Friday, January 24, 2025

The Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductees, 1969-2025

Songwriters Hall of Fame:

1969-2025

Songwriter Johnny Mercer and music publishers Abe Olman and Howie Richmond established the Hall in 1969. As the website says, “To be nominated for induction…a songwriter must have been active for a minimum of 20 years and have written an extensive catalogue of hit songs. Once candidates are determined, ballots are sent to the members of the National Academy of Popular Music, which comprises songwriters and other music industry professionals.”

There were no awards given in 2020 and 2021 because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Hall has also given out special awards (noted in listing below by two-letter code after award name), including:

  • Johnny Mercer Award (JM) 1980-2022. Given to previous inductees (with the exception of Frank Sinatra) who have been determined by the nominating committee to have “established a history of outstanding creative works.” Personally, this seems like an unnecessary award designed to create double inductees. Noted in list below as JM.

  • Sammy Cahn Award (SC). 1980-2012. Given “to individuals or teams who are recognized as having done a great deal to further the successes of songwriters.”

  • Howie Richmond Hitmaker Award (HR). 1981-2018. Acknowledges “artists or ‘star makers’ in the music industry who have been responsible for a substantial number of hit songs for an extended period of time.”

  • Hal David Starlight Award (HD). 2004-2023. Honors “gifted songwriters who are at an apex in their careers and are making a significant impact in the music industry via their original songs.”

  • Pioneer Award (PA). 2012-2013. Established to “recognize the career of a historic creator of an extensive body of musical work that has been a major influence on generations of songwriters.”

  • Contemporary Icon Award (CI). 2015-2019. Established “to celebrate a songwriter-artist who has attained an iconic status in pop culture.”

Here are the inductees into the Songwriters Hall of Fame (and recipients of special awards – noted by two-letter codes). Note: click on the name to see the act’s bio in Dave’s Music Database Music Maker Encyclopedia. Click on “bio” to see the act’s bio at the Songwriters Hall of Fame website.

Click here to see a list of recipients of special awards who have not been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

See other Hall of Fames.

SONGWRITER HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P-Q

R

S

T

U-V

W

X-Y-Z



Non-Inductee, Special Award Recipients
These are recipients of special awards (noted by two-letter codes – key at top of page) who have not been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame:

Resources/Related Links:

Last updated 1/24/2025.
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Saturday, January 11, 2025

Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars hit #1 with “Die with a Smile”

Die with a Smile

Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars

Writer(s): Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Dernst Emile II, James Fauntleroy, Andrew Watt (see lyrics here)

Released: August 16, 2024

First Charted: August 28, 2024

Peak: 15 BB, 18 BA, 12 DG, 13 ST, 12 RR, 2 AC, 110 A40, 2 UK 16 CN, 2 AU, 24 DF (Click for codes to charts.)

Sales (in millions): -- US, 1.2 UK, 3.91 world (includes US + UK)

Airplay/Streaming (in millions): -- radio, -- video, 2601.43 streaming

Awards:

Click on award for more details.

About the Song:

With thirteen #1 Hot 100 hits between them since 2008, a collaboration between Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars was a no brainer. The “soft rock-leaning” WK “Die with a Smile” didn’t disappoint; it gave Gaga her sixth chart-topper and was the ninth for Mars. Interestingly though, it took 20 weeks to reach the top in an era when songs often debut in the pole position. The song is about “a powerful longing to be with a loved one, highlighting the urgency and depth of their love in the face of uncertainty and potential endings.” WK

Mars invited Gaga to the studio where he had started the track. She said she was blown away by what she heard. The duo finished writing and recording it the same day. WK Gaga said they were inspired by collaborations between Carole King and James Taylor, wanting harmonies that had a ‘70s vibe to them. WK

Clash magazine’s Robin Murray said the song displays “undoubted chemistry” and “simple exuberant fun.” WK Rolling Stone’s Brittany Spanos said it “puts the duo’s soaing vocals on full display.” WK Songfacts.com says “the two bounce off each other’s vocals with all the chemistry of a well-matched tennis pair.” SF

“Smile” became the longest-reigning daily number-one song (2oo non-consecutive days) in the history of Spotify WK and was the fastest song in Spotify history to reach both one billion (96 days) and two billion streams. WK It topped the charts in over 30 countries, including the United States and Canada. WK It was nominated for a Grammy for Song of the Year and won for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.

Resources:

Related Links:

First posted 6/15/2025.

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