Pete Townshend for songwriter HoF

The list of nominees for the Songwriters Hall Of Fame class of 2006 is loaded with Rock And Roll Hall Of Famers. The "Performing" section of the ballot includes Who leader Pete Townshend, Neil Young, Kinks leader Ray Davies, Steely Dan's Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, current and former Fleetwood Mac members Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nicks, and Christine McVie, and Felix Cavaliere and Eddie Brigati from the Rascals. Also being considered as performers are Leon Russell, Prince, country stars Mac Davis and Merle Haggard, and singer-songwriters Janis Ian and Joe South.

There's also a "Non-Performing" list that includes Steve Winwood and Eric Clapton collaborator Will Jennings, Hair composers Galt McDermott and James Rado, "Philly Soul" architect Thom Bell, and Motown veterans Henry Cosby and Sylvia Moy, among others.

Voters can choose two from the performing list and three from the non-performers, for a total of five. Ballots must be returned by November 15th, and the winners will be inducted next year.