On Thursday, the Songwriters Hall of Fame held its 2008 Awards Gala. Grammy Award-winning R&B artist John Legend presented Paul Anka with the Johnny Mercer Award, and sang Anka’s “Put Your Head on My Shoulder.”
Among the Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees was Alan Menken, currently represented on Broadway by The Little Mermaid. UK pop star Natasha Bedingfield sang Menken’s “Color of the Wind” from the Disney film, Pocahontas.
Rocker Joan Jett, who starred in the Broadway revival of The Rocky Horror Show a few years back, was a presenter for inductee Desmond Child.
The Lovin’ Spoonful’s John Sebastian was another inductee.
Albert Hammond, shown here with wife Claudia Fernandez, was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Some of his most well known songs include “To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before,” “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now,” and “I Don’t Wanna Live Without Your Love.”
Here’s inductee Loretta Lynn with country star Anne Murray, who received the Howie Richmond Hitmaker Award.
Triple platinum recording artist Lee Ann Womack sang Loretta Lynn’s “You Ain’t Woman Enough (to Take My Man).”
The Goo Goo Dolls’ John Rzeznik, pictured with date Melina Gallo, received the Hal David Starlight Award.
Academy Award nominated actor Danny Aiello participated in the “Towering Song” segment of the awards gala.
Former New York Yankee Center Fielder Bernie Williams — who is also a classically trained guitarist — was another participant in the “Towering Song.”
On Wednesday, the cast and creative team of the new Broadway musical [title of show] greeted fans and signed CDs. Here are cast members Larry Pressgrove, Heidi Blickenstaff, Susan Blackwell, and Jeff Bowen with the musical’s director Michael Berresse (second from right).
Hunter Bell — who co-wrote [title of show] with Bowen, and also co-stars in the production — poses with Barrett Foa (most recently seen Off-Broadway in The Drunken City) and [title of show] understudy Courtney Balan.
Avenue Q cast members Jonathan Root and Christian Anderson — along with puppet pals Rod and Trekkie Monster — came out in support of the show.
Finally, here’s Tony winner Christine Ebersole with Billy Stritch. The duo celebrated
the release of their new CD Sunday in NewYork with a CD signing and performance at Barnes & Noble on Tuesday. The pair will also be appearing at Birdland on Monday June 30 as part of the popular Broadway at Birdland series.
