Tom Petty plays with the Heartbreakers

Talking Heads and The Ramones were at the forefront of punk music in the 1970s.

But their election is being seen as a snub to the Sex Pistols, who were nominated but not selected for the accolade.

The four members of the Ramones all adopted the same last name and were famous for their fast and furious three-cord thrash.

In 1974, the Ramones began more than 20 years of rebellion against corporate rock and influenced the likes of Bruce Springsteen, U2 and Green Day.

Fellow New Yorkers Talking Heads emerged around the same time, with lead singer David Byrne taking the limelight until he left the group in 1991.

Isaac Hayes has seen a resurgence in his career, appealing to a new generation after he started voicing the part of Chef in the adult cartoon South Park.

Shaft

He started out as a backing musician for the likes of Otis Redding before becoming a solo star in his own right,

He is best known for scoring the 1971 blaxplotation film Shaft, with its distinctive theme song.

Florida's Tom Petty has produced more than 20 singles and a dozen albums during his long career with the Heartbreakers.

David Byrne left Talking Heads to launch a solo career

Their hits include American Girl, Refugee and Free Falling.

Brenda Lee became a child star at the age of 12 when she was signed to the Decca label.

Elvis

Nicknamed Little Miss Dynamite, her string of hits in the 50s and 60s included Think, Emotions and I'm Sorry.

Gene Pitney amassed scores of hit records as well as writing classics for others such as Hello Mary Lou for Rick Nelson and Rubber Ball for Bobby Vee.

Also to be inducted is guitarist Chet Atkins, who played on recording sessions for Elvis Presley, The Everly Brothers, Hank Williams and numerous Nashville legends.

Jim Stewart, who co-founded Stax Records, will also be inducted. Stax was an independent record label that was synonymous with rhythm and blues and soul music during the 60s and 70s.