The Songwriters Hall of Fame is set to induct a star-studded list of honorees at the organization’s 52nd annual induction and awards gala scheduled for June 15, this year in New York City.
Following the ballots that closed Dec 28th last year, American rapper, Snoop dog, 64 year old Nigerian born British singer, Sade Adu, creator of the New jack swing genre, Teddy Riley amongst others have made the inductees list.
The organization chairman, Nile Rodgers shared a statement expressing the importance of songwriters and how, without them, there would be no recorded music, concerts or merch.
“We are therefore very proud that we are continually recognizing some of the culturally most important songwriters of all time and that the 2023 slate represents not just iconic songs but also diversity and unity across genres, ethnicity and gender, songwriters who have enriched our lives and, in their time, literally transformed music and the lives of billions of listeners all over the world.”
Sade Adu’s songwriting spans more than 30 years and has resulted in hits like “Smooth Operator,” “No Ordinary Love”, “The Sweetest Taboo.” and also been covered by Frank Ocean amongst other hit artists. Another inductee Rose is an award-winning songwriter and a frequent collaborator of Taylor Swift’s, including this year’s Grammy nominated song of the year, “All Too Well”. Six-time Grammy winner Ballard co-wrote Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror” and music for Christina Aguilera, Aretha Franklin, Shakira, Katy Perry, among several others.