Long ago, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts professed their love for rock ‘n’ roll. It’s time to see if the feeling runs both ways.

The iconic rock act is on the list of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominees for the 2012 class released Tuesday. Women who rock feature prominently among first-time nominees. Joining Jett, whose “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” remains a classic rock standard 30 years after its release, are sister act Heart and Rufus with Chaka Khan.

They’re joined by Guns N’ Roses, hip-hop pioneers Eric B. & Rakim, glum glam Goths The Cure and The Small Faces/The Faces, which includes Rod Stewart. Bluesman Freddie King and The Spinners are also first-time nominees on the ballot for the hall’s 2012 class.

Previous nominees up again include The Beastie Boys, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Donna Summer, Laura Nyro, Donovan and War and its an eclectic group, running from lush British folk to classic early beats and bone-crushing power rock.

An act must have released its first single or album 25 years ago to qualify for induction. More than 500 voters will determine who makes the hall. New members will be inducted at a ceremony at the hall of fame in Cleveland on April 14.

Guns N’ Roses is the headliner of the first-timers group. The L.A. bad boys were easily the largest hard rock act of the 1980s and early ’90s, featuring siren-voiced lead singer Axl Rose and Slash playing muscled riffs on lead guitar. GnR’s “Appetite for Destruction” was a game-changing album and they went on to sell more than 100 million albums.

Their iconic hits like “Welcome to the Jungle” and “Paradise City” remain a radio staple.

The leather-clad and tough-as-nails Jett was an early icon for women rockers. A founding member of the all-female Th

Furtado says she’ll donate Gadhafi fee

TORONTO – Canadian pop singer Nelly Furtado says she is donating the $1 million she earned to perform for members of former Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi’s family to the Free the Children charity.

Furtado said in February she would donate the money from a 2007 show in Italy for members of Gadhafi’s family.

She made this latest announcement Tuesday at a youth empowerment day organized by Canadian co-founders of Free the Children. Her donation will go toward building a girls school in Kenya and a Free the Children program supporting girls in the Middle East and North Africa.

Usher, Mariah Carey, Beyonce have all also promised to give the fees from their performances at private concerts later revealed to be linked to the Gadhafi family to charity or have said they have already done so.

Police: Powder harmless

LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles police determined that a white powder found Wednesday in a letter addressed to the TV show “Dancing With The Stars” was harmless, authorities said.

The suspicious white powder was found around 2 p.m. in a mailroom at CBS Television City, according to Richard French, a spokesman for the Los Angeles Police Department.

A hazardous materials team was called in to test the powder before declaring it harmless.

No one was exposed to the powder, and no injury has been reported, French said. The envelope was addressed to the show, not a specific participant, he said.

Timberlake honored for environmental efforts

NEW YORK – Justin Timberlake has been lauded for his work in music, TV and film. Now he’s about to get an accolade for helping the environment.

The Environmental Media Association says Timberlake will receive its Futures Award, which represents future environmental leaders in entertainment.

The group cited Timberlake’s attempts to reduce his carbon footprint during his tours, his advocacy for environmental issues and his eco-friendly golf course outside of Memphis, Tenn.

EMA President Debbie Levin called Timberlake “a great example of how you can lend your voice for positive change.”

Others who have received the award include Edward Norton, Rosario Dawson and Maroon 5.

The Environmental Media Awards will be held Oct. 15 in Burbank, Calif.

–From news service reports

Copy the Story Link