Madonna, Mellencamp head to rock hall

Madonna, pop music's quick-change artist, joins the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Monday with a class that includes heartland hitmaker John Mellencamp, literate songwriter Leonard Cohen and Philly soul legends Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff.

British rockers the Dave Clark Five, surf rockers The Ventures and blues harmonica ace Little Walter were also being inducted.

The annual ceremony, at New York's Waldorf Astoria Hotel, was scheduled to be televised live on VH1 Classic.

Michigan native Madonna Louise Ciccone transplanted to New York and became not only the queen of pop music during the 1980s and 1990s, but a cultural icon. "Like a Virgin," "Papa Don't Preach," "Cherish," "Like a Prayer, "Vogue" and "Ray of Light" are among her many hits.

Although still an active artist with an album due next month, Madonna opted to let rocker Iggy Pop perform her music. Justin Timberlake was to induct her.

Indiana's Mellencamp quickly ditched the stage name Johnny Cougar and became one of rock 'n' roll's most successful artists during the 1980s. "Pink Houses," "Hurts so Good" and "R.O.C.K. in the USA" are among his energetic hits. Mellencamp also joined with Neil Young and Willie Nelson to form the ongoing Farm Aid charity for American farmers.

The Ventures excelled at what is almost a forgotten art in rock music — the instrumental. Nokie Edwards' twangy guitar gave the band its distinctive sound.

Canadian Cohen is one of music's most highly regarded, if not best-known, songwriters, through pieces like "Suzanne" and the much-covered "Hallelujah."

The Dave Clark Five followed the Beatles in the original British Invasion, with catchy hits like "Glad All Over." Led by drummer and songwriter Clark, the band enters the hall at a tragic time: singer Mike Smith died at age 64 of pneumonia less than two weeks ago.

Gamble and Huff were the busy songwriters and producers behind the Philly Soul sound in the 1970s, working with artists like the O'Jays, Billy Paul and Patti LaBelle. Their sound is characterized by its rich sense of melody and frequent use of full orchestras.

Little Walter, who died in 1968, joins the hall in its sidemen category. He toured frequently with Muddy Waters in the 1950s.