The War And Treaty’s Debut, ‘Healing Tide,’ Set For August

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The War and Treaty‘s anticipated full-length debut, Healing Tide, is set for release August 10 on Strong World/Thirty Tigers. The duo, comprised of Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Blount-Trotter, recently released the album’s title track.

Healing Tide was produced by Buddy Miller and recorded at Miller’s home studio in March. The project includes 11 songs penned solely by Michael and features special guest vocalist Emmylou Harris on “Here Is Where the Loving Is At.”

The duo has a unique musical story that began when Michael was a soldier who was sent to Iraq. Stationed in one of Saddam Hussein’s rubbled palaces, he had access to a piano that had emerged miraculously unscathed. When a captain heard him play and sing, he encouraged Michael to pursue music. When that same captain was killed, Michael sat down to really write for the first time. Officers noticed the tribute, pulled Michael from the front lines, and gave him a new charge: write and perform songs for the fallen. Whenever a brother or sister in arms died, Michael spoke to buddies, uncovered the story, and penned a song for the memorial.

Upon returning from Iraq, he was booked on a festival with Tanya Blount, and the two eventually began writings songs together and became a duo in life as well. When they stepped up to fill in for an ill Buddy Miller at the 2017 Americana Music Festival & Conference at the Cannery Ballroom in Nashville, their talent became the talk of the festival, and soon they were working on their debut.

The album is full of autobiographical gems, including “Little New Bern,” a song close to Tanya’s heart, painting vivid pictures of her grandparents’ farm. “That’s where happiness started for me, at my grandparents’ every summer, barefoot in the dirt, down at the pond, playing with the frogs,” she says. “I think everybody has a Little New Bern.” Michael’s favorite on the album is “Jeep Cherokee Laredo,” a scorcher that tells The War and Treaty story. “It starts off with me telling my truth––I said I’d never love again, never get married again. There were so many ‘I would never do agains,’” Michael says. “Then here comes this girl, and I put my foot in my mouth. And I got to live up to it.”

The project is packed with songs full of hope and inspiration. “I hope people see our hearts on this record,” Michael says. “I want them to experience freedom. To feel again.”

The duo is managed by Nashville-based Wingman Management and booked by WME.

Warner Music to Launch Elektra Music Group In October

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Mike Easterlin, Gregg Nadel

Zac Brown Band, Dave Cobb‘s Low Country Sound, Sturgill Simpson and Paramore will be among the artists and labels under the new Elektra Music Group, a standalone, fully-staffed label group that will be launched under Warner Music on Oct. 1.

The label group, under the direction of co-presidents Mike Easterlin and Gregg Nadel, will also include labels Fueled By Ramen, Roadrunner, and Black Cement Records. Additional artists on the roster will include twenty one pilots, Brandi Carlile, Fitz and the Tantrums, Slipknot, Panic! At The Disco, Coheed and Cambria, Kaleo, Gojira, and more.

Elektra Music Group will boast a 60-plus member team embracing all key music company functions, including A&R, Artist Development, Business & Legal Affairs, International, Marketing, Promotion, Publicity, Sales & Streaming, and Video. The departments will be led and staffed by current members of the Atlantic, Elektra, FBR, and Roadrunner teams, as well as new hires. Personnel details will be announced in the coming weeks.

“Elektra Music Group will be 100% dedicated to developing the careers of authentic artists and helping them realize their visions,” said Easterlin and Nadel. “The company will embody the same independent spirit that is at the root of each of our core labels. Elektra, Fueled By Ramen, Roadrunner, Low Country Sound, and Black Cement were all founded by entrepreneurs who did it for the love of the music and a belief in their artists, and that philosophy will remain the driving force behind everything we do. We’re going to have an extraordinary roster, backed by the most ambitious, innovative team in the business. To have the opportunity to run our own stand-alone company is a dream come true, and we want to thank Julie and Craig for having such great faith in us. We can’t wait to get started.”

“Our whole approach is to create environments that give artists and entrepreneurs the freedom and support to pioneer the future of music,” said Max Lousada, CEO, Recorded Music, Warner Music Group. “From the outset, Elektra Music Group will be a dynamic community of credible artists and distinctive label cultures. Gregg and Mike are a dream leadership team, able to combine adventurous A&R, bespoke artist development, and full-force global marketing. It feels great to be bringing back the iconic Elektra brand as a major, stand-alone company for the first time in 15 years.”

Easterlin has been President of FBR and Roadrunner Records since January of 2016. He had previously served as General Manager of both labels since 2012. Under his leadership, FBR has been behind the breakthrough success of Grammy winners twenty one pilots, Paramore, and fun., as well as artists such as Panic! At The Disco, Young the Giant, and others. Roadrunner remains the world’s premier home for hard rock and metal, with a genre-defining roster including the likes of Slipknot, Theory of a Deadman, Trivium, Coheed and Cambria, and Gojira. Easterlin originally joined Lava/Atlantic as SVP of Promotion in 2005, having previously held posts at Virgin Records and Island Def Jam.

Nadel has been President of Elektra Records since January of 2017, having served as the label’s General Manager since 2015. A 21-year veteran of the Atlantic family, he joined the company straight out of college in 1997. Moving up the A&R ranks, he went on to sign Grammy winners, Zac Brown Band and Sturgill Simpson, acclaimed Icelandic band, Kaleo, and others. As Atlantic’s SVP of A&R & Marketing, Nadel spearheaded all three album campaigns for global superstar, Ed Sheeran. In addition, he forged the partnership between Elektra and Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb’s Low Country Sound label, whose artist roster includes the critically acclaimed Brandi Carlile, Anderson East, Brent Cobb, and others.

Kane Brown Celebrates Platinum Album, No. 1 Single

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Kane Brown kneels in front of his gallery of plaques commemorating multiple
milestones which where the backdrop at his rooftop celebration.

On Wednesday (June 13), Kane Brown celebrated a multitude of successes with friends and industry members during a rooftop party held at the Sony Nashville offices.

Brown’s self-titled debut album was celebrated for being certified Platinum by the RIAA. He also recently earned his second No. 1 country song as an artist, for “Heaven”—the track has also gone double-Platinum.

The rooftop party featured six plaques, each commemorating a newly-reached milestone since his debut album released in 2017.

In addition to album milestone and “Heaven” certification, Brown’s collaboration with Lauren Alaina, “What Ifs,” has reached triple Platinum status. Two non-radio singles, “There Goes My Everything” and “Found You,” have reached Gold status.

“Have you seen a better backdrop for a No. 1 party?” said BMI’s Bradley Collins.

Sony Music Nashville’s Chairman & CEO Randy Goodman set the tone for the momentous occasion, calling the “cumulative stats are stunning, if not staggering.”

BMI songwriter Shy Carter, SESAC songwriter Matt McGinn and BMI/APRA songwriter Lindsay Rimes were also recognized for writing the No. 1 hit “Heaven.” The event was hosted by BMI, SESAC, and APRA.

Producer Dann Huff reflected on his time in the studio with Brown.

“I get very involved in the details,” Huff offered. “I remember when I first started working with Kane, really all the feedback I would get is ‘sick.’ At first I didn’t know if that was good or bad,” he quipped.

Rimes, who moved to Nashville from his native Australia three years ago, was celebrating his very first No. 1 song.

Kane Brown

“Thank you for writing with me. Kane, you changed my life with this song. This is perfect,” he quipped, referring to a line in “Heaven.”

“Heaven” marks the second country No. 1 for writer Shy Carter, who also penned the pop smash “One Call Away” for Charlie Puth.

Carter also offered a shout-out to BMG’s Chris Oglesby. “That’s my dawg. Everybody sign with Chris Oglesby.”

“I’m very blessed. We sat by the lake and wrote this…now we got plaques and stuff.”

He also complimented producer Dann Huff. “I was in New York when I heard the final [version]. I know when it goes to Dann Huff, it’s money,” before literally dropping the mic.

Brown, in his typical humble fashion, gave credit to his tight-knit group of co-writers. “I have core writers and thank you for writing with me and for being in my circle.”

Brown remains the first and only artist to top all 5 of the Billboard country charts simultaneously, and, at over 240 million streams, “What Ifs” is the fifth most-streamed country song of all time according to Nielsen data.

“This is a historic moment,” said SMACK’s Robin Palmer.

Pictured (L-R): co-producer Dann Huff, Sony Music Nashville SVP A&R Jim Catino, EFG Management’s Martha Earls, Kane Brown, album co-producer Matt McVaney and Sony Music Nashville Chairman & CEO Randy Goodman.

Pictured (L-R): Front Row – SESAC’s Lydia Schultz, BMI/APRA songwriter Lindsay Rimes,
SESAC songwriter Matt McGinn, BMI songwriter Shy Carter, BMI songwriter Kane
Brown, SMACK’s Robin Palmer, BMI’s Bradley Collins; (L-R)Back Row: APRA’s Mark
Moffat, Sony TV’s Josh VanValkenburg, Sony Music Nashville’s Jim Catino, BMG’s
Chris Oglesby, Martha Earls, Sony Music Nashville’s

Industry Pics: SESAC, Lewis Brice, Michael Ray, CAA

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SESAC At CMA

Spencer Crandall

Last week, SESAC featured rising songwriters during CMA Music Fest at the Nashville Acoustic Corner Stage at Bridgestone Arena.  Artists/songwriters included at the SESAC Takeover included Livy Jeanne, Erin Enderlin, Tom O’Connor, Spencer Crandall, Jordyn Mallory, Seaforth, Jenny Tolman, Ben Danaher, Jake Rose, and SZLACHETKA. Other SESAC affiliates featured throughout the long weekend of CMA Fest included Jimmie Allen, Lee Brice, Craig Campbell, Restless Road, Runaway June and more.

Pictured (L-R): Lydia Schultz, SESAC Manager of Creative Services, Singer/songwriter Jenny Tolman and SESAC Vice President of Creative Services Shannan Hatch

 

Lewispalooza 8 Raises $14K For Hope Song

Pictured (L-R): John Wesley Satterfield, President and Founder of Hope Song; Tommy Phillips, recipient of Hope Song at Chipsa Hospital, Tijuana,Mexico; Jerrod Niemann, Lauren Alaina, Lee Brice and Lewis Brice. Photo: Denise Mattox for Moments By Moser Photography

Lewis Brice and Tin Roof teamed up for the annual benefit concert, Lewispalooza 8, a kick-off to CMA Fest week, held June 5 outside of Tin Roof Demonbreun in Nashville. The event raised funds exceeding $14,000 in addition to the personal testimonies bringing awareness for Hope Song, the non-profit using music to help bring cancer patients hope. Brice headlined the event which included performances by special guests Lauren Alaina, Jerrod Niemann and Lee Brice who performed for a packed crowd of enthusiastic fans and music industry alike through a nearly six hour concert during the evening.

 

Michael Ray Visits CAA To Celebrate Release Of Amos

Michael Ray recently visited CAA Music’s Nashville offices to celebrate his new album release Amos with CAA staffers.

Chris Lane Set For ‘Laps Around The Sun’ This Summer

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Chris Lane has announced his sophomore album, Laps Around The Sun, is set for release July 13. The announcement comes as his smash hit “Take Back Home Girl” featuring Tori Kelly is rising into the Top 10 at country radio and closing in on 200 million combined streams.

Produced by Joey Moi, the collection of soulful arrangements includes tracks penned by Matt Dragstrem, Josh Thompson, David Garcia, Rhett Akins, Ashley Gorley, Ryan Hurd, and more and a collaboration with Danielle Bradbery, “Without You.”

The new album is available for pre-order today, with fans immediately receiving the country-to-the-core track “Fishin’” in addition to the album’s “All The Right Problems” and “Old Flame” upon purchase. “Fishin'” was written by Matt Dragstrem, Brian Kelley, and Josh Thompson.

Track list for Chris Lane’s Laps Around The Sun:
1. “Take Back Home Girl” feat. Tori Kelly – (David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey, Josh Miller)
2. “Fishin’” – (Matt Dragstrem, Brian Kelley, Josh Thompson)
3. “Drunk People” – (Zach Abend, Michael Hardy, James McNair)
4. “I Don’t Know About You” – (Ashley Gorley, Michael Hardy, Hunter Phelps, Jameson Rodgers)
5. “Laps Around The Sun” – (Bobby Huff, Chris Lane, Ernest Keith Smith)
6. “Bad Girl” – (Rodney Clawson, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Thompson)
7. “New Phone, Who’s This” – (Rhett Akins, Matt Dragstrem, Marv Green)
8. “All The Right Problems” – (Rodney Clawson, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Thompson)
9. “Life Goes On” – (Nate Cyphert, Josh Miller, Ben West)
10. “Sun Kiss You” – (busbee, Ryan Hurd, Jon Nite)
11. “Number One” – (Bobby Huff, Ernest Keith Smith, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
12. “Old Flame” – (Rodney Clawson, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Thompson)
13. “Without You” feat. Danielle Bradbery – (Ben Burgess, Ross Copperman, Emily Weisband)
14. “Hero” – (Josh Miller)

Mayor Briley Proclaims June 21 Make Music Day In Nashville

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Mayor David Briley has proclaimed June 21 Make Music Day in Nashville, and the city’s largest DIY music festival, and its flagship event have been recognized by Metro Nashville Government in a proclamation released this week. Featured artists set to participate in this year’s festival include Chris Scruggs, Fats Kaplin, Aaron Hoke Doenges’s Wade [For River and People], and many more.

This year’s Make Music Nashville schedule features over 130 artists performing in 35 venues across Middle Tennessee. The organization will also donate more than 1,200 instruments and more than 1,500 music lessons to festival patrons, all free and open to the public.

Play-along highlights this year include:

  • 6000-person ‘BNA Spoon Jam’ at the Nashville International Airport in partnership with National Museum of African American Music
  • 600-flute giveaway and jam with Old Town Trolley Tours
  • 100-person ‘Hohner Harmonica Jam at Nashville Zoo
  • 100 ‘Beginner Ukulele Workshop’ lessons at CMHOF

Bobby Karl Works The Room: Industry Salutes Tony Brown’s ‘Elvis, Strait, to Jesus’

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Tony Brown addresses industry guests attending his book release celebration at BMI for Elvis, Strait, to Jesus. Photo: Tommy Mattox, Dead Horse Branding

BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM

Chapter 595

A picture is worth a thousand words.

At least that’s what uber producer Tony Brown believes. “I was going to write an autobiography, but I didn’t think I could stay with a book that long,” Tony said on Tuesday afternoon (June 12). “So I thought I would tell my story in pictures. If you ever wonder what my life was like, you’ll find it in this book, Elvis, Strait, to Jesus.”

Robert Oermann and American singer-songwriter Emmylou Harris. Photo: MusicRow

The coffee-table tome is visually stunning, containing hundreds of photos from Tony’s stellar career as a gospel pianist, rock sideman, country band member, record producer, label executive and bon vivant. Forty of Tony’s celebrity friends posed for formal portraits in his elaborately carved French Renaissance chair. The various images and Tony’s text have been presented and laid out by the “chair” portrait photographer, Rick Caballo.

At a reception co-sponsored by BMI and MusicRow, Rick and Tony were presented with framed souvenirs saluting the book’s Gold honor as an International Design Award recipient. “This award is as much Tony’s as it is mine,” said designer Rick. “He was the juice. I just squeezed it. Tony’s brilliance is that he lets other people shine in the moment.”

“I’ve been so privileged to work with so many great people,” said Tony. The Hachette Book Group presented him with a leather-bound custom edition of his book. “It looks like a Bible!” exclaimed Tony.

Tony Brown signs copy of his book, Elvis, Strait, to Jesus. Photo: Tommy Mattox, Dead Horse Branding

BMI’s Jody Williams welcomed the crowd, saying, “Tony’s career is a trip through American music history. He was always trying to expand the boundaries of country music. That made our city more attractive to artists of all musical genres.” Which in turn set the stage for Nashville’s emergence as “the IT city.” Jody introduced a video that contained Tony testimonials from Steve Earle, Trisha Yearwood, Rosanne Cash, Lyle Lovett and Reba McEntire. A special video greeting came from Priscilla Presley.

MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson and Tony Brown. Photo: MusicRow

MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson took the stage to say, “I’m thrilled to be able to participate in this. At MusicRow, we’ve witnessed Tony Brown’s contributions over the years. Our industry is built on relationships, and this book documents those moments that are the building blocks of Music Row.

“People ask me, ‘How do I break into Music Row?’ You don’t ‘break in,’ you build in, and that’s what Tony did. Tony’s influence has created ripples that extend much deeper than we can calculate. I’m one of the many people in this industry who have been impacted by the ripples you created. No one has ever shaped country music as much as Tony Brown did. Our industry is changing. Buildings on Music Row may be torn down. But one thing that will never be torn down is the influence and legacy of Tony Brown.”

Among those applauding the book’s publication were David Briggs, John Briggs, John & Beth Stein, Emmylou Harris, Scott Borchetta, Bill Carter, Melissa Core Caballo, Tim DuBois, Becky Hobbs, Amy Garges, Chuck Ainlay, Jessie Noble and Paul Kennerley, many of whom are pictured in the volume.

Tony Brown and CEO of Big Machine Records Scott Borchetta. Photo: Tommy Mattox, Dead Horse Branding

Juanita Copeland was in the crowd of well-wishers. She’s still managing the Sound Emporium studio, despite its ownership changes. It is now a Lipscomb University property, but she maintains its ties to the past by displaying artifacts recalling Cowboy Jack Clement and Garth Fundis. Sounds like a must-see.

Also lining up for Tony Brown book autographs were Doug Johnson, Dale Dodson, Mark Moffatt, Pat Higdon, Barb Hall, Jim Zumwalt, David Preston, Lois Riggins Ezell, Sarah Brosmer, Jeff Balding and more.

Quoth the Man of the Hour, “Everybody says, ‘What’s so great about being in the music business?’ Everything!”

Tony Brown and American singer-songwriter Becky Hobbs. Photo: Tommy Mattox, Dead Horse Branding

 

Pictured (L-R): Rick Caballo, Tony Brown, Melissa Core-Caballo. Photo: Tommy Mattox, Dead Horse Branding

 

Tony Brown (seated) with Pam Russell (standing) and guests. Photo: Tommy Mattox, Dead Horse Branding

L3 Entertainment Names Jenn Tressler VP Digital Marketing/Strategy

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Nashville-based management company L3 Entertainment has named Jenn Tressler as VP of Digital Marketing and Strategy, effective July 9, 2018.

Tressler comes to L3 from Vevo, where she served as Senior Manager, Music and Talent. She will relocate to Nashville from New York City and oversee marketing efforts for the artist management company.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have Jenn join our team,” says L3 President Peter Hartung. “With her expertise and solid Nashville relationships within our industry, Jenn will be a huge asset in helping us grow our business and elevating the artists on our roster.”

Tressler can be reached beginning July 9 at [email protected].

L3 Entertainment is home to country artists Justin Moore, Tyler Rich and Scott Stevens.

Shane McAnally Named To Spotify’s Secret Genius Ambassador List

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Producer and songwriter Shane McAnally is among the industry members included in Spotify’s inaugural class of inspirational Secret Genius Ambassadors.

McAnally, a producer for Sam Hunt, Miranda Lambert, Midland and Thomas Rhett, among others, was included alongside Ali Tamposi (Selena Gomez/Camila Cabello), Ben Billion (Beyonce, The Weeknd), Benny Blanco (Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber), Frank Dukes (Cardi B), Ina Wroldsen (Calvin Harris), Jamie Scott (Niall Horan), Murda Beatz (Drake), Sky A. Ramirez (Karol G), and Tayla Parx (Demi Lovato).

To honor the new class of Secret Genius Ambassadors, Spotify hosted a dinner at the home of Troy Carter, Global Head of Creator Services. There, some of the most influential names in music gathered to toast a group of visionaries including legends and rising stars such as Quincy Jones, Halsey, and Bebe Rexha. “Hard work pays off,” noted songwriter Ben Billion at the dinner. “Thank you Spotify Secret Genius for acknowledging the craft behind the scenes.”

“Last year our vision of creating a community of songwriters became a reality and we aim to inspire the next generation by announcing a new class of ambassadors as we continue our commitment to music creators,” explained Tiffany Kumar, Spotify’s Global Head of Songwriter Relations. “With Secret Genius, Spotify is able to reveal, celebrate and bring these talents together to foster more creativity.”

Last year, Spotify founded Secret Genius to shine a light on songwriters. Secret Genius revealed all the songs written or produced by the same creator on a playlist, told the stories behind hits on the Secret Genius podcast, and hosted global songwriting camps throughout the year called “Songshops.” Additionally, the coinciding launch of Secret Genius Studios offered up-and-coming songwriters access to the latest studio equipment, as well as opportunities to connect with each other and collaborate on future hits.

Now coming up on its second year and second cohort, Spotify will once again feature these songwriters in the podcast and Songshops, and honor them at the second annual Secret Genius Awards later in the year.

 

In Pictures: Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inducts Alan Jackson, Steve Dorff, Bill Anderson

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NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 14: Keith Stegall and Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductee Alan Jackson pose backstage during the Songwriters Hall of Fame 49th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner at New York Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 14, 2018 in New York City. Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame

The 2018 Songwriters Hall of Fame 49th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner welcomed songwriters and artists Bill Anderson, Steve Dorff, and Alan Jackson into the songwriting profession’s most elite group last night (June 14), alongside fellow new inductees Jermaine Dupri, Robert “Kool” Bell, Ronald Bell, George Brown & James “JT” Taylor p/k/a “Kool & The Gang,” John Mellencamp and Allee Willis.

Honored with special awards were Neil Diamond with the prestigious Johnny Mercer Award, Sara Bareilles with the Hal David Starlight Award and Sir Lucian Grainge with the Howie Richmond Hitmaker Award.

Of course, an evening honoring music’s top songwriters is bound to be filled with reams of musical excellence.

Presenter Keith Stegall introduced inductee Alan Jackson, who he called “one of the best we’ve ever had,” after performing “Don’t Rock The Jukebox.” Prior to his memorable performance of “Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning),” Jackson said, “it’s such an honor to be included.”

NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 14: Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductee Bill Anderson poses with an award backstage during the Songwriters Hall of Fame 49th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner at New York Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 14, 2018 in New York City. Photo: Gary Gershoff/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame

Steve Wariner offered a rendition of “The Tips Of My Fingers” before inducting Bill Anderson who delivered an heartfelt and comical speech prior to performing “Still.”

Fantasia performed a rendition of “I Just Fall In Love” before actor Stephen Dorff inducted his father, Steve Dorff into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. After a heartfelt speech reflecting on his career and fatherhood, Dorff sat at the piano for a performance of “Through The Years.”

The evening kicked off with Brandon Victor Dixon delivering an energetic medley of “Neutron Dance” and “September” to thunderous applause before inducting Allee Willis.

John Mellencamp performed acoustic renditions of “Longest Days” and “Jack and Diane” that ended with an audience sing-a-long and standing ovation after being inducted by Nora Guthrie.

NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 14: Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductee Steve Dorff attends the Songwriters Hall of Fame 49th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner at New York Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 14, 2018 in New York City. Photo: Noam Galai/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame

Ariana Grande surprised the audience with a performance of “No Tears Left To Cry” before The Weeknd honored Sir Lucian Grainge with the Howie Richmond Hitmaker Award.

The evening continued as Usher, Mariah Carey and Chad Elliott took to the stage to induct their friend, Jermaine Dupri. “It’s a win for any kid who believes he can do it…even when people tell you no,” said Dupri, who delivered a medley of his songs “Live and Die for Hip Hop” and “Jump” that got the audience dancing.

Past recipient, Jason Mraz took to the stage to honor friend Sara Bareilles with the Hal David Starlight Award, which is presented to young songwriters who are making significant impact in the music industry with their original songs. Mraz said, “Her soul is a songwriter” and “every song she sings is an event.” After receiving her award, Bareilles performed “She Used To Be Mine.”

Keith Stegall performs onstage during the Songwriters Hall of Fame 49th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner at New York Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 14, 2018 in New York City. Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame

Leon Bridges performed “Get Down On It” before inducting Robert “Kool” Bell, Ronald Bell, George Brown & James “JT” Taylor p/k/a “Kool & The Gang,” saying “through music [they have] made a celebration that has lasted 50 years.” Kool & The Gang performed their classic, “Celebration,” together for the first time in 25 years, which brought the audience to its feet, dancing and singing along.

The celebratory evening concluded when SHOF co-chairmen, Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff invited Bob Gaudio on stage to award Neil Diamond with the highest honor bestowed by the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Johnny Mercer Award. Gaudio said when it comes to producing Diamond, “you just have to capture the magic.” Diamond went on to perform “Sweet Caroline” bringing the evening to a close.

Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductee Alan Jackson performs onstage during the Songwriters Hall of Fame 49th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner at New York Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 14, 2018 in New York City. Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame

Steve Wariner performs onstage during the Songwriters Hall of Fame 49th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner at New York Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 14, 2018 in New York City. Photo: Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame

Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductee Bill Anderson and Steve Wariner pose backstage during the Songwriters Hall of Fame 49th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner at New York Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 14, 2018 in New York City. Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame