CLEVELAND – Neil Diamond and the Alice Cooper Band are among those making up the class of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees for 2011, organizers announced Wednesday.
Also making the list are Dr. John, Darlene Love and Tom Waits.
"We are pleased to welcome these artists and executives into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame," said Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation President and CEO Joel Peresman. "They truly represent the variety of people that have defined and continue to influence music and the business of Rock and Roll."
Diamond, whose hits include "Sweet Caroline," told the Associated Press that being elected to the Hall of Fame was never a huge concern for him.
"I thought about it occasionally, but I kind of figured they’d get around to me at some point," he said.
Cooper also said he wasn’t overly worried about getting the invite.
"You know it crosses your mind, but then you think of all the guys who aren’t in there, some of them before you, and you go, ‘Wow.’ … You realize that it’s a waiting game," he said. "I don’t think you sit around holding your breath on it."
The 2011 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame performer inductees were chosen by more than 500 voters of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation. Artists are eligible for inclusion in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25 years after the release of their first recording.
This year’s class will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at the 26th Annual Induction Ceremony on March 14, 2011 at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City.
Among those not making the cut this year were Donna Summer, Bon Jovi and LL Cool J.
