2007 Hall of Famers

The Songwriters Hall Of Fame welcomes a new class of ASCAP members to its ranks

Pictured (l-r) are: Abe Olman Publisher Award honoree Don Kirshner with Songwriters Hall of Fame Chairman and CEO Hal David

The songwriting community came out to honor this year's inductees into the Songwriters Hall of Fame on June 8th in New York. Songwriters Hall of Fame Chairman Hal David and President Linda Moran helped induct songwriting heavyweights including ASCAP members Don Black (PRS), Jackson Browne, Irving Burgie, and Michael Masser, into its hallowed hall.

Three-time Tony Award winner and theater and film composing great Charles Strouse presented inductee Don Black with his induction award, and Black's classic "Born Free" was performed by rising jazz star Lizz Wright. Grammy Award winning singer songwriter Marc Cohn presented and performed for his old friend Jackson Browne, playing a heartfelt rendition of Browne's song "Too Many Angels." Browne accepted his honor, and then performed the moving "Lives In The Balance," a fitting example of how his social and political activism has influenced much of his work.

After the presentation to Michael Masser by industry icon Clive Davis, past SHOF inductee Bill Withers presented to Irving Burgie, who led the audience in a celebratory rendition of "Day-O," followed by a standing ovation.

SHOF inductee Neil Sedaka presented to and performed for Don Kirshner who received the Abe Olman Publisher Award for lifetime achievement in the music business. Kirshner received accolades not only from Sedaka, but also from Tony Orlando, whom he inspired and nurtured in the old Brill Building days.

"Unchained Melody," written by Hy Zaret (lyrics) and the late Alex North (music) was this year's Towering Song. New Orleans' Nigerian/American songstress, Ledisi, performed a passionate rendition of the iconic song.