Johnny Mercer Award

When Stevie Wonder began recording in 1962, he was only 11 years old. Over the past 40 years, Wonder has been one of the most admired musicians and songwriters in contemporary music. In 1965, he began a run of U.S. Top 40 hits that continued unbroken for over six years.…

Abe Olman Publisher Award

Warner Chappell Chairman & CEO Les Bider will be the recipient of the 2004 Abe Olman Award. Warner Chappell controls literally thousands of compositions, making the company one of the largest music publishers in the world, and Les Bider, through his savvy and entrepreneurial spirit, has taken his company places…

Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award

Over the past 45 years, Neil Sedaka’s songwriting and recordings have helped change the face of popular music. With a lengthy list of hit singles, and platinum and gold records, Sedaka is recognized as one of rock and pop music's pioneers. Sedaka and his longtime songwriting partner, the late Howard…

Patron of the Arts Award

Michael Goldstein, Chairman of the Toys 'R' Us Children's Fund and former Chairman of the Board of Toys 'R' Us Inc., has been involved with Toys 'R' Us for 20 years. He is the President of the 92nd Street Y of New York, a Director of Columbia House and 4…

Towering Song

"What the World Needs Now Is Love," written by Hal David and Burt Bacharach, will be honored as the Towering Song at the SHOF Induction and Awards Dinner on June 10th. In light of the world's current state, the sentiments expressed in this Bacharach-David classic are as timely as ever.…

Starlight Award

Rob Thomas is the lead singer and principal songwriter for the multi-platinum group matchbox twenty. Thomas has received a number of songwriting honors, including: three Grammy Awards; a remarkable 11 BMI Awards - including 1999 BMI Pop Songwriter of the Year and 2002 BMI Pop Song of the Year (for…