Photos: Rock Hall of Fame Nominees 2010

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame rules state that an act must have released its first single or album at least 25 years prior to the nomination, meaning the Pomona-raised, gravel-voiced Waits has been eligible since 1998. His extensive catalog is somewhere between vaudevillian folk and shambling rock ‘n’ roll. Heck, sometimes it’s weirder than both of those. But Waits can also cut a ballad that can make all the guests at a wedding break down in tears.  (Scott Gries / Getty Images)

New Orleans favorite Dr. John has been eligible since 1993, so will his 18th year of cosideration be the lucky one? The pianist traffics in blues and pop, but never without some New Orleans traditions. Dr. John has cooked up a gumbo of jazz and zydeco throughout his career.  (Patrick Semansky / EPA)

The British folkie-turned-psychedelic pop singer has hung with the Beatles and Jeff Beck. He’s also been Rock Hall eligible since 1990.  (Bryan Bedder / Getty Images)

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will have a chance to boost its rap ranks in 2011, and the Beastie Boys have been in the running since 2007. Early in their career, the Beastie Boys trended toward screwball, immature hip-hop antics. Along the way, however, the act became one of the first to merge rap and rock, to critical and commercial acclaim.  (Scott Gries / Getty Images)

Fake blood! Electric chairs! A dead chicken! Alice Cooper helped bring theatricality to rock with his shock gimmicks sometimes overshadowing his music. Cooper has been eligble since 1994.  (AFP/Getty Images)

Eligible since 1998, Diamond brings a sense a shtick to the Rock Hall, but one that’s grounded in professionalism. His hits, be it “Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon” or “Sweet Caroline,” seem embedded in the American pop songbook. Still touring as he nears 70, his concerts are singalongs for multiple generations.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

The rapper-turned-showman became eligible for Rock Hall status in 2009, and wasted little time in getting on the ballot. These days, he’s known as a genial TV host and respected actor. Don’t be fooled, as LL Cool J could pack a mighty punch. His “Mama Said Knock You Out” was a major early ‘90s crossover hit, and he was one of the late ‘80s’ most fierce lyricists. He could also charm the ladies, as evidenced by his slow-dance rap “I Need Love.”  (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)