"Criteria include the influence and significance of the artist's contributions to the development and perpetuation of rock and roll"

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Criteria

Figuring out what it takes to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame seems like an impossible task when looking at the diversity of the artists who are already enshrined. What do they all have in common? What criteria did the Rock Hall Nominating Committee apply when putting together the ballots? There's no easy answer, especially when it comes to something as emotionally charged as music and when the biases of those in charge come into play.

Here are a few passages about the criteria from the Rock Hall's own website:

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.

Artists become eligible for induction 25 years after the release of their first record. Criteria include the influence and significance of the artists' contributions to the development and perpetuation of rock and roll.

Terry Stewart, the President of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum (and Nominating Committee member), expands upon that criteria in the letter he sends to fans who seek induction of their favorite artist:

Nomination and induction into the Hall of Fame is not about popularity, records sales, which label the group is on, or anything other than the process below. The love for, the evaluation of, and the impact of any artist are subjective questions to be answered by the nominators and the voters. Unlike baseball, football, basketball or hockey, statistics are not relevant. Please read below:

The entire nomination and induction process is coordinated by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation in New York City. Individuals can be inducted in four categories: Performer, Early Influence, Non-Performer and Side-Men. The only formal criteria for the performance category is that an artist has to have had their first record 25 years ago. That said, candidates are reviewed and discussed relative to their impact on this music that we broadly call rock and roll. The innovation and influence of these artists is also critical. Gold records, number one hits, and million sellers are really not appropriate standards for evaluation.

Thank you, AC ICE, Public Relations with Steve Fossen

INDUCT Heart Rock Hall:

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

http://www.futurerockhall.com/artist.php?artist_id=Heart