The Songwriters Hall of Fame announced its seven musical icons to be inducted into the organization: Sade Adu (Sade), Snoop Dogg (real name Calvin Broadus Jr.), Teddy Riley, Gloria Estefan, Liz Rose, Glen Ballard and Jeff Lynne.
The organization announced its 24 nominees on Nov. 14, 2022, and eligible voters had about a month to select their preferred three candidates from the non-performing songwriter category and three from the performing songwriter category.
The inductees chosen from the non-performing songwriter category were Riley, Rose and Ballard. Snoop, Estefan, Lynne and Adu were selected from the performing songwriter category.
The prestigious award recognizes the mark these songwriters made on the world with their hits. Adu, who has had a successful songwriting career for over three decades, is known for her songs like “Smooth Operator” and “No Ordinary Love.” She obtained many Grammy’s, BRIT and MTV Awards during her music career and has been covered by other well-known artists.
Estefan, a Grammy-award-winning singer, captivated the world with her songs like “Anything For You,” “Don’t Wanna Lose You” and “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You.” She is also an actress, starring in HBOMAX’s Father of the Bride and One Day at a Time.
A prominent member of the hip-hop community, Snoop’s induction is long overdue, mainly due to the longevity of his rap career, having hits like “Drop It Like It’s Hot” and “Gin and Juice.” He has collaborated with the biggest names in hip-hop history, Dr. Dre, Katy Perry, Pharrell Williams, Chad Hugo, John Legend, Migos, and more.
Ballard, a six-time Grammy award-winning songwriter and producer, has written for artists like Michael Jackson (“Man in the Mirror”), Christina Aguilera (“The Voice Within”), Josh Groban (“Believe” from the Polar Express), Alanis Morissette (“You Oughta Know”), and more.
Riley, known for fusing hip hop, pop, funk, jazz and R&B in his music (the founder of The new jack swing), is being recognized for his influence on today’s R&B and Gospel music. He has produced and written songs for artists like Michael Jackson (“Make It Last Forever”), Bobby Brown (“My Prerogative”) and Stevie Wonder (“My Eyes Don’t Cry).
Liz Rose mainly wrote hits for country artists, from Taylor Swift (when she was country) and LeeAnn Womack to Tim McGraw and Blake Shelton. Some of the songs she has been recognized for are: “You Belong With Me,” “Crazy Girl,” “Girl Crush,” “All Too Well” and “White Horse.”
The induction ceremony occurs on Thursday, June 15, at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.
