This year’s nominees for induction in the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame are a variegated lot that seem to be missing just that: some good old-fashioned rock’n’roll.

Afrika Bambaataa, Beastie Boys, Chic, Leonard Cohen, the Dave Clark Five, Madonna, John Mellencamp, Donna Summer and The Ventures are the nine 2008 Rock’n’Roll Hall of Fame nominees.

The Dave Clark Five, Leonard Cohen and the Ventures are the only nominees in this new batch to have been active before the 1970s. Dave Clark Five was a British import somewhat similar to the Beatles that, although enjoying success, never equaled the Fab Five.

Pop group the Dave Clark Five started playing in the 1960s and had hits like “Glad All Over” and “Bits and Pieces” but never made it into the following decade. The group disbanded in 1970.

The Ventures was an instrumental rock band formed in the late 1950s and comprising of Don Wilson, Bob Bogle, Nokie Edwards and Mel Taylor. They are perhaps best known for their surf-music hits. Interestingly enough, the group’s success began to fade in the 1970s but they remained hugely popular in Japan.

The brooding Leonard Cohen, with his distinctive voice and meditative lyrics, began his musical career in the 1960s and even worked with legendary music producer Phil Spector, creator of the “wall of sound” technique, in the 1970s.

The remaining four nominees began their musical ventures in the early 1980s, late 1970s. Madonna’s first hits were “Everybody,” “Lucky Star” and “Holiday,” in 1982-83. She soon became a pop culture icon and has remained one throughout her two and a half chameleonic decades of singing.

Hip-hoppers the Beastie Boys started out as a punk rock group in 1979 and soon switched to hip-hop. Their career includes such eclectic hits as “Fight for Your Right,” off 1986’s “Licensed to Ill,” Sabotage,” off 1994’s “Ill Communication” and “Intergalactic,” from the 1998 album” Hello Nasty.”

The Queen of Disco herself, Donna Summer, now in her late ‘50s, has been nominated this year, for her thirty-something years of music. Among Donna Summer’s first hits, still instantly recognizable to many, are “Love to Love You, Baby,” “Hot Stuff” and “Last Dance.”

While she has turned to acting and has expanded from disco music to include pop and R&B, Donna Summer is still active and continues to tour.

Disco band Chic also follows this year’s trend with the Hall of Fame, with the disco era icon nominated for induction. The band spawned such timeless hits as “Le Freak” and “Good Times” and has been an influence to many. Formed in 1976, the group disbanded in the 1980s and had a brief reunion in 1992.

Afrika Bambaataa is one of the pioneers of hip-hop and remarkable for his pacifying intentions. Bam made music to assuage gang violence in 1970s New York and worked with members of the Zulu Nation. His 1982 “Planet Rock” is regarded as one of the most influential contributions to the electro funk genre.

And finally, the only nominee with a bit of rock flavor is John Mellencamp, formerly known as John Cougar Mellencamp. He garnered widespread appreciation with his 1982 album, “American Fool,” which included hits like “Hurts So Good,” “Jack and Diane,” and “Hand To Hold On To.”

The induction ceremony will take place on March 10, 2008, at New York's Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Only five of the nominees will be inducted.