On Thursday night (June 12), the Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony brought together an impressive lineup of artists like Gracie Abrams, Garth Brooks, and George Clinton. Established in 1969 with over 400 inductees, the event is a blend of a trade-organization party that brings together the songwriting and publishing communities annually at the Marriott Marquis in New York’s Times Square. The evening featured special performances by inductees Clinton, Rodney Jerkins, and Abrams, who received the Hal David Starlight Award for up-and-coming songwriters, while Broadway stars Kristen Chenoweth and Mary Kate Morrissey honored the musical theatre legend Stephen Schwartz.

The Beach Boys’ Mike Love was inducted two days after the death of the group’s primary songwriter, Brian Wilson. “I especially must thank my cousin Brian Wilson,” Love said. “My first cousin by blood but brother in music, together we set the stage for some of the most successful music collaborations of all time.” Love and actor-musician John Stamos then performed several of the group’s biggest hits. Dan & Shay played a medley of songs by Nashville hitmaker Ashley Gorely, who has written an astounding 83 No. 1 singles. Brooks surprised the crowd by performing a couple of hits by the Doobie Brothers before inducting the band’s three chief songwriters – Michael McDonald, Patrick Simmons, and Tom Johnston – who then performed a series of their classic songs to close out the memorable night. (Variety)