NINA SIMONE, ELO and Sly Stone are among the artists who will receive lifetime honors from the Grammys and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017.

    Six artists have been selected to enter the Rock Hall, including folk star Joan Baez and grunge act Pearl Jam.

    Tupac will be only the fifth hip-hop artist recognized, after the likes of Run DMC and Public Enemy.

    The Grammys will honor art-rock band Velvet Underground and funk legend Stone with their special merit awards.

    In a statement, the Recording Academy said the Velvet Underground, whose career was masterminded by Andy Warhol, were “ahead of their time, both visually and sonically.”

    “Despite a relatively brief lifespan and limited commercial success, the Velvet Underground are now recognized as one of the most influential rock bands of all time,” it added.

    Stone, who was the lead singer in Sly and the Family Stone, was praised by the academy for playing “a critical role in the development of soul, funk, rock, and psychedelia.”

    Other recipients include gospel singer Shirley Caesar, jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal, guitarist Charley Pride, country star Jimmie Rodgers and jazz legend Simone.

    Recording Academy president Neil Portnow said: “This year’s special merit award recipients comprise a prestigious group of diverse and influential creators who have crafted or contributed to some of the most distinctive recordings in music history.”

    The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which is arguably the more prestigious honor, is voted for by 900 historians, members of the music industry and artists, including every living Rock Hall inductee.

    Artists become eligible 25 years after the release of their first album or single.

    (SD-Agencies)