie Ray Vaughan and Bon Jovi. Both had been eligible for the first time. To be nominated an act must have released its first single or album 25 years prior.

''They're great artists,'' Peresman said. ''People's time comes for whatever reason when it does.''