
John Mellencamp
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John Mellencamp, Jermaine Dupri Among 2018 Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductees
It all starts with a song. On Feb. 6, the Songwriters Hall Of Fame announced their class of 2018, led by a five-pack of GRAMMY-winners: John Mellencamp, Jermaine Dupri, Alan Jackson, Kool And The Gang, and Allee Willis. GRAMMY nominees Bill Anderson and Steve Dorff round out this year's class.
"The 2018 roster of Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees is a prodigious representation of creators of cross-genre hits, certain to resonate with everyone," said SHOF co-chairs Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff and President/CEO Linda Moran in a joint statement. "Each year, the slate of songwriters we induct is more diverse and illustrative of the history and contributions that we strive to acknowledge and honor."
Mellencamp penned such iconic hit roots rock songs as "Jack And Diane," "Small Town," and "Hurts So Good," which earned him the GRAMMY for Best Rock Vocal Performance, Male for 1982 at the 25th Annual GRAMMY Awards.
As the man behind super-hits such as the GRAMMY-winning "We Belong Together" by Mariah Carey and "Burn" by Usher, Dupri's songs have been recorded by everyone from Aretha Franklin to Janet Jackson to Notorious B.I.G. His songwriting style and output have left a permanent imprint on pop, R&B, and hip-hop, and he shows no signs of slowing down.
Breaking News: here are the 2018 SHOF Inductees!https://t.co/0c0BBjaCpj#SHOF2018 pic.twitter.com/yZV1GigwYA
— SongHall (@SongwritersHOF) February 6, 2018
The songwriting quartet of Robert “Kool” Bell, Ronald Bell, George Brown & James “JT” Taylor, better known as Kool And The Gang, enjoyed wild success in the '70s, and earned a GRAMMY for their involvement in Saturday Night Fever – Soundtrack, which won for Album Of The Year at the 21st GRAMMY Awards.
Willis is best known for co-writing the Broadway musical "The Color Purple" as well as "I'll Be There For You," the theme song from the television show "Friends."
Jackson has written and recorded more than 20 No. 1 hits, placing him in an elite club with Paul McCartney and John Lennon, and establishing himself as one of the top country songwriters of all-time.
From his first major label cut in 1958, Bill Anderson has had the magic touch, writing hits for artists from Ray Price to Brad Paisley across several decades.
With placements including Whitney Houston, Garth Brooks, and Celine Dion, Steve Dorff enters the Hall not only on the strength of his 12 No. 1 hits and countless awards, but also for his many songs written for hit TV shows, including "As Long As We Got Each Other," the theme from the sitcom "Growing Pains."
The Songwriters Hall Of Fame's 49th Annual induction ceremony, set for June 14, will honor this accomplished group of songwriters at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City. Tickets are available via the organization's website.