Ray Davies, Donovan, Graham Gouldman, Mark James and Jim Weatherly will become the latest inductees of the Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York at the organization’s 45th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner. The star-studded induction event is slated for Thursday, June 12 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.
Ray Davies founded the rock band The Kinks with his brother Dave in London in 1964. As the band’s lead singer and chief songwriter, Davies penned countless tracks including a string of 14 top ten international hits starting with “You Really Got Me,” and followed by “All Day and All of The Night,” “Tired of Waiting For You,” “Set Me Free,” ‘‘Dedicated Follower of Fashion,” “Sunny Afternoon,” “Waterloo Sunset,” “Lola,” “Apeman,” and “Come Dancing.”
Scottish singer-songwriter Donovan and producer Mickie Most collaborated on chart-topping songs including “Sunshine Superman,” “Mellow Yellow” and “Hurdy Gurdy Man.” In 1965 Donovan became the first artist Clive Davis signed to CBS/Epic Records. Donovan’s hits include “Atlantis,” “Catch The Wind” and “Season Of The Witch.”
Graham Gouldman wrote hits for Herman’s Hermits (“Listen People,” “No Milk Today”), The Yardbirds (“For Your Love,” “Heart Full of Soul” and “Evil Hearted You”), and The Hollies (“Look Through Any Window,” “Bus Stop”). In 1972, he formed the band 10cc and co-wrote many of their hits including “Rubber Bullets,” “I’m Not In Love” and “The Things We Do For Love.”
Mark James first came to prominence penning “Hooked On A Feeling” for B.J. Thomas in 1969. Later, the band Blue Swede transformed it into a 1974 chart topper. James’ career breakthrough came when Elvis Presley cut his song “Suspicious Minds.” In addition to hits penned for Presley which include “Moody Blue,” “It’s Only Love” and “Raised On Rock,” James co-wrote the classic “Always On My Mind,” which was recorded by Elvis and became a signature hit for Willie Nelson in 1982.
Jim Weatherly has been writing songs for almost 50 years. He garnered his first hit with “Neither One Of Us,” which was recorded by Gladys Knight & The Pips. Gladys and The Pips went on to record 12 of his songs including “Where Peaceful Waters Flow,” “Midnight Train To Georgia” and “You’re The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me.” The latter was also recorded by Ray Price. Ray Price recorded 38 of Weatherly’s songs. Bob Luman also had a top five hit with “Neither One Of Us.” As an artist, Weatherly has had his own success with “The Need To Be,” and country hit “I’ll Still Love You.” Glen Campbell, Kenny Rogers, Neil Diamond, Kenny Chesney and Garth Brooks are just some of the artists who have recorded Weatherly’s songs.
Tickets for the Songwriters Hall of Fame event begin at $1000 each, and are available through Buckley Hall Events, (212) 573-6933. Net proceeds from the event will go toward the Songwriters Hall of Fame programs.
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Sarah Skates has worked in the music business for more than a decade and is a longtime contributor to MusicRow.View Author Profile
