The recent Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony held at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City was a night filled with heartfelt gratitude and musical celebration. Among the notable figures present, Love delivered an emotional speech, extending his deepest thanks to his cousin, Brian Wilson, whom he referred to as “my first cousin by blood and my brother in music.” This moment set the tone for an evening that showcased the remarkable contributions of various artists across multiple genres.
As the ceremony progressed, John Stamos joined Love on stage to perform some of the Beach Boys' most iconic hits, including “California Girl,” “I Get Around,” “Kokomo,” and “Good Vibrations.” Their collaboration was just one of many memorable performances during the gala. The funk rock group Living Colour kicked off the event with an energetic cover of Funkadelic’s “Cosmic Slop” in honor of new inductee George Clinton, making it a night to remember.
This year’s inductees represented a wide array of musical genres, including funk, rock, R&B, and country. Alongside George Clinton, honored inductees included the Doobie Brothers, Ashley Gorley, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, and Tony Macaulay. Clinton, in his acceptance speech, reflected on his early days in the legendary Brill Building song factory, likening it to stepping “into Oz.” He emphasized the importance of “consistent effort” in songwriting before delivering a powerful rendition of his hit “(I Wanna) Testify.”
Country music superstar Garth Brooks introduced the Doobie Brothers with a lively performance of “Long Train Runnin’” leading into “China Grove.” When the inducted members—Tom Johnston, Michael McDonald, and Patrick Simmons—took the stage, they delivered a lively rendition of “Black Water,” captivating the audience with their rootsy rock ‘n’ roll sound.
Producer Teddy Riley introduced Jerkins, whose production work has left an indelible mark on R&B and pop music. Jerkins shared a heartfelt story about his father borrowing $1,200 against his life insurance to purchase an MPC3000 sampler for him, enabling him to pursue his dreams. “I didn’t grow up chasing fame,” he noted. “I grew up chasing feeling. … Creativity has no limitations.” His children performed the well-known hit “The Boy Is Mine,” adding a personal touch to the evening.
Family ties were a recurring theme throughout the night. Ashley Gorley’s daughter performed one of her father’s original songs, “You’re Gonna Miss This,” while the duo Dan + Shay honored Gorley with a medley of his hits, including Morgan Wallen’s “Last Night” and Post Malone and Wallen’s upcoming summer hit “I Had Some Help.” Gorley, reflecting on his experience at the ceremony, humorously described it as feeling like a “fever dream” or that he had “crashed a royal wedding.”
Among the honorees was legendary English songwriter Tony Macaulay, celebrated for classics like “Baby Now That I’ve Found You” and “Build Me Up Buttercup,” the latter performed by the talented Debbie Gibson. Additionally, Stephen Schwartz, recognized for his contributions to musical theater, received the prestigious Johnny Mercer Award, with Kristin Chenoweth performing “For Good” from “Wicked” in his honor. The evening concluded with the presentation of the Hal David Starlight Award to rising star Gracie Abrams.
The Songwriters Hall of Fame, established in 1969, continues to celebrate those who have made significant contributions to popular music. Songwriters become eligible for induction 20 years after the first commercial release of a song. Notable inductees over the years include Gloria Estefan, Carole King, Paul Simon, and many more, ensuring a rich legacy of musical talent.
This year’s induction ceremony not only honored the past but also showcased the vibrant future of music, reminding us of the power of songwriting and its ability to connect us all.
