Inductees:
Glen Ballard, Gloria Estefan, Jeff Lynne, Teddy Riley & Liz Rose
Special Awards Recipients:
Tim Rice, Post Malone, and Anthony Mason
Presenters/Performers:
Louis Bell, Emilio Estefan, Sasha Estefan-Coppola, Doug E. Fresh, Myles Frost, Siedah Garrett, Heather Headley, Hillary Lindsey, Michael Maliakel, Brandon McCall, Lori McKenna, Alan Menken, Caitlin Rose, Valerie Simpson, Keith Sweat, and Joe Walsh.
The 2023 Songwriters Hall of Fame 52nd Annual Induction and Awards Dinner returned once again to New York City in a triumphant recognition of awe-inspiring talent and master craftsmanship. Named an “annual family reunion” by President/CEO Linda Moran in her opening remarks, the Gala recognized and honored some of the best songwriting legends of our time. The evening was a dazzling celebration as musical icons Glen Ballard, Gloria Estefan, Jeff Lynne, Teddy Riley, and Liz Rose were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Master songwriter Tim Rice received the prestigious Johnny Mercer Award, award-winning rapper, and singer-songwriter Post Malone received the Hal David Starlight Award, and in a surprise presentation, award-winning CBS broadcaster Anthony Mason, dubbed The Patron Saint of the SHOF, received the Patron of the Arts Award.
The Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Dinner, year after year, is a night full of unforgettable moments celebrating the art of songwriting. The evening kicked off with an incredible performance as Grammy Award-winner and Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh sang a rendition of Electric Light Orchestra’s hit “Don’t Bring Me Down” before he inducted Jeff Lynne, praising Lynne’s “unmatched talent to bring a great song, bring it to life, and turn it into an incredible record.” Following his induction, Jeff performed the harmonic “Mr. Blue Sky,” setting the tone for the rest of the celebration ahead.
Singer-Songwriters Lori McKenna and Hillary Lindsey took the stage to perform Little Big Town’s Grammy Award-winning hit “Girl Crush,” before introducing Caitlin Rose for an acoustic performance of Taylor Swift’s country pop ballad “White Horse.” Caitlin then inducted her mother, Grammy-Award-winning songwriter Liz Rose, in a joyful and emotional moment, calling the Taylor Swift and Liz Rose songwriting collaboration “the stuff of legend.” Looking back on her songwriting career which only began at the age of 37, Liz Rose confidently declared “I am supposed to be here, dammit, and I am a songwriter.”
Grammy and Tony Award-winning Heather Headley was next to perform, with a passionate rendition of “I Don't Know How to Love Him” from the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar. She was then joined by Broadway's Aladdin, Michael Maliakel, and SHOF Inductee/ EGOT-winning composer Alan Menken on the piano for a magical duet of “A Whole New World” from the beloved Disney classic Aladdin. Heather and Alan then honored EGOT Tim Rice with the highest honor bestowed by Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Johnny Mercer Award. The celebration of this incredible accolade continued with the introduction of Broadway’s The Lion King cast member Brandon McCall, who joined Heather for a rousing, choir-backed performance of Elton John’s “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.” On Tim’s legacy, Heather stated, “his lyrics have never failed to move audiences’ hearts by consistently setting the standard for inventing, which those of us in this industry can only hope to emulate.”
Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Siedah Garrett and MJ the Musical Tony Award-winning actor Myles Frost performed a stellar, choir-backed version of Michael Jackson’s chart-topping hit “Man in the Mirror,” before Siedah inducted her co-songwriter on the song, Glen Ballard. Praising his ability to work with a variety of different sounds and musicians, Siedah said “what makes Glen Ballard’s work so special is his ability to apply songwriting skills to not only to a diverse array of styles, but an eclectic group of artists, making each piece genuine and true to that particular performer.” Following his induction, Glenn performed a beautiful melody of his beloved songs “Hold On,” “Ironic,” “You Look So Good in Love,” “Believe,” “Ordinary Miracle,” and “Open to Persuasion.”
Fellow new jack swing pioneer and multi-platinum recording artist Keith Sweat and the “Human Beat Box” Doug E. Fresh inducted new jack swing creator, songwriter, and Grammy Award-winning producer Teddy Riley. Having grown up with Teddy, Doug reflected on their memories of skipping school and playing music in his mom’s house, saying, “We’re kids from Harlem. We never thought we would be at the Songwriters Hall of Fame, baby!” The trio pulled out all the stops and brought the audience to their feet with an electrifying melody of Riley’s greatest hits including “The Show,” “I Want Her,” and “No Diggity/Rump Shaker” in a celebration of not only Teddy’s induction, but his incredible contributions to hip-hop during its 50th anniversary. In accepting his honor, Riley said “at the end of the day, it’s about the song. It’s about what’s in your heart.”
Grammy-nominated record producer and songwriter Louis Bell took the stage next to honor his longtime collaborator and friend Post Malone with the Hal David Starlight Award, which is presented to young songwriters making a significant impact in the music industry with their original songs. On inducting his friend, Louis called Post “the artist I’ve been dreaming of working with since I started in music.” The multi-award-winning rapper, singer, and songwriter then performed an intimate acoustic version of his song “Feeling Whitney” from his debut album Stoney. “It’s so epic to be able to come up here and be honored with this award tonight,” said Post, filled with gratitude.
Songwriters Hall of Famer and multi-platinum singer-songwriter Valerie Simpson then did the honor of inducting Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Gloria Estefan as the first Latin woman in the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Valerie called her a “pop music force of nature, creating songs that touch fans of all backgrounds around the globe,” well-deserved praise for one of the best-selling female singers of all time. In a touching tribute to her fans, Gloria shared, “my fans may know me better than some of my closest friends. That is the beauty and danger of being a songwriter. We lay ourselves bare.” She continued the party with a powerful melody of some of her greatest songs, “Reach,” “Words Get in the Way,” “Anything for You,” “Can’t Stay Away from You,” “Don’t Wanna Lose You,” Con Los Años Que Me Quedan,” and “Let’s Get Loud.” It then turned into a family affair as she was accompanied by her husband and collaborator Emilio Estefan, daughter Emily Estefan and grandson Sasha Estefan-Coppola for an energizing finale, performing Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine’s iconic “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,” ending the ceremony with a bang.