CMT News

Rockabilly pioneer Wanda Jackson, songwriter-keyboardist Spooner Oldham and two members of Elvis Presley's early band are among this year's inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Bassist Bill Black, who died in 1965, and drummer D. J. Fontana are being inducted in the Rock Hall's sidemen category for their work with Presley. Scotty Moore, who also played in Presley's band during the '50s, was inducted in the sidemen category in 2000. Jackson, who will be inducted in the early influence category, was one of the few female rockabilly singers to achieve widespread success in the '50s. In the '60s, she recorded a series of country hits such as "Right or Wrong" and "In the Middle of a Heartache." Oldham is being inducted in the sidemen category for his work at recording studios in Nashville, Los Angeles and, most prominently, Muscle Shoals, Ala. His session work includes projects with Neil Young, Bob Dylan, John Prine, the Everly Brothers, Jackson Browne, Charlie Rich and Ronnie Milsap. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony takes place April 4 in Cleveland. This year's inductees in the performer category are Jeff Beck, Little Anthony & the Imperials, Metallica, Run-D.M.C. and Bobby Womack.