Nirvana, KISS & More To Join The Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame

nirvana

kiss

hall and oates

peter gabriel

linda ronstadt

cat stevens

The newest class of inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has been announced. This year's group includes grunge rockers Nirvana, the glam rock band KISS, smooth pop duo Hall and Oates, former Genesis frontman Peter Gabriel, songbird Linda Ronstadt and folk hero Cat Stevens (aka Yusuf Islam).

Each of the acts is undoubtedly an influential music legend, but this list is making us wonder how Rock and Roll do you have to be to get into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

The very first class of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees in 1986 included the likes of Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly and Elvis Presley. Since then, however, it does seem as though the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is stretching their definition of what rocks. Last year's class included hip hop group Public Enemy and disco diva Donna Summer.

While some rock purists might disagree with this movement, it's possible that the diverse sounds of this year's six honorees reflects the wide influence that rock has upon all 20th century (and 21st century) musical genres.

The six acts aren't this year's only honorees. Beatles manager Brian Epstein and Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham are both receiving the Ahmet Ertegun Award. The special honor is for people in the music industry "who have had a major influence on the development of rock and roll."

The induction ceremony will take place at the Barclays Center on April 10, 2014.

[Photo Credit: Getty Images]