Patti Smith has been selected for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The punk poet joins R.E.M., Van Halen, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, and the Ronettes in the class of 2007. The inductees list was chosen by a group of around 600 "industry experts" from a larger pool of nominees that included the still-overlooked Stooges. The artists chosen will be officially inducted in a ceremony on March 12 at New York's Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

Artists are eligible for induction at least 25 years after the release of their first recorded work. In recent years the window opened for late 70s punk bands and artists such as the Clash, Ramones and Sex Pistols have all been inducted.

Smith is currently working on a covers album to be released in the spring. While a track listing has yet to be announced it will features songs originally performed by Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, Neil Young, Jefferson Airplane and some unannounced surprises. The project will feature appearances by Television's Tom Verlaine and the Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea among others.