Madonna, 2008 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee

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Twenty six years after she jumped into the music business, Madonna is finally eligible to be inducted to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The singer who signed to Sire Records in 1982 will join other artists who have released their works more than quarter of a century ago.

Those in the list for the 2008 batch are John Mellencamp, songwriter Leonard Cohen, instrumental rock band The Ventures and English beat group The Dave Clark Five. They will all be hailed on March 10 in the induction ceremony which is held at New York's Waldorf Astoria hotel.

"I'm very honored and pleased to be recognized this way, especially among people whom I greatly admire," Mellencamp said in a statement.

On the non-performer category, producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff will be inducted along with blues singer Little Walter who earns the sideman category.

Nominees Donna Summer and the Beastie Boys did not make the final selection.