The Songwriters Hall of Fame has announced its nominees for induction in 2018. Among the composers making the cut are several classic rockers, including John Mellencamp, Alice Cooper and Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders. Others include the Isley Brothers; Tom Waits; William “Mickey” Stevenson, who wrote hits for Motown Records artists and Mitch Ryder; Kool and the Gang; Tracy Chapman; and reggae legend Jimmy Cliff.
According to the Songwriters Hall of Fame website, “To qualify for induction, a songwriter must be a published writer for a minimum of 20 years with a notable catalog of hit songs. Eligible voting members will have until December 17, 2017, to turn in ballots with their choices of three nominees from a non-performing and three from a performing category.”
All of the 2018 Songwriters Hall of Fame nominees
Others falling into the non-performing category this year include Irwin Levine and L. Russell Brown, whose hits include “Tie a Yellow Ribbon” and the Four Seasons’ “C’mon Marianne”; Mike Chapman, who wrote Sweet’s “Little Willy” and Toni Basil’s “Mickey,” among others; Allee Willis, who penned hits for Earth, Wind & Fire and the Pointer Sisters; Tony Macaulay, who wrote the Foundations’ “Baby, Now That I’ve Found You” and “Build Me Up Buttercup,” plus hits for the Hollies and others; and Denny Randell and Sandy Linzer, whose song catalog includes several Four Seasons hits and the Toys’ “A Lover’s Concerto.”
The other nominated performing songwriters are Mariah Carey, rap group NWA and country stars Alan Jackson and Tom T. Hall.
Related: The 2016 class included Elvis Costello and the late Tom Petty
To qualify for induction, a songwriter must be a published writer for a minimum of 20 years with a notable catalog of hit songs.
Those songwriters who make the final cut will be inducted at the organization’s Annual Induction & Awards Gala on June 14, in New York City.
Watch a clip from the 2013 induction ceremony, when Elton John, Foreigner and Aerosmith were inducted
2 Comments so far
Jump into a conversationFirst, as someone who always wanted to be a musician, anyone who can take words and combine them with music to convey emotions, feelings, or convey a coherent message, has a real talent”. I’m a big fan of John Mellencamp and Tom Waits. If I had to pick a third, I’d go with Tracey Chapman, or Chrissie Hynde. That’s just one man’s opinion. Having said that, just having the talent that these nominees have, is a big win.
Absolutely, John Mellencamp, Tracy Chapman