Last night, some of music’s legendary singers and songwriters were honored at the 2018 Songwriters Hall of Fame 49th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner. The annual event took place in New York City at the Marquis Hotel. The Songwriters Hall of Fame (SHOF) President/CEO Linda Moran and co-chairs Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff celebrated and recognized music artists who were inducted into the SHOF.
Here’s a list of the inductees:
Bill Anderson,
Steve Dorff,
Jermaine Dupri,
Alan Jackson,
Robert“Kool” Bell, Ronald Bell, George Brown & James “JT” Taylor p/k/a “Kool & The Gang,”
John Mellencamp
and Detroit’s own Allee Willis!
The night kicked off with actor and singer Brandon Victor Dixon (The Color Purple) performing two of Allee Willis’ hits “Neutron Dance” (The Pointer Sisters) and “September” (Earth, Wind, and Fire). Dixon then inducted Allee Willis into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Cool fact about Allee Willis: she also wrote the hit song “I’ll Be There For You” (The Rembrandts). You may recognize it as the theme song to 90s TV show Friends!
Jermaine Dupri Second Rapper Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame
Usher, Mariah Carey, and Chad Elliott took to the stage to induct their friend, Jermaine Dupri. He is the second rapper to be inducted in the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Jay Z made history last year as the first rapper inducted into the SOHF.
On being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Jermaine Dupri said:
“It’s a win for any kid who believes he can do it…even when people tell you no.”
Special Award Recipients at the SOHF 49th annual induction and awards dinner:
Neil Diamond — prestigious Johnny Mercer Award
Sara Bareilles — Hal David Starlight Award
Sir Lucian Grainge — Howie Richmond Hitmaker Award
Presenters & Performers:
Leon Bridges
Mariah Carey
Stephen Dorff
Brandon Victor Dixon
Chad Elliott
Fantasia
Kenneth Gamble
Leon Huff
Bob Gaudio
Ariana Grande
Nora Guthrie
Jason Mraz
Keith Stegall
Usher
Steve Wariner
The Weeknd
According to a SHOF news release, Fantasia performed an electrifying rendition of “I Just Fall In Love” before actor Stephen Dorff inducted his father, Steve Dorff into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
While gospel and soul singer Leon Bridges performed an exhilarating rendition of “Get Down On It” before inducting Robert “Kool” Bell, Ronald Bell, George Brown & James “JT” Taylor p/k/a “Kool & The Gang” into the SHOF.
On honoring Kool & The Gang, Leon Bridges said:
“Through music [they have] made a celebration that has lasted 50 years.”
Kool & The Gang performed their timeless song, “Celebration,” together for the first time in 25 years, which brought the audience to its feet, dancing and singing along.
Congratulations to all of the inductees and artists who received special awards. Get all of the details about the event and the Songwriters Hall of Fame here!
Also, check out: Lenny Kravitz on Race, God, and Spreading Love Through Music and Gwen Stefani: Just A Girl About to Take Over Las Vegas.