O'Jays thrilled with Hall of Fame nod

NEW YORK, Dec. 13 (UPI) -- After several previous nominations, R&B group the O'Jays were thrilled to learn Monday that they'll be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005.

"I didn't want to be the answer to a trivia question, like 'Who was nominated the most and never made it,'" says Eddie Levert, who co-founded the group in 1958 in Canton, Ohio. "They have an exhibit of our stuff there (in Cleveland); maybe that was supposed to be a consolation, like OK guys, you got an exhibit, don't feel bad."

The O'Jays had their greatest success with Philadelphia-based producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, including R&B and pop hits such as "Love Train," "Back Stabbers," "For the Love of Money" and "Use ta Be My Girl." The group released a new album, "Imagination," in September.

The O'Jays will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on March 14 at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. Also being inducted are U2, the Pretenders, Buddy Guy, Percy Sledge, veteran record company mogul Seymour Stein and pioneering booking agent Frank Barsalona.