Madonna enters Hall of Fame

Pop singer Madonna has made it into the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame after a career spanning three decades. The 49-year-old signed her first US record deal in 1982, and scored her first hit with Holiday in the UK two years later. Since then she has altered her image a number of times and embraced a wide range of musical styles. Madonna will be inducted into the Hall of Fame next month at a ceremony in New York. She will be joined by roots rocker John Mellencamp, Sixties instrumentalists The Ventures, Canadian folk icon Leonard Cohen and English beat group The Dave Clark Five.
 
The list has been criticised for failing to include any African Americans among the main list of nominees. USA Today attacked the judging panel of more than 600 music experts for placing black artists such as Harmonica master Little Walter and Philly soul producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff in side categories. Nominees are chosen by a committee and are whittled down to a final list of five. Acts only become eligible to be considered for the honour 25 years after their first recording. ·