Title: A Magical Night with Gloria Estefan, Jeff Lynne, Post Malone and More at the Songwriters Hall of Fame Ceremony
The 52nd Annual Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was a star-studded event that lit up the New York Marriott Marquis with music and celebration. The music industry’s best-kept secret, this invite-only ceremony brought together a tight-knit songwriting and music-publishing community for a night of fun and recognition.
The show began with Eagles guitarist and solo artist Joe Walsh playing a hard-edged version of Electric Light Orchestra’s 1979 hit “Don’t Bring Me Down.” Walsh followed the performance with an absolutely hilarious induction speech, delivering it with the deadpan humor that is a trademark of his solo songs. “I got a phone call saying that Jeff Lynne was being indicted in New York and I was the one who had to do it, so here’s the People versus Jeff Lynne!” he joked.
Liz Rose and Tim Rice were among the honorees, with Rose unexpectedly beginning her songwriting career as a single mom in her late 30s but going on to co-write multiple country hits for Taylor Swift and many other artists. Rice, who wrote the lyrics for “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Evita,” “The Lion King,” “Aladdin,” and was even knighted by Queen Elizabeth, has created songs that millions of people know.
This year’s class of inductees included Electric Light Orchestra mastermind Jeff Lynne, Miami Sound Machine’s Gloria Estefan, Alanis Morrisette collaborator Glen Ballard, New Jack Swing icon Teddy Riley, a young-songwriter-themed award for rapper Post Malone, and a patron honor for CBS News’ Anthony Mason.
Snoop Dogg and Sade, who were also named among this year’s class, deferred their induction to next year and did not attend Thursday’s ceremony.
Estefan became the first Hispanic woman to receive the Songwriters Hall of Fame honor, a milestone she celebrated with a medley of her hits during the ceremony. Upon receiving her award, Estefan said the honor was “incredibly special for me.” The Latin pop diva and Grammy-winning singer expressed her gratitude in Spanish, saying, “I want to thank so many people for listening and giving me the good fortune of being able to communicate through music. It’s the most beautiful gift you all could have given me.”
Post Malone, who received the Hal David Starlight Award for songwriters making an impact on the music industry, also made an appearance at the ceremony. While he didn’t perform, the young rapper was recognized for his contributions to the industry.
The night was a magical one, filled with great music and celebration. Superstars like Billy Joel and Lionel Richie spoke of people like Mickey Stevenson or Chip Taylor as equals and icons. With great performances and heartfelt speeches, the 52nd Annual Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was a night to remember.
References
- https://apnews.com/article/songwriters-hall-2023-e778fee15ef6fb196a018a092ebe33d5
- https://www.instagram.com/p/CtigZOtATMb/
- https://www.instagram.com/p/CtikmLzgd6b/
- https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2022-06-16/gloria-estefan-father-of-the-bride-remake-hbo-max
- https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2023-06-16/gloria-estefan-songwriters-hall-of-fame-history-first-hispanic-woman
- https://variety.com/2023/music/news/post-malone-songwriters-hall-of-fame-1235601706/
- https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2023/06/16/songwriters-hall-of-fame-gloria-estefan-liz-rose-teddy-riley-post-malone/70328794007/
