Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall of FameOn Thursday night in New York City, some of music’s top singers showed up to pay tribute to the people who put the words in their mouth: the songwriters.
At the annual Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction Gala, Neil Diamond was on hand to receive a special award, while John Mellencamp and hit-making group Kool & the Gang were among the inductees.
Diamond, already a member of the Hall of Fame, received the organization’s highest honor, the Johnny Mercer Award. The award was presented to him by his producer Bob Gaudio, who also was a member of The Four Seasons. Diamond closed the ceremony by performing — what else? — “Sweet Caroline.”
On the red carpet, Diamond said of the event, “It’s a great night for songwriters, especially. We don’t get a lot of attention but this is the night for it, so we’re all happy.”
Mellencamp was inducted by Nora Guthrie, daughter of iconic folk musician and singer/songwriter Woody Guthrie. He performed acoustic versions of his signature hit “Jack and Diane” and the song “Longest Days,” from the album Life, Death, Love and Freedom.
Current R&B star Leon Bridges inducted members of Kool & the Gang after performing the group’s hit “Get Down on It.” Robert “Kool” Bell, Ronald Bell, George Brown and James “JT” Taylor performed “Celebration” together for the first time in 25 years.
On the red carpet, Robert “Kool” Bell told ABC Radio that the song was actually inspired by scripture he was reading. “The whole song is about the creation of the human being, of mankind,” he explained. “So everyone around the world, come on, celebrate.”
Taylor said the Songwriters Hall of Fame honor is the “best one” out of all the awards the group has received, “’cause you’re recognized by your peers and songwriting is a very tough endeavor.”
Also at the ceremony, American Idol winner Fantasia performed the song “I Just Fall In Love Again” as a tribute to songwriter Steve Dorff, another inductee. That song has been a hit for The Carpenters, Anne Murray and Dusty Springfield.
Mariah Carey also was among the stars who came out to pay tribute the night’s honorees, while Aerosmith‘s Steven Tyler attended the event.
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