The Songwriters Hall of Fame will welcome some big names as part of its 2024 class of inductees. The list includes several performing and non-performing songwriters like the members of the legendary rock band R.E.M., Grammy Award winner Hillary Lindsey, and acclaimed record producer Timbaland.
R.E.M., Lindsey, and Timbaland will be joined by Dean Pitchford and Steely Dan founders Walter Becker and Donald Fagen. The induction ceremony will take place at New York City’s Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 13.
“I’ve said it before, but the music industry does not exist without songwriters delivering great songs first. Without them there is no recorded music, no concert business, no merch . . . nothing, it all starts with the song and the songwriter,” said Songwriters Hall Of Fame chairman Nile Rodgers while announcing the 2024 class.
R.E.M., consisting of Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills & Michael Stipe, is considered one of the most influential groups of all time. Their catalog includes hits like “Losing My Religion,” “Everybody Hurts,” and “Radio Free Europe.”
Lindsey wrote songs for artists from multiple genres and music styles, including Faith Hill, Shakira, Carrie Underwood, Bon Jovi, Taylor Swift, and Lady Gaga. Her notable works include Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take the Wheel” and Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush,” for which Lindsey received Grammy Awards in the Best Country Song category.
Timbaland worked with some of the most notable music artists in recent decades, including Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Alicia Keys. His credits include Timberlake’s “SexyBack,” Missy Elliott’s “Get Ur Freak On,” and his own hit single “The Way I Are.”
Dean Pitchford is known for contributing songs to musicals, animated films, and movies alongside writing for musicians. His works include Bonnie Tyler’s “Holding Out for a Hero” from Footloose and Whitney Houston’s “All The Man That I Need.”
Finally, Steely Dan is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band that has been active since 1971. Some of their biggest hits include “Reelin’ in the Years,” “My Old School,” and “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number.”
