June 9, 2005

Song Hall Inducts Class of 2005

BMI songwriters Steve Cropper, Isaac Hayes, David Porter, and Richard and Robert Sherman were among those inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame at the organization's 36th annual induction and awards dinner held June 9 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.

SHOF inductees Robert and Richard M. Sherman, Towering Song Award winners Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, BMI's Del Bryant, and SHOF inductees David Porter, Isaac Hayes and Steve Cropper

Also honored was "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'," written by BMI writers Phil Spector, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. The Righteous Brothers' classic received this year's Towering Song Award. "Lovin' Feelin'" recently surpassed the 10 million performance plateau and was recognized at BMI's 2005 Pop Awards held in May.

Gathered before the induction ceremony are (back row) EMI Publishing's Marty Bandier, BMI's Del Bryant, SHOF President Linda Moran, SHOF inductee Steve Cropper, performer Lalah Hathaway, SHOF inductees John Fogerty, Smokey Robinson, and Bill Withers, Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr., songwriter Jimmy Webb, SHOF Chairman Hal David, Gibson Guitar Chairman Henry Juszkiewicz , Towering Song Award winner Cynthia Weil, (kneeling) performers Debra Gibson and Ryan Cabrera, Towering Song Award winner Barry Mann, and SHOF inductees Les Paul and Richard M. Sherman

Dedicated to recognizing the work and lives of those composers and lyricists who create popular music around the world, National Academy of Popular Music/Songwriters Hall of Fame was founded in 1969 by songwriter Johnny Mercer and publishers Abe Olman and Howie Richmond. The NAPM/SHOF is also devoted to the development of new songwriting talent through workshops, showcases and scholarships. BMI is a long-time supporter of the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

SHOF inductees David Porter, Isaac Hayes and Steve Cropper

SHOF inductees David Porter, Les Paul and Isaac Hayes, BMI former President & CEO Frances Preston, Towering Song Award winners Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, and SHOF Chairman Hal David