This year’s Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction & Awards Gala was celebrated on June 15, 2023 at the Marriott Marquis in New York City. I was invited to attend via Tribeca Records by owner of the label John “SohoJohnny” Pasquale. Together along with graphic designer Nino we arrived at the grand hotel and proceeded up to the 6th floor to enjoy the cocktail hour.
From Left To Right: Jimmy Webb, Glen Ballard, Clive Davis, Teddy Riley, Lion King & Aladdin Cast
The inductees and honored award winners were 8-time Grammy winner Gloria Estefan, Liz Rose ( a country music songwriter known best for her work with Taylor Swift), Sir Tim Rice known best for his collaborations with Disney on Aladdin and Lion King and his work with Andrew Lloyd Webber. Grammy winner Glen Ballard known for his work with Alanis Morissette, and the work he did with Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” was also honored as well as Jeff Lynne from ELO, and Teddy Riley who created the new jack swing genre. The ‘Hal David Starlight Award” was given to Post Malone.
From Left To Right: Glen Ballard, Clive Davis, SohoJohnny, Rich Post, Richie Sambora
Aside from Inductees guests included Doug E Fresh, Jim Weber, Joe Walsh, Peter Asher (Peter and Gordon), Richie Sambora, Broadway stars from Aladdin, The Lion King, and MJ the Musical. Also enjoying the show was the legendary Clive Davis..
The atmosphere was like one big family wedding, with songwriters, musicians, industry’s finest, record labels and more all celebrating every else’s success at a cool, colorful extravaganza…….
