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MusicRowPics: 2015 ‘MusicRow’ Awards At ASCAP

June 24, 2015/by Sarah Skates

The 27th annual MusicRow Awards were presented yesterday (June 23) during a ceremony at ASCAP’s Nashville offices. MusicRow Publisher and Owner Sherod Robertson led the proceedings which honored Breakthrough Artist Sam Hunt, Producer of the Year Jay Joyce, Breakthrough Songwriter Michael Carter, Song of the Year “Girl Crush” and The Top 10 Album All-Star Musician Awards.

Click to see the winners list or read exclusive event coverage by Bobby Karl.

All photos by Bev Moser.

Bobby Karl Works The ‘MusicRow’ Awards

June 24, 2015/by Bobby Karl

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow's Eric T. Parker, Warner/Chappell's Ben Vaughn, "Girl Crush" songwriters Liz Rose and Hillary Lindsey, BMG's Kos Weaver, Universal Music Publishing Group's Kent Earls, and MusicRow's Sherod Robertson and Sarah Skates. Not pictured: Lori McKenna. Photo: Bev Moser.

“Girl Crush” wins Song of the Year. Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Eric T. Parker, Warner/Chappell’s Ben Vaughn, “Girl Crush” songwriters Liz Rose and Hillary Lindsey, BMG’s Kos Weaver, Universal Music Publishing Group’s Kent Earls, and MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson and Sarah Skates. Not pictured: co-writer Lori McKenna. Photo: Bev Moser.

CLICK TO SEE THE COMPLETE LIST OF WINNERS

Chapter 497

This year’s MusicRow Awards party had exceptional hospitality, a happy vibe and, most of all, a pervasive feeling of conviviality and comrade-ship.

“Thank you, Nashville,” said Sam Hunt’s grateful manager Brad Belanger. “This is our community.”

“There is nothing like doing what we do, and doing it with our friends,” said songwriter Liz Rose.

“This is my family, basically,” said songwriter Michael Carter.

Hunt won Breakthrough Artist. Carter won Breakthrough Songwriter. Rose won Song of the Year for “Girl Crush,” with her cowriters Hillary Lindsey and Lori McKenna, collectively known as “The Love Junkies.”

This year’s event was staged at ASCAP on Tuesday evening (6/23). ASCAP’s Mike Sistad greeted the crowd and brought MR’s Sherod Robertson to the stage.

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, manager Brad Belanger on behalf of Sam Hunt, Breakthrough Songwriter Michael Carter, Song of the Year co-writers Hillary Lindsey and Liz Rose, and ASCAP’s Mike Sistad. Photo: Bev Moser

“Welcome to the 27th annual MusicRow Awards,” said Robertson. “Our awards started in 1989, the year that Taylor [Swift] was born. We all love to be early adopters [of talent], and these awards allow us to do that.”

Among the stars who won their early industry awards from MusicRow are Blake Shelton, Kacey Musgraves, Lady Antebellum, The Band Perry, Chris Young, Joe Nichols, Phil Vassar, Luke Bryan and the Zac Brown Band, as well as Swift.

Here’s hoping this year’s honorees follow in their footsteps. Thanks to his work with Eric Church, Little Big Town, Brothers Osborne and Cage the Elephant, Jay Joyce won his first Producer of the Year award.

“He promises he will continue to push the envelope for our town,” said Melissa Spillman, accapting on Joyce’s behalf.

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow's Eric T. Parker, Neon Cross's Melissa Spillman, and MusicRow's Sarah Skates and Sherod Robertson. Photo: Bev Moser.

Neon Cross’s Melissa Spillman accepts Producer of the Year on behalf of Jay Joyce. Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Eric T. Parker, Spillman, and MusicRow’s Sarah Skates and Sherod Robertson. Photo: Bev Moser.

When Michael Carter won the Breakthrough Songwriter award, he was almost overcome. “What the hell!?” he exclaimed. “I don’t even know where to begin. It’s just so cool to get to do this for a living. Wow, this is nuts. Thank you to everybody who’s been a part of it. Thank you for supporting songwriters and letting somebody new come into the fold.”

Carter is Luke Bryan’s bandleader and Cole Swindell’s producer. He co-wrote three No. 1 songs as his first hits: Swindell’s “Hope You Get Lonely Tonight,” Bryan’s “Roller Coaster” and Thomas Rhett’s “Get Me Some of That.”

Sam Hunt’s win as Breakthrough Artist was something of a surprise, since Swindell has been cleaning up in this area lately. “This guy has that IT factor,” explained Robertson. “He’s the happiest artist I’ve ever seen in my life,” said Belanger. “We’ve got some cool stuff on the road ahead.” Hunt had just one day off this week to move into his new house, and this conflicted with the ceremony.

Song of the Year co-writer McKenna lives near Boston and was also a no-show, but her “Girl Crush” collaborators were delightful at the mic. “This is so fun,” said Liz Rose. “Everybody’s been so awesome to embrace this song.” Added co-writer Hillary Lindsey, “It’s a pretty cool thing in this town and with this song.” Rose and Lindsey took the stage to powerfully perform “Girl Crush” as the event’s finale.

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow's Sherod Roberston, songwriter Michael Carter, MusicRow's Sarah Skates. Photo: Bev Moser.

Breakthrough Songwriter is presented to Michael Carter (center) with MusicRow’s Sherod Roberston and Sarah Skates. Photo: Bev Moser.

The MusicRow Awards is the only industry event that honors Music City’s session professionals. This year, everyone who won last year was a repeat winner, with the exception of first-time honoree Steve Marcantonio, who tied as Engineer of the Year with 11-time prior winner Justin Niebank.

Background vocalist Wes Hightower won his category for the thirteenth time. “I’m thankful for every single one of them,” he said.

Aubrey Haynie won his eighth fiddler award. Ilya Toshinsky won his sixth guitar honor. Keyboard player Charles Judge earned his fifth award. “Thank you, MusicRow, for doing this,” he said in appreciation of the magazine’s musician recognitions.

Jimmie Lee Sloas won his fifth bass player award. Drummer Greg Morrow won his fourth. Steel player Russ Pahl earned his second.

Dave Pomeroy of the Musicians Union was proudly snapping photos.

Manager Kerri Edwards (Luke Bryan, Michael Carter, Cole Swindell) and MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson

Also working the room were Randi Perkins, Randall Himes, Bobby Rymer, Bob Doerschuk, Dale Bobo, Eric Paslay, Eric T. Parker, Erika Wollam Nichols, Susan Collier, Suzanne Lee, Charlie Monk, Chuck Thompson and Alison Toczylowski (who has recently married and plans to adopt a shorter last name, Webber).

ASCAP’s hospitality could not have been lovelier. Chef Michael Mirriam whipped up barbecue sandwiches, chicken satay bites, hummus & pita chips, Italian sausage slices, veggie plates, ham sandwiches, cheese & cracker samplers, blueberry & watermelon medley, salsa & chips, spiced meatballs and cucumber sandwiches, not to mention desserts.

Byron Gallimore, Barry Coburn, Ben Vaughn, Bev Moser, Beth Gwinn, Bill Wence, Becky Harris, Brett James, Carey Barlowe, Celia Froehlig, Cyndi Forman, Doug Johnson, honored guest U.S. copyright registrar Maria Pallante (I told her we threw the party just for her), James Elliott, Jessica Nicholson, Kos Weaver, Kent Earls, Kelsey Grady, Pat Higdon, Ryan Hurd, Rusty Martin, Rich Fagan, Sarah Skates (with her adorable family), Sherrill Blackman, Tracy Gershon, Troy Stephenson and Woody Bomar enjoyed themselves and the event.

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow's Sherod Roberston, vocalist Wes Hightower, steel guitar player Russ Pahl, keyboardist Charles Judge, engineers Steve Marcantonio and Justin Niebank, and MusicRow's Eric T. Parker. Photo: Bev Moser

The Top 10 Album All-Star Musicians. Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Sherod Roberston, vocalist Wes Hightower, steel guitar player Russ Pahl, keyboardist Charles Judge, engineers Steve Marcantonio and Justin Niebank, and MusicRow‘s Eric T. Parker. Photo: Bev Moser

BMI Honors Christian Music’s Best at Annual Awards Ceremony

June 24, 2015/by Lorie Hollabaugh

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Jody Williams, Capitol CMG’s Jimi Williams and Casey McGinty, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, BMI Songwriter Phil Wickham, Seems Like Music’s Mark Nicholas, BMI Songwriter of the Year Chris Stevens, Sing My Songs’ Peter Kipley, BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill, BMI’s Phil Graham. Photo: Steve Lowry

Song of the Year: “This is Amazing Grace”

Christian Songwriter of the Year: Chris Stevens

Christian Publisher of the Year: Capitol CMG Publishing

Chris Stevens was one of the big winners last night (June 23) at BMI’s 2015 Christian Awards, taking home Songwriter of the Year honors. The annual awards ceremony at the PRO’s Nashville offices recognized the past year’s most-performed Christian rock, contemporary, inspirational, southern and urban gospel songs played on Christian radio.

The invitation-only event kicked off with Jason Crabb performing “He Knows What He’s Doing” off his upcoming album. Additionally, Kenna West and Michael Farren offered the award-winning track “Say Amen.”

“This is Amazing Grace” received the Song of the Year award. Penned by Phil Wickham, Josh Farro, and Jeremy Riddle, and published by Phil Wickham Music, Seems Like Music, and Sing My Songs, the track topped the Billboard Christian Airplay chart and was performed by Wickham during the evening’s festivities.

Grammy award-winning writer/producer/engineer Stevens received his third Christian Songwriter of the Year nod, having received the honor previously in 2010 and 2012. Stevens penned the hits “Beautiful Day,” “Overcomer,” and “Slip On By.”

Capitol CMG Publishing was named Christian Publisher of the Year as the publisher with the highest percentage of copyright ownership of the year’s most-performed songs. Capitol CMG published hits “All The People Said Amen,” “All You’ve Ever Wanted,” “Beautiful Day,” “Hope In Front Of Me,” “Overcomer,” “Slip On By,’ and “Your Grace Finds Me.”

“We’re thrilled to be able to honor these songwriters and composers,” noted Jody Williams, Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations. “They’ve made the top Christian music of the past year, earning considerable airplay all while spreading a positive message.”

Williams and BMI Director, Writer/Publisher Relations Leslie Roberts served as the evening’s hosts.

A complete list of the 2015 BMI Christian Awards is available at www.bmi.com/christian.

Downtown Music Publishing Signs Sturgill Simpson

June 23, 2015/by Sarah Skates

Sturgill Simpson

Downtown Music Publishing has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Sturgill Simpson. The signing was announced today (June 23) by Downtown’s SVP Creative Services Jedd Katrancha. The agreement covers all of Sturgill’s studio albums including 2014’s Metamodern Sounds In Country Music (High Top Mountain/Thirty Tigers), which reached the top 10 on Billboard’s Country Albums chart.

Simpson signed to Atlantic Records this year. He was named Emerging Artist of the Year at the 2014 Americana Music Awards, and nominated for Artist, Album, and Song at the 2015 Americana Music Awards. He is a heavily touring artist whose latest album appeared on best-of-2014 lists in The New York Times, Mojo, Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, and Nashville Scene.

“We are incredibly proud to represent Sturgill and his body of work,” said Katrancha. “To be a part of the cross-genre level of excitement surrounding Sturgill is a thrill, and we’re looking forward to working with him as he continues to grow and release new music.”

The signing of Sturgill Simpson to Downtown bolsters an already impressive roster of country and Americana artists represented by the company including Old Crow Medicine Show, Natalie Prass, Rosanne Cash, Fruition, and Brandy Clark.

Downtown Music Publishing has offices in New York, Amsterdam, London, Los Angeles and Nashville. Catalogs in Downtown’s portfolio include the works of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, celebrated film composer Hans Zimmer, singer/songwriter Randy Newman and the pop band One Direction.

Crazy Pitches Hosts ‘Dress Up For St. Jude’ Fundraiser

June 22, 2015/by Lorie Hollabaugh

The Crazy Pitches songplugging group is hosting its first “Dress Up For St. Jude” event Sept. 10. The special evening will feature new and gently-used high-end fashion just in time for the fall awards season, with all proceeds going to benefit St. Jude’s music therapy program.

Nashville publishers Chelsea Kent of Still Working Music, Hannah Showmaker of Parallel Entertainment, Ciara Gardner of Disney Music Publishing, and Sarah Feldman of Writer’s Den Music came up with the fundraising idea after visiting the hospital.

“The trip really put on our hearts to come up with a way to give back to this great organization,” said Gardner. “St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is extremely close to Music Row’s heart, and it’s easy to see why.”

Organizers of the event are asking artists and industry execs to clean out their closets of formal wear dresses, jewelry, shoes, hanging racks, hangers, and other accessories for donation that will be sold at the Sept. 10 event at Still Working Music at 1625 Broadway in Nashville.

The following dropoff dates have been set below and anyone wishing to donate outside of these dates can contact crazypitches1@gmail.com to schedule an alternate pick up or drop off.

Dropoff dates

• June 23, 12-2 p.m. at Writer’s Den Music Group: 1604 17th Ave S. Nashville, TN 37212

• July 1, 12-2 p.m. at Disney Music Publishing, Nashville: 54 Music Sq. E., Ste. 390 Nashville, TN 37203

• Aug. 31, 12-2 p.m. at Parallel Entertainment: 1505 16th Ave. S. Nashville, TN 37212

• Sept. 1, 12-2 p.m. at Still Working Music Group: 1625 Broadway Nashville, TN 37203

Proceeds will go directly to the St. Jude music therapy program, which helps patients learn to express themselves and cope with their illnesses by writing and performing songs and discussing song lyrics.

Marty Dodson Extends Deal with ole

June 22, 2015/by Lorie Hollabaugh

Pictured (L-R:) Randall Foster (ole, Sr. Director, Creative Licensing), Emily Mueller (ole, Creative Manager), and Ben Strain (ole, Creative Director). Front, from left: ole songwriter Marty Dodson and John Ozier (ole, GM Creative)

Pictured (L-R) standing: Randall Foster (ole, Sr. Director, Creative Licensing), Emily Mueller (ole, Creative Manager), and Ben Strain (ole, Creative Director). Front (L-R): ole songwriter Marty Dodson and John Ozier (ole, GM Creative)

Marty Dodson has extended his publishing agreement with ole. Dodson signed with the company in 2010 as part of ole’s acquisition of the Blacktop Music Group and has penned several chart-toppers, including Billy Currington’s “Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right” (which spent two weeks at the top) and “Let Me Down Easy,” as well as Kenny Chesney’s “Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven.”

The new agreement includes worldwide co-publishing rights for Dodson’s future songs and exclusive administration of his digital video rights.

“Marty has been an invaluable member of ole’s songwriting team since he came onboard with Blacktop Music, and we’re happy to continue that relationship,” said John Ozier, GM, Creative/Nashville for ole. “ole is dedicated to expanding our robust, worldwide catalog of top-shelf music, and songwriters like Marty who can both write great songs and provide guidance for our newer artists are crucial to the completion of that goal. We look forward to hearing what he comes up with next.”

“ole and Robert Ott are among the most visionary publishers in the world, and I’m excited to be a part of such a dynamic company,” said Dodson. “There is no place I would trust more to promote my music.”

Current ole writers include Rush, Timbaland, Tyler Farr, Josh Dorr, Gord Bamford, Brett Jones, Dave Turnbull, Jeremy Stover, and Dodson.

Creative Nation Signs Lori McKenna for Publishing, Management

June 19, 2015/by Eric T. Parker

Pictured (L-R): Jeff Skaggs, Beth Laird, Lori McKenna, Luke Laird. Photo: Spencer Combs

Hit songwriter and critically acclaimed artist Lori McKenna has signed a publishing and management deal with independent company Creative Nation.

The Boston-native has writing credits on recent hits/cuts including “Girl Crush,” “Your Side of the Bed” and “Sober” (Little Big Town); “I Want Crazy” (Hunter Hayes) and “God Made Girls” (RaeLynn). McKenna has released eight lauded studio albums.

“I wanted to find a place where I could better balance my career as a songwriter and I’m so excited to start this new venture with Creative Nation,” says McKenna. “It’s a dream come true to be a part of such an amazing team with my friends.”

“The fact that we’ve had such incredible writers come to us and want to work with us and be here, that’s really blown my mind,” said Beth Laird, Creative Nation Co-Owner. “I want to always feel like a family, which can always get bigger as long as you’re just very careful to get different people on the team.”

Previously with Universal Music Publishing Group for the last six years, McKenna tells Billboard, “I’m a singer-songwriter at the end of the day, and when I started talking to Beth as a publisher, she really lit a fire under my artist ass. I’ve always wanted to be the best writer I could be, but now without putting the artist side on the backburner.”

McKenna joins Creative Nation’s roster of artists and songwriters: Luke Laird, Barry Dean, Natalie Hemby, Maggie Chapman, Native Run, Steve Moakler and recently signed Pulse/Creative Nation writer, Tyler Johnson.

Third Annual ASCAP Presents at CMA Music Festival

June 19, 2015/by Kelsey_Grady

Pictured (L-R): Ashley Gorley, Jon Nite, ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, Jonathan Singleton, Rivers Rutherford and ASCAP’s Mike Sistad

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP Songwriters Rivers Rutherford, Jon Nite, Jonathan Singleton and Ashley Gorley at the HGTV Lodge

Photos: ASCAP’s Alison Toczylowski

ASCAP presented a bevy of hit songwriters and emerging songwriter-artists at the 2015 CMA Music Festival on Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14. The third annual ASCAP Presents at the CMA Music Festival was held for the first time at the Chevrolet Roadhouse Stage on 4th Avenue and showcased more than two dozen acts, ranging from fresh-faced new talent to emerging songwriter-artists boasting publishing or record deals and recent tours with major label acts.

The lineup on Saturday included Vanessa Bransan, Jeston Cade, Josh Mirenda, Carlton Anderson, Hunter Phelps, CJ Solar, Kalisa Ewing, Jameson Rodgers, Joe Hall, Ryan Griffin andBrett Young.

Sunday’s showcase featured Brad Blackburn, Joshua Okeefe, Corey Kent White, Mitchell Lee, Jacob Davis, Steven Clawson, Hailey Whitters, Chris Cavanaugh, Lauren Jenkins, Patrick Thomas and David Ray.

The shows were hosted by ASCAP Nashville Vice President of Membership Michael Martin, Senior Creative Director Mike Sistad, Creative Director Robert Filhart and Creative Manager Beth Brinker.

On Sunday, June 14, ASCAP presented the second annual ASCAP Hit Songwriters Round at the HGTV Lodge in the CMA Music Festival’s “Fan Alley.” Mega-hit writers Ashley Gorley (“Don’t It,” “Tonight Looks Good On You,” “Kick the Dust Up”), Jon Nite (“Smoke,” “Beachin,” “We Were Us”), Jonathan Singleton (“A Guy Walks Into A Bar,” “Diamond Rings & Old Barstools,” “Let It Rain”) and Rivers Rutherford (“Southern Style,” “Real Good Man,” “These Are My People”) treated festival-goers to a taste of real Nashville with a traditional songwriters round. The show was hosted by Great American Country’s Suzanne Alexander.

Pictured (L-R): Fitzgerald Hartley’s Steve Emley, ASCAP’s Michael Martin, Joe Hall and ASCAP’s Robert Filhart

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Robert Filhart, Combustion’s Chris Van Belkom, Combustion Atlas Music Publishing’s Jameson Rodgers and ASCAP’s Michael Martin

Sony Music Nashville artist Ryan Griffin

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Robert Filhart, Big Machine Music songwriter-artist Lauren Jenkins, Big Machine Music’s Alex Heddle and ASCAP’s Mike Sistad

ASCAP’s Beth Brinker and Cornman Music/Warner Chappell Music’s songwriter-artist Josh Mirenda

Spirit Music Group Acquires Catalog of Christian Songwriter Jason Ingram

June 19, 2015/by Eric T. Parker

Jason Ingram. Photo: Ed Rode

Spirit Music Group has acquired a portion of the publishing catalog of top Nashville Christian songwriter and producer, Jason Ingram.

Announced today (June 19) by David Renzer, Chairman, Spirit Music Group, the deal includes a catalog of songs Ingram wrote under the Showdown/Sony joint venture. Ingram’s copyrights include Bebo Norman’s “I Will Lift My Eyes,” Salvador’s “Shine,” Chris Tomlin’s “White Flag” and “I Will Follow,” Hillsong’s “Forever Reign,” and Building 429’s “Where I Belong,” to name a few.

Ingram was named SESAC’s 2007 Christian Songwriter of the Year, and received nominations for addition to Gospel Music Association (Dove Award) Songwriter of the Year and Producer of the Year.

Renzer commented, “We are pleased to add these songs to the Spirit Music Group family. With this latest acquisition, we further extend our reach into the thriving Nashville market.”

In July 2014, Spirit Music Group acquired Cal IV Entertainment, the established Nashville-based independent music publisher, production, and artist management company. The move marked Spirit’s first official presence on Music Row. In February, Spirit acquired the publishing assets of West Main Music, a leading independent Christian/Contemporary Praise & Worship publishing catalog, including “Never Once” co-written by Ingram and recorded by Matt Redman; and “Help Me Find It” co-written by Ingram and recorded by The Sidewalk Prophets.

Spirit Music Group is headquartered in New York with offices in London, Los Angeles, Nashville and the Netherlands. Spirit is a portfolio company of Pegasus Capital Advisors, the New York-based private equity fund manager that has been providing creative capital and strategic solutions to growth companies since 1996.

Songwriters Hall of Fame Inducts Bobby Braddock, Toby Keith In New York

June 19, 2015/by Sarah Skates

Toby Keith and Stephen Colbert Photo: Larry Busacca/ Getty/ SHOF

The 2015 Songwriters Hall of Fame 46th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner was a sparkling success, where icons Bobby Braddock, Willie Dixon, Robert Hunter & Jerry Garcia, Toby Keith, Cyndi Lauper and Linda Perry were inducted.

Stephen Colbert surprised the audience on stage to induct Keith, and gave an exciting performance of “As Good As I Once Was.” Keith wowed the crowd with a powerful rendition of “Clancy’s Tavern,” with Scott Emerick on guitar. Of his award, Keith said that it is “the only thing I ever wanted.”

Jennifer Nettles inducted Bobby Braddock after performing an emotional rendition of “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” which received a standing ovation. After his induction, Braddock performed what he called his “country rap” hit, “I Wanna Talk About Me,” made famous by fellow inductee Toby Keith. Click photo to hear Braddock discuss his lauded career on the new “Songcraft” podcast.

The night kicked off as Bernie Taupin posthumously inducted the great Willie Dixon. Ledisi performed an upbeat medley of Dixon’s chart-topping hits in his honor, including, “I Just Wanna Make Love To You,” “Hoochie Choochie Man,” “Spoonful,” and “Wang Dang Doodle” with Richie Sambora on guitar and vocals.

Zac Brown inducted The Grateful Dead’s Robert Hunter and Jerry Garcia (posthumously) after a lively performance of “Casey Jones.” Hunter then performed one of the The Dead’s best-known songs, “Ripple.”

Lady Gaga (L) inducted Linda Perry (R) and gave a spectacular performance of “What’s Up.” Perry stunned audiences with a solo performance of her emotional hit, “Beautiful.” Photo: Michael Loccisano/ Getty/ SHOF

SHOF President/CEO Linda Moran presided over the ceremonies.

Mike O’Neill and Paul Williams presented the Visionary Leadership Award to ASCAP CEO John LoFrumento. The award acknowledges a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame Board of Directors who has made a significant contribution in furthering the ongoing mission of the organization. SHOF inductee, Ne-Yo, had the audience clapping along with his performance of “Coming With You.”

Carly Rae Jepsen gave a heartfelt performance of Cyndi Lauper’s, “Time After Time,” before inducting the songwriter who then performed her hit, “Hat Full Of Stars.” Photo: Larry Busacca/ Getty/ SHOF

Carly Rae Jepsen (R) gave a heartfelt performance of Cyndi Lauper’s (L) “Time After Time,” before inducting the songwriter who then performed her hit, “Hat Full Of Stars.” Photo: Larry Busacca/ Getty/ SHOF

John Titta introduced the 2015 Towering Song Award, which is presented each year to the creators of an individual song that has influenced our culture in a unique way over many years. This year, the award went to George David Weiss and Bob Thiele’s “What A Wonderful World.” Dr. John performed a unique version of the classic song.

The celebratory evening continued as SHOF inductee, Benny Blanco, presented Nate Ruess (of fun.) with the 2015 Hal David Starlight Award. Each year, this award is presented to young songwriters who are making a significant impact in the music industry with their original songs. Ruess then sang his new song, “Great Big Storm.”

Linda Perry returned to the stage to perform a rendition of Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance,” before introducing the iconic Tony Bennett. Bennett welcomed Lady Gaga to the stage, and presented her with the first-ever Songwriters Hall of Fame Contemporary Icon Award.

Michael Bublé hit the stage for a captivating performance of Van Morrison’s “Moondance,” before presenting the Johnny Mercer Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Songwriters Hall of Fame, to icon, Van Morrison. Bublé then joined him for a soulful performance of his classic, “Real Real Gone.”

Pictured (L-R): Michael Buble and Nate Ruess Photo: Larry Busacca/ Getty/ SHOF

Songwriters Hall Of Fame 46th Annual Induction And Awards - Backstage

BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations Charlie Feldman, Songwriter Hall of Fame Inductee Toby Keith, and BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, Nashville Jody Williams