George Clinton, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, Tom Johnston, Michael McDonald, Patrick Simmons (of The Doobie Brothers), Ashley Gorley, Mike Love, and Tony Macaulay will be honored and inducted at the 2025 Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala.
These inductees have shaped music history and changed the trajectory of how music was created & received after them. With iconic hits like the King of Funk George Clinton‘s “Atomic Dog,” “Flash Light,” and almost any and everything Darkchild has touched from Brandy/Monica to Whitney to Beyoncé— turned to gold (literally).
Legendary musician and SHOF Chairman, Nile Rodgers, stated:
“The foundation of the music industry exists because songwriters compose great songs. Without them, there is no recorded music, no concert business, no fans, or merchandising; it all starts with the song and the songwriter.”
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Established in 1969, the Songwriters Hall of Fame celebrates those who have profoundly influenced the music industry. Eligibility requires a hefty catalog, with at least 20 years since the first commercial release.
This year’s induction class is also being noticed as the first without a woman since 2017. Although the nominee list included Janet Jackson, Alanis Morissette, Franne Golde, and Sheryl Crow, none were selected for 2025 induction.
The previous 2024 class honored Timbaland, R.E.M., and more. In addition to the Songwriters awards, the SHOF also has two special honors— the Johnny Mercer & Hal David Starlight Awards. 2025 recipients have yet to be announced. Last year, the SHOF awarded R&B beaut (and newly-tapped actress) SZA with the Hal David Starlight honor.
The prestigious Gala and Award Ceremony will take place on June 12, 2025, at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.