The class of 2016 for the Songwriters Hall of Fame has been announced, and will include inductees Marvin Gaye, Tom Petty, Elvis Costello, Nigel Rogers and Bernard Edwards of Chic, along with songwriter Chip Taylor (“Angel in the Morning” and “Wild Thing.”) The class will be inducted in ceremonies to take place on June 9 at the Marriott Marquis in New York.
This Hall of Fame was founded in 1969 by singer songwriter Johnny Mercer and two publishers for the purpose of honoring the men and women behind the songs. As a matter of fact, song royalties are the real money maker of music, so it makes sense to bring attention to the talents that create the song.
The awards that enshrine the inductees are named after wither founders of the Hall, or legendary writers. There is the Abe Olman, Johnny Mercer, Hal David, Howie Richmond, and Sammy Cahn awards, as well as the Board of Directors and Pioneer and Patron of the Arts awards.
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