Billboard reports that the Songwriters Hall of Fame will honor SZA as the 2024 recipient of the eminent Hal David Starlight Award at the 53rd Annual Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Dinner slated for Thursday, June 13th at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.
The Hal David Starlight Award, created in 2004, was named in honor of SHOF Chairman Emeritus Hal David, for his longtime support of young songwriters. Award recipients are presented to “gifted young songwriters who are making a significant impact in the music industry with their original songs,” according to the announcement.
SHOF chairman Nile Rodgers said in a statement: “This is such an exciting time for songwriters and music. Phenomenal artists like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift are pushing the envelope of what success looks like, but who could argue that the last two years belong to SZA. Incredible songwriting, incredible performances, incredible artistry. She so deserves to be the 2024 recipient of the Hal David Starlight Award!”
The organization’s top award, The Johnny Mercer Award, will be presented this year to Diane Warren — marking only the second time that both the Mercer Award and the Hal David Starlight Award will be presented to female artists (in 2019, Carole Bayer Sager took the Mercer prize, while Halsey won the Starlight Award).
Previously announced 2024 inductees include Hillary Lindsey; Timothy Mosley — aka Timbaland; Dean Pitchford; R.E.M. (Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, Michael Stipe) and Steely Dan (Donald Fagen and the late Walter Becker). Veteran hitmaker Diane Warren will receive the prestigious Johnny Mercer Award.
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