Songwriters Hall of Fame

History

Founding and early years (1969–1990s)

The Hall of Fame was established in 1969 by Mercer, Olman, and Richmond. During its early decades, the organization focused primarily on recognizing influential songwriters and songwriting teams across popular music genres.

Exhibits and public presence

An exhibit dedicated to the SHOF was launched in 2010 at the Grammy Museum at L.A. Live in Los Angeles. The Hall has no permanent physical home, and because its annual awards ceremonies are not televised, there is no other publicly accessible recording of the events for posterity.

Inductees

Main article: List of Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees

Numerous collaborating songwriters have been inducted together, with each member considered a separate entrant. The inaugural class in 1969 included 120 inductees, including several professional partnerships such as Rodgers and Hammerstein. Later inductees have included songwriting teams such as Burt Bacharach and Hal David (1972), Betty Comden and Adolph Green (1980), and Leiber and Stoller (1985). Individual inductees have included John Lennon and Paul McCartney (1987), members of Holland-Dozier-Holland (1988), Elton John and Bernie Taupin (1992), and all three members of the Bee Gees (1994). John Denver was inducted in 1996. Queen became the first rock band to have all its members inducted in 2003. Five members of Earth, Wind & Fire were honored in 2010, and four members of Kool and the Gang were inducted in 2018. Through 2019, 461 individuals had been inducted.

Recent events (2000s–present)

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony was postponed until 2022. SHOF president and CEO Linda Moran stated that the postponement was made to allow the event to take place with proper celebration. The 2020 class includes Mariah Carey, Chad Hugo, the Isley Brothers, Annie Lennox, Steve Miller, Rick Nowels, William "Mickey" Stevenson, Dave Stewart, and Pharrell Williams. Awards for that year will honor Jody Gerson (Abe Olman Publisher Award) and Paul Williams (Johnny Mercer Award). On March 8, 2022, the ceremony was officially announced for June 16, 2022, at the Marriott Marquis in New York’s Times Square.

Special Awards

Abe Olman Publisher Award

The Abe Olman Publisher Award is given to publishers who have had a substantial number of songs that have become world-renowned and who have helped to further the careers and success of many songwriters.

• 1983 – Howard S. Richmond
• 1986 – Leonard Feist
• 1987 – Lou Levy
• 1988 – Buddy Killen
• 1990 – Charles Koppelman & Martin Bandier
• 1991 – Frank Military & Jay Morgenstern
• 1992 – Bonnie Bourne
• 1993 – Berry Gordy
• 1994 – Buddy Morris
• 1995 – Al Gallico
• 1996 – Freddy Bienstock
• 1997 – Gene Goodman
• 1998 – Irwin Z. Robinson
• 1999 – Bill Lowery
• 2000 – Julian Aberbach
• 2001 – Ralph Peer
• 2002 – Edward P. Murphy
• 2003 – Nicholas Firth
• 2004 – Les Bider
• 2005 – Beebe Bourne
• 2006 – Allen Klein
• 2007 – Don Kirshner
• 2008 – Milt Okun
• 2009 – Maxyne Lang
• 2010 – Keith Mardak
• 2012 – Lance Freed
• 2017 – Caroline Bienstock
• 2022 – Jody Gerson

Board of Directors Award

The Board of Directors Award is presented to an individual selected by the SHOF Board in recognition of his or her service to the songwriting community and the advancement of popular music.

• 1986 – Jule Styne
• 1988 – Stanley Adams
• 1992 – Edward P. Murphy
• 1996 – Anna Sosenko & Oscar Brand
• 1997 – Thomas A. Dorsey

Contemporary Icon Award

The Contemporary Icon Award was established in 2015 to "celebrate a songwriter-artist who has attained an iconic status in pop culture".

• 2015 – Lady Gaga
• 2019 – Justin Timberlake

Global Ambassador Award

In 2017, Pitbull was presented the Global Ambassador Award. The award is given to a person "whose music has true worldwide appeal, crossing genre, cultural and national boundaries".

Hal David Starlight Award

First presented in 2004 as the Starlight Award, the prize was renamed in 2006 as the Hal David Starlight Award to honor the former SHOF chairman's support of young songwriters. Award recipients are "gifted songwriters who are at an apex in their careers and are making a significant impact in the music industry via their original songs".

• 2004 – Rob Thomas (Matchbox Twenty)
• 2005 – Alicia Keys
• 2006 – John Mayer
• 2007 – John Legend
• 2008 – John Rzeznik (Goo Goo Dolls)
• 2009 – Jason Mraz
• 2010 – Taylor Swift
• 2011 – Drake
• 2012 – Ne-Yo
• 2013 – Benny Blanco
• 2014 – Dan Reynolds (Imagine Dragons)
• 2015 – Nate Ruess (Fun)
• 2016 – Nick Jonas
• 2017 – Ed Sheeran
• 2018 – Sara Bareilles
• 2019 – Halsey
• 2022 – Lil Nas X
• 2023 – Post Malone
• 2024 – SZA
• 2025 – Gracie Abrams

Howie Richmond Hitmaker Award

The Howie Richmond Hitmaker Award is given to musical artists who have had a substantial number of hit songs across a lengthy career, and who, according to the Hall of Fame, "recognize the importance of songs and their writers".

• 1981 – Chuck Berry
• 1983 – Rosemary Clooney & Margaret Whiting
• 1990 – Whitney Houston
• 1991 – Barry Manilow
• 1995 – Michael Bolton
• 1996 – Gloria Estefan
• 1998 – Diana Ross
• 1999 – Natalie Cole
• 2000 – Johnny Mathis
• 2001 – Dionne Warwick
• 2002 – Garth Brooks
• 2003 – Clive Davis
• 2008 – Anne Murray
• 2009 – Tom Jones
• 2010 – Phil Ramone
• 2011 – Chaka Khan
• 2014 – Doug Morris
• 2016 – Seymour Stein
• 2018 – Lucian Grainge

Johnny Mercer Award

The Johnny Mercer Award is the highest honor bestowed by the event. It goes to writers already inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame for having established a history of outstanding creative works.

• 1980 – Frank Sinatra
• 1981 – Yip Harburg
• 1982 – Harold Arlen
• 1983 – Sammy Cahn
• 1985 – Alan Jay Lerner
• 1986 – Mitchell Parish
• 1987 – Jerry Herman
• 1990 – Jerry Bock & Sheldon Harnick
• 1991 – Betty Comden & Adolph Green
• 1992 – Burton Lane
• 1993 – Jule Styne
• 1994 – Irving Caesar
• 1995 – Cy Coleman
• 1996 – Burt Bacharach & Hal David
• 1997 – Alan and Marilyn Bergman
• 1998 – Paul Simon
• 1999 – Stephen Sondheim
• 2000 – Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller
• 2001 – Billy Joel
• 2002 – Carole King
• 2003 – Jimmy Webb
• 2004 – Stevie Wonder
• 2005 – Smokey Robinson
• 2006 – Kris Kristofferson
• 2007 – Dolly Parton
• 2008 – Paul Anka
• 2009 – Holland–Dozier–Holland
• 2010 – Phil Collins
• 2011 – Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil
• 2013 – Elton John & Bernie Taupin
• 2014 – Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff
• 2015 – Van Morrison
• 2016 – Lionel Richie
• 2017 – Alan Menken
• 2018 – Neil Diamond
• 2019 – Carole Bayer Sager
• 2022 – Paul Williams
• 2023 – Tim Rice
• 2024 – Diane Warren
• 2025 - Stephen Schwartz

Patron of the Arts

The Patron of the Arts is presented to influential industry executives who are not primarily in the music business but are great supporters of the performing arts.

• 1988 – Martin Segal
• 1989 – Roger Enrico
• 1990 – Edgar Bronfman Jr.
• 1991 – Edwin M. Cooperman
• 1992 – Jonathan Tisch
• 1993 – Michel Roux
• 1994 – Philip Dusenberry
• 1995 – Theodore J. Forstmann
• 1996 – Sumner Redstone
• 1997 – Dr. Samuel LeFrak
• 1998 – David Checketts
• 1999 – Robert Mondavi
• 2001 – Iris Cantor
• 2002 – Stephen Swid
• 2003 – Martin Bandier
• 2004 – Michael Goldstein
• 2005 – Henry Juszkiewicz
• 2023 – Anthony Mason

Pioneer Award

The Pioneer Award was established in 2012 to recognize the career of a historic creator of an extensive body of musical work that has been a major influence on generations of songwriters.

• 2012 – Woody Guthrie
• 2013 – Berry Gordy

Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award

Named for the former President of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award is given to individuals or teams who are recognized as having done a great deal to further the successes of songwriters.

• 1980 – Ethel Merman
• 1981 – Tony Bennett
• 1982 – Dinah Shore
• 1983 – Willie Nelson
• 1984 – Benny Goodman
• 1985 – John Hammond
• 1987 – Jerry Wexler
• 1988 – Dick Clark
• 1989 – Quincy Jones
• 1990 – B.B. King
• 1991 – Gene Autry
• 1992 – Nat King Cole
• 1993 – Ray Charles
• 1994 – Lena Horne
• 1995 – Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gormé
• 1996 – Frankie Laine
• 1997 – Vic Damone
• 1998 – Berry Gordy
• 1999 – Kenny Rogers
• 2000 – Neil Diamond
• 2001 – Gloria & Emilio Estefan
• 2002 – Stevie Wonder
• 2003 – Patti LaBelle
• 2004 – Neil Sedaka
• 2005 – Les Paul
• 2006 – Peter, Paul & Mary
• 2012 – Bette Midler

Towering Performance Award

The Towering Performance Award is given in recognition of one-of-a-kind performances by one-of-a-kind singers that have recorded outstanding and unforgettable interpretations of songs that have become iconic standards.

• 2005 – Bill Medley
• 2009 – Andy Williams
• 2012 – Ben E. King

Towering Song Award

The Towering Song Award is given to creators of an individual song that has influenced the culture in a unique way over the years.

• 1995 – "As Time Goes By" (written by Herman Hupfeld)
• 1996 – "Happy Birthday To You" (written by Patty Hill and Mildred J. Hill)
• 1997 – "How High The Moon" (lyrics by Nancy Hamilton and music by Morgan Lewis)
• 1998 – "The Christmas Song" (written by Robert Wells and Mel Tormé)
• 1999 – "Fly Me To The Moon" (written by Bart Howard)
• 2000 – "All of Me" (written by Gerald Marks and Seymour Simons)
• 2000 – "You Are My Sunshine" (recorded by Jimmie Davis)
• 2001 – "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" (lyrics by Beth Slater Whitson and music by Leo Friedman)
• 2002 – "You're a Grand Old Flag" (written by George M. Cohan)
• 2003 – "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" (written by George Cory and Douglass Cross)
• 2004 – "What the World Needs Now is Love" (lyrics by Hal David and music by Burt Bacharach)
• 2005 – "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" (written by Phil Spector, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil)
• 2006 – "When the Saints Go Marching In" (lyrics by Katharine Purvis and music by James Milton Black)
• 2007 – "Unchained Melody" (lyrics by Hy Zaret and music by Alex North)
• 2008 – "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" (lyrics by Jack Norworth and music by Albert Von Tilzer)
• 2009 – "Moon River" (lyrics by Johnny Mercer and music by Henry Mancini)
• 2010 – "Bridge Over Troubled Water" (written by Paul Simon)
• 2011 – "It Was a Very Good Year" (written by Ervin Drake)
• 2012 – "Stand by Me" (written by Ben E. King, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller)
• 2013 – "A Change Is Gonna Come" (written by Sam Cooke)
• 2014 – "Over The Rainbow" (lyrics by E.Y. Harburg and music by Harold Arlen)
• 2015 – "What a Wonderful World" (written by Bob Thiele and George David Weiss)

Visionary Leadership Award

Created in 2011, The Visionary Leadership Award recognizes members of the Hall of Fame Board of Directors who have made a significant contribution in furthering the ongoing mission of the organization.

• 2011 – Hal David
• 2014 – Del Bryant
• 2015 – John A. Lofrumento
• 2019 – Martin Bandier

Scholarship awards

Abe Olman Scholarship

Abe Olman was an American songwriter and music publisher. He was later director of ASCAP, and a founder of the Songwriters Hall of Fame which, in 1983, named the Abe Olman Publisher Award. In his honor, the Abe Olman Scholarship is given out each year by his family in the interest of encouraging and supporting the careers of young songwriters. The scholarship has been awarded since 1989 to individuals such as:

• 2002 – John Legend
• 2005 – Matt Katz-Bohen
• 2012 – Bebe Rexha

Holly Prize

Created in 2010, the Holly Prize is a tribute to the legacy of Buddy Holly, a SHOF inductee. The award recognizes and supports a new "all-in songwriter" — an exceptionally talented and inspired young musician/singer/songwriter whose work exhibits the qualities of Holly's music: true, great and original. The Holly Prize is administered and juried by the SongHall.

• 2010 – Laura Warshauer
• 2011 – Kendra Morris
• 2012 – Emily King
• 2013 – Ben Howard
• 2014 – Jack Skuller
• 2015 – Jenny O.
• 2016 – Shun Ng
• 2017 – Katie Pruitt
• 2018 – Sylvan Esso
• 2019 – Adia Victoria

NYU Steinhardt Songwriting Scholar Award

Announced in 2011, along with a collaboration between the Songwriters Hall of Fame and NYU Steinhardt's Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions, the NYU Steinhardt Songwriting Scholar Award is presented to a music composition student whose work holds great potential for success in the field, and embodies the art, craft, individuality and qualities of communication of the best songwriting.

Bibliography

Notes

Secondary references

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Primary references