Lou Reed, Bob Seger and the Who's Pete Townshend are three of 12 nominees in the Performing Songwriter category up for election to the 2012 class of the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Others artists on the short list include Deborah Harry and Chris Stein of Blondie, Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics and Elvis Costello .

Previous inductees to the Songwriters Hall, which "is dedicated to recognizing the work and lives of those composers and lyricists who create popular music around the world," include Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, Elton John and Billy Joel.

The nominees are split between two categories, with a total 24 on the short list. Twelve are in the performing category while the other 12 are in the non-performing category. Members vote on two nominees each and their final decisions must be made by Dec. 12, 2011.

The class of 2012 inductees will be named in early next year, with the ceremony taking place on June 14 at the New York Marriott Marquis. Those who want to view the full listing of nominees in both categories can visit the official website and listen to a selection of their work at the 2012 SHOF nominees channel.

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