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(l-r): Hall of Fame inductee Bill Withers, Johnny Mercer Award winner Smokey Robinson, Motown Founder Berry Gordy, ASCAP Board member and Songwriters Hall of Fame Chairman Hal David and ASCAP Board member and past Johnny Mercer Award recipient Jimmy Webb. |
The Songwriters Hall of Fame, the organization dedicated to recognizing the work and lives of those composers and lyricists who create popular music around the world, held its 36th Annual Dinner and Induction Ceremony & Awards Presentation at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City on Thursday, June 9.
ASCAP songwriter, composer, and publisher members Peabo Bryson, Ryan Cabrera, Ricky Fante, John Fogerty, Deborah Gibson, Berry Gordy, Lalah Hathaway, ASCAP Board member Jimmy Jam, Alicia Keys, John Mellencamp, Jason Mraz, Les Paul, Smokey Robinson, Richie Sambora, Rob Thomas, Jimmy Webb, Bill Withers, EMI's Martin Bandier, Bourne Co.'s Beebe Bourne, Famous Music's Irwin Robinson, and Warner/Chappell's Les Bider were among the presenters, performers and honorees attending the evening's festivities.
Former Creedence Clearwater Revival leader John Fogerty was inducted by rocker John Mellencamp, who performed a version of CCR's "Green River" in tribute to Fogerty. Fogerty delighted the audience with a performance of "Centerfield."
Peabo Bryson inducted soul great Bill Withers into the Class of 2005, and performed a rousing rendition of "Lean on Me" in tribute to his idol. Withers was joined on stage by his daughter to perform the Grammy-winning song "Ain't No Sunshine."
Richie Sambora and Warner/Chappell's Les Bider presented the Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award to guitar legend Les Paul. Named for the founding President of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, this award is given to individuals or teams who are recognized as having done a great deal to further the successes of songwriters. Sambora and Les Paul performed a blues duet on matching Gibson Les Paul guitars.
Alicia Keys was presented with the Starlight Award by last year's recipient, Rob Thomas. The award honors gifted songwriters in the early years of their careers who are making a significant impact in the music industry via their original songs.
The Abe Olman Publisher Award was presented to Beebe Bourne, CEO of Bourne Co., by ASCAP Board member, Chairman & CEO of Famous Music and former Abe Olman Publisher Award recipient Irwin Z. Robinson. This 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. Jason Mraz performed Charlie Chaplin's "Smile" as a tribute to Bourne, who publishes the song.
Henry Juszkiewicz, Chairman and CEO of Gibson Guitar Corp., was presented with the Patron of the Arts Award by EMI Music Publishing Chairman and CEO Martin Bandier, who received this honor in 2003. The award is presented to influential industry executives who are great supporters of the performing arts.
Lalah Hathaway performed "Cruisin'" as part of a tribute to Smokey Robinson, who was presented with the prestigious Johnny Mercer Award by ASCAP Board member and Songwriters Hall of Fame Chairman Hal David and Motown Founder Berry Gordy.
The award honors a songwriter who has previously been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and who has continued to establish a history of outstanding creative works. Robinson closed the night with an outstanding performance of "My Girl."
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