Staff Writer
Several music icons were inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame.
Leading the 2013 class were Aerosmith leaders Steven Tyler and Joe Perry and Foreigner’s Mick Jones and Lou Gramm.
Before the former American Idol judge took the stage with his Aerosmith partner-in-crime to perform their signature hit: “Walk This Way,” Tyler stated that he was “grateful to be accepted by the classic songwriters in the room.”
Throughout the New York City-based ceremony, the theme of the evening, which could perfectly be described Rolling Stone’s David Browne as “break-up to make up.”
Both duos had their falling outs and making ups multiple times throughout their multi-decade career, but the Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony was all about the music. So many musicians left their egos at the door.
Another recent feud was put to rest was the public falling out between longtime friends and piano men Elton John and Billy Joel.
Two years ago, the Academy Award winner accused the “Just the Way You Are” singer of not recording new material and not correctly handling his “supposed drinking problem”. He did go out of his way during his acceptance speech of the Johnny Mercer Award (which he shared with longtime musical partner Bernie Taupin) to personally address the Five-time Grammy Winner.
“Mr. Joel-I haven’t seen you tonight, but I love you dearly.”
The New York singer-songwriter reciprocated the apology once he returned. Before he presented the Foreigner duo with their awards. “Is Elton still here, by the way?” Joel asked. “We’re OK. Call me. It’s the same phone number.”
But music legends were not the only ones in attendance that evening.
Rising superstar Benny Blanco, who wrote hit songs for artists including Britney Spears, Maroon 5 and Wiz Khalifa, was honored with the Hal David Starlight Award. He received a tribute from Khalifa, who sang-rap his Blanco-penned hit: “Work Hard, Play Hard.” Jordin Sparks performed the Sam Cooke anthem “A Change is Gonna Come”. The cast of Motown: the Musical paid tribute to Motown Records founder Berry Gordy.
Other performers included Sting, Patti Smith, Allison Krauss and Nickelback and other honorees were 70s SoCal songwriter JD Souther, 80s icon Holly Knight and British songwriter Tony Hatch.
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