Awards
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Ms. Lauryn Hill & YG Marley, Ice Spice and Tyla have been added as performers for the 2024 BET Awards, which will air live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 30, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
They join previously announced performers GloRilla, Latto, Muni Long, Sexyy Red, Shaboozey and Victoria Monét. Additionally, Tanner Adell, who guested on a new version of The Beatles’ “Blackbird” on Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, will perform on the BET Amplified stage. Taraji P. Henson will host the show for the third time. Usher is set to receive the lifetime achievement award. He also has four nominations.
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Most of these performers have had stellar years. Usher headlined the Super Bowl halftime show in February, which set a new ratings record. Hill’s 1998 classic The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill was voted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and also topped Apple Music’s list of the best albums of all time.
Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” conquered multiple charts. Billboard’s charts team reports this week that “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” is the first song to be rising in the top 25 simultaneously on the Country Airplay, Pop Airplay, Adult Pop Airplay and Rhythmic Airplay charts — which have coexisted for 28 years.
Monét won three Grammys in February, including best new artist. Tyla was the inaugural winner in the new best African music performance category for “Water,” which was a top 10 hit on the Hot 100. Ice Spice didn’t win a Grammy, but she went into the ceremony with an impressive four nominations.
GloRilla has two songs in the top 10 on this week’s Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart — “Yeah Glo!” and her “Wanna Be” collab with Megan Thee Stallion. Sexxy Red has one song (“Get It Sexyy”) in the top 10 and another, a collab with Drake (“U My Everything”), in the top 20. Muni Long is also in the top 20 with her soulful ballad “Made for Me.”
If these artists perform these hits on the show, it could not only give the hits a boost, but the records’ Grammy chances, because the audience will likely include Grammy voters who are starting to think of their Grammy choices. (The Grammys’ online entry period runs from July 17 to Aug. 31.)
Henson previously hosted the BET Awards in 2021 and 2022. The Oscar-nominated actress (for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) is one of only two performers to host the show three times (the other being Mo’Nique, who won an Oscar for Precious).
Drake leads the 2024 BET Awards nominations with seven nods, followed by Nicki Minaj with six; J. Cole, Sexyy Red, SZA, Monét and Beyoncé with five each; and 21 Savage, Doja Cat, Megan Thee Stallion, Tyla and Usher with four each.
Voting for the 2024 Viewer’s Choice Award began last week and ends June 30 (at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT). Nominees in that category are Doja Cat’s “Agora Hills,” Lil Durk’s “All My Life” (featuring J. Cole), Gunna’s “Fukumean,” Jack Harlow’s “Lovin on Me,” Long’s “Made for Me,” Monét’s “On My Mama,” Drake’s “Rich Baby Daddy” (featuring Sexyy Red & SZA), Chris Brown’s “Sensational (featuring Davido & Lojay), Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em” and Tyla’s “Water.”
Connie Orlando, BET’s EVP specials, music programming & music strategy,will oversee and executive produce the annual show. Jamal Noisette, SVP, tentpoles & music community engagement, will co-executive produce for BET. Jesse Collins Entertainment is the production company for the show, with Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay also serving as executive producers.
Here are the performers for the 2024 BET Awards. (Additional performers may be added. In that event, this list will be updated.)
2024 BET Awards Performers
Ms. Lauryn Hill & YG Marley
Ice Spice
Tyla
GloRilla
Latto
Muni Long
Sexyy Red
Shaboozey
Victoria Monét
Tanner Adell (BET Amplified stage)
Quincy Jones is set to receive an honorary Oscar at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences’ 15th Governors Awards on Sunday, Nov. 17, at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood. This year’s other honorees, voted on by the Academy’s board of governors, are casting director Juliet Taylor; filmmaker and philanthropist Richard Curtis (the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award) and producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, best known for the James Bond franchise (the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award).
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“The recipients of this year’s Governors Awards have set the bar incredibly high across their remarkable careers, and the Academy’s board of governors is thrilled to recognize them with Oscars,” Academy president Janet Yang said in a statement. Of Jones, she added, “Quincy Jones’ artistic genius and relentless creativity have made him one of the most influential musical figures of all time.”
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This is the second honorary Oscar for Jones, 91, who was voted the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1994. Jones accepted that award on the Oscar telecast in 1995 from his longtime friend Oprah Winfrey. He said in part, “This moment, this evening, this spot where I stand tonight was not my destination when I was young and full of vinegar. I did not engineer this journey. To tell you the truth, I don’t think I could even see this far. And now that I’m older and full of wonder, I can see that maybe other forces were at the wheel.”
Jones has received seven Oscar nominations, but has yet to win a competitive Oscar (which is the reason he is not officially an EGOT). Nonetheless, Jones has made Oscar history many times. He was the first Black musician to be hired as music director on the annual Oscar telecast.
In 1967, Jones became the first Black composer to receive an Oscar nomination for best original song for “The Eyes of Love” from Banning. (His collaborator, Bob Russell, was the first Black lyricist to be nominated.) That same year, Jones became only the third Black composer to be nominated in a scoring category, for In Cold Blood. (The first two Black composers to land scoring nods were Duke Ellington, for Paris Blues, and Calvin Jackson, for The Unsinkable Molly Brown).
Jones has received two more nods in scoring categories, for The Wiz (1978) and The Color Purple (1985). He has also received two more nods for best original song, for the title song from For Love of Ivy (which he also co-wrote with Russell) and “Miss Celie’s Blues (Sister)” from The Color Purple. Jones is, to this day, the only Black composer with three nods in scoring categories. He is one of two Black songwriters with three nods for best original song. (The other is Lionel Richie, one of his collaborators on “Miss Celie’s Blues (Sister).”)
Jones received a seventh Oscar nod as a producer of the 1985 film The Color Purple.
He has won all of the other major entertainment awards – 28 Grammys (spanning from 1964 to 2019), a Primetime Emmy (for composing music for the landmark 1977 miniseries Roots) and a Tony (for serving as a producer of the revival of The Color Purple in 2016).
Of the other honorees, Yang said: “The selection of Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli is a testament to their success as producers of the fan-favorite Bond series and their contribution to the industry’s theatrical landscape. Richard Curtis is a brilliant comedic storyteller whose tremendous charitable efforts embody the meaning of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. Juliet Taylor has cast iconic and beloved films and paved a new path for the field. Their profound love of cinema and indelible contribution to our art form make these five individuals truly deserving of these honors.”
Curtis’ film credits include Notting Hill, Bridget Jones’s Diary and Love Actually. He received an Oscar nomination for his screenplay for Four Weddings and a Funeral. Curtis is the co-founder of Comic Relief U.K. and USA; his fundraising work over 40 years has helped raise more than $2 billion. In 2005, he co-created Make Poverty History and helped produce the Live 8 concerts. Most recently, he co-founded the group Project Everyone, giving practical support to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, and established the ethical investment campaign Make My Money Matter.
Taylor is a prolific casting director who is behind some of the most acclaimed casts in film history. Some notable credits from her 50-year career include Taxi Driver, Annie Hall, Big, Sleepless in Seattle and Schindler’s List. She has worked with directors including James L. Brooks, Nora Ephron, Mike Nichols, Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg.
Wilson and Broccoli of EON Productions are producers of the James Bond film series. They have produced some of the most successful 007 films ever, including including Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre and No Time to Die. (The last-three named films all yielded Oscar winners for best original song, for Adele‘s “Skyfall,” Sam Smith‘s “Writing’s on the Wall” and Billie Eilish‘s “No Time to Die,” respectively.) Wilson and Broccoli are directors of the Broccoli Foundation, founded by Dana and Albert R. (Cubby) Broccoli to support the arts, medicine and education. Cubby Broccoli received the Thalberg Award in 1981. Barbara Broccoli is the second woman to receive the Thalberg Award (following filmmaker Kathleen Kennedy in 2018).
The Honorary Award is given “to honor extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences of any discipline, or for outstanding service to the Academy.”
The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award is given “to an individual in the motion picture arts and sciences whose humanitarian efforts have brought credit to the industry by promoting human welfare and contributing to rectifying inequities.”
The Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award is presented to creative producers “whose body of work reflects a consistently high quality of motion picture production.”
Four months after winning his third Grammy Award (best gospel album for All Things New: Live in Orlando), Tye Tribbett is the leading nominee for the 2024 Stellar Awards, with eight nods. Tribbett will also receive the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Icon Award.
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Pastor Mike Jr. and Ricky Dillard each received six nominations; Jonathan McReynolds and Erica Campbell each nabbed five.
Kim Burrell is set to receive the Aretha Franklin Icon Award.
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The 39th annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards show is set to tape on Saturday, July 20 at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. TV personality and comedian Loni Love and radio/TV personality and comedian Rickey Smiley are set to co-host. The two-hour show will premiere on the Stellar Network on Saturday, August 3 at 8 p.m. and repeat at 10 p.m. ET. It will also air in broadcast syndication from Aug. 10 – Sept. 8.
Tickets are available now at www.stellarawards.com or Ticketmaster.com.
The 39th Stellar Gospel Music Awards show is executive produced by Don Jackson with Jennifer J. Jackson serving as producer and executive in charge of production; Michael A. Johnson as producer and director, Erin Johnson as talent producer and Daniel Moore as music director.
This year’s Stellar Awards show is part of the Stellar Plus week, which offers a diverse array of activities for attendees. A full list of events and ticket information is available at stellarplusexperience.com. Stellar Plus event sponsors include Amazon Music, Compassion and The Recording Academy.
Here’s a complete list of nominations for the 39th annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards:
Artist of the year
Donald Lawrence; Donald Lawrence Presents Power: A Tribute to Twinkie Clark; RCA Inspiration
Erica Campbell; I Love You; My Block Inc.
Pastor Mike Jr.; Impossible; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
Tye Tribbett; All Things New (Live Album); Motown Gospel
Song of the year
“Able” ft. Marvin Winans; Jonathan McReynolds, Major Johnson Finley, Marvin Winans & Demetrius Terrell Wilson; MNRK
“Feel Alright (Blessed)”; Erica Campbell, Warryn Campbell, Marvin L. Winans, Juan Winans & William Weatherspoon; My Block Inc.
“It’s Morning”; Latrice Pace; Latrice Pace
“Only One Night Tho (Live)”; Tye Tribbett; Motown Gospel
Male artist of the year
Jonathan McReynolds; My Truth; MNRK
Melvin Crispell III; No Failure; RCA Inspiration
Pastor Mike Jr.; Impossible; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
Tye Tribbett; All Things New (Live Album); Motown Gospel
Albertina Walker female artist of the year
Erica Campbell; I Love You; My Block Inc.
Jekalyn Carr; JEKALYN; Waynorth Music
Kierra Sheard; All Yours; RCA Inspiration/Karew Entertainment
Maurette Brown Clark; He Loves Me; Nettie’s Child Music/MNRK
Duo/chorus group of the year
Anthony Brown & group therAPy; Affirmations; Key of A/Tyscot/FairTrade
JJ Hairston; Believe Again Vol II; Tribl Records
Maverick City Music; The Maverick Way Complete; Tribl Records
The Walls Group; Four Walls; My Block Inc.
New artist of the year
Adam Blackstone; A Legacy Christmas; BASSic Black Entertainment Records/Anderson Music Group/Empire
Jevon Dewand & The Trapstarz; The Change Experience; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
Jovonta Patton; Established; Newton Street Entertainment/MNRK
Rudy Currence; Stained Glass Windows; Mike Chek / MNRK
Album of the year
All Things New (Live Album); Tye Tribbett; Motown Gospel
Choirmaster II; Ricky Dillard; Motown Gospel
Impossible; Pastor Mike Jr.; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
My Truth; Jonathan McReynolds; MNRK
Choir of the year
B. Chase Williams & Shabach; CHASing the Next Chapter; Mellie’s Boy Muzic Group
Ricky Dillard; Choirmaster II; Motown Gospel
Vincent Bohanan & SOV; Live in Dallas; HezHouse Entertainment
Zak Williams & 1AKORD; Revisited; Enon Music Group
Producer of the year
Donald Lawrence; Donald Lawrence Presents Power: A Tribute to Twinkie Clark; RCA Inspiration
Pastor Mike Jr. (Michael McClure Jr.) & Jevon Hill; Impossible; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
Tye Tribbett, Joseph Bethea, and assisted by Shante Tribbett; All Things New (Live Album); Motown Gospel
Warryn Campbell; I Love You; My Block Inc.
Contemporary duo/chorus group of the year
Anthony Brown & group therAPy; Affirmations; Key of A/Tyscot/FairTrade
Housefires; How to Start a Housefire (Pt. III); Housefires Music
Pastor Dalton Hill & The Tabernacle Singers; Rejoice (Live from Boston); Beulah Tabernacle/Bean House Productions
The Walls Group; Four Walls; My Block Inc.
Traditional duo/chorus group of the year
JJ Hairston; Believe Again Vol II; Tribl Records
Kevin Vasser & BLVRS; I Believe; KTV Music
Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers; Live in Memphis 2; EvoWorld Entertainment, Inc
Ron Summers; God Can; Emanuel Media Group/Ron Summers Music
Contemporary male artist of the year
Jonathan McReynolds; My Truth; MNRK
Jovonta Patton; Established; Newton Street Entertainment/MNRK
Pastor Mike Jr.; Impossible; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
Tye Tribbett; All Things New (Live Album); Motown Gospel
Traditional male artist of the year
John P. Kee; Tribute to a Legend: Rance Allen; Kee Music Group/Tyscot Records
Kelontae Gavin; Testify; RCA Inspiration
Melvin Crispell III; No Failure; RCA Inspiration
Ricky Dillard; Choirmaster II; Motown Gospel
Contemporary female artist of the year
Kierra Sheard; All Yours; RCA Inspiration/Karew Entertainment
Latrice Pace; Exodus: The Journey of Obedience, Vol 2; Latrice Pace
Lena Byrd Miles; Brand New; My Block Inc.
Naomi Raine; Cover the Earth; Tribl Records
Traditional female artist of the year
Eartha Edwards; It All Belongs to God; Blockbuster Records/Javel Music
Jekalyn Carr; JEKALYN; Waynorth Music
Lucinda Moore; Lord, I Hear You; Nalah Music Group/New Day Distribution/The Orchard
Maurette Brown Clark; He Loves Me; Nettie’s Child Music/MNRK
Contemporary album of the year
All Things New (Live Album); Tye Tribbett; Motown Gospel
I Love You; Erica Campbell; My Block Inc.
Impossible; Pastor Mike Jr.; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
My Truth; Jonathan McReynolds; MNRK
Traditional album of the year
Choirmaster II; Ricky Dillard; Motown Gospel
Donald Lawrence Presents Power: A Tribute to Twinkie Clark; Donald Lawrence; RCA Inspiration
JEKALYN; Jekalyn Carr; Waynorth Music
No Failure; Melvin Crispell III; RCA Inspiration
Urban single or performance of the year
“Feel Alright (Blessed)”; Erica Campbell; My Block Inc.
“Only One Night Tho (Live)”; Tye Tribbett; Motown Gospel
“Trusting God”; James Fortune & Monica; FIYA World/MNRK
“Witness”; Dexter Walker and Zion Movement; Indieblue Music
Music video of the year
“All Things”; West Webb and Jalen Turner; Fo Yo Soul Recordings/RCA Inspiration
“Feel Alright (Blessed)”; Rich Laru; My Block Inc.
“I Will Wait”; Avery Henley; Tyscot
“Look at God”; Damien Sandoval; RCA Inspiration
Traditional choir of the year
Kevin Lemons & Higher Calling; Destined for Greatness; HezHouse Entertainment
Ricky Dillard; Choirmaster II; Motown Gospel
Vincent Bohanan & SOV; Live in Dallas; HezHouse Entertainment
Zak Williams & 1AKORD; Revisited; Enon Music Group
Traditional artist of the year
Jekalyn Carr; JEKALYN; Waynorth Music
Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers; Live in Memphis 2; EvoWorld Entertainment, Inc
Melvin Crispell III; No Failure; RCA Inspiration
Ricky Dillard; Choirmaster II; Motown Gospel
Special event album of the year
Destined for Greatness; Kevin Lemons & Higher Calling; HezHouse Entertainment
Donald Lawrence Presents Power: A Tribute to Twinkie Clark; Donald Lawrence; RCA Inspiration
Joy Is Here; JJ Hairston; JamesTown Music/MNRK
Tribute to a Legend: Rance Allen; Various Artists; Kee Music Group/Tyscot Records
Rap/hip hop gospel album of the year
Emanuel; Da T.R.U.T.H.; Mixed Bag Entertainment
His Glory Alone II; KB; RCA Inspiration/Provident Label Group LLC
Pray for Atlanta; 1K Phew & Zaytoven; Reach Records
The Change Experience; Jevon Dewand & The Trapstarz; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
Youth project of the year
AMG Kidz; The Kidz Interlude; AMG Kidz/Anderson Music Group
Nina Symmone; Just Smile; AMG Kidz/Anderson Music Group
Noah Alexander; Lots of Love; AMG Kidz/Anderson Music Group
Shout Praises Kids; Joy to the World; Integrity Music
Quartet of the year
Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers; Live in Memphis 2; EvoWorld Entertainment, Inc
Paul Porter & The Christianaires; Miracle EP; Porterboy Music Group/Trin Records
The Williams Singers; Reel Quartet; Deznell Music Group/Anderson Music Group
Young Men 4 Christ; Our Testimony; Independent
Recorded music packaging of the year
Brand New; JP Designs Art; My Block Inc.
Choirmaster II; Nathan Blaine; Motown Gospel
JEKALYN; Octavia’s Holmes; Waynorth Music
Lord, I Hear You; BMO Designs & Blair Monique Walker; Nalah Music Group/New Day Distribution/The Orchard
Praise and worship album of the year
Believe Again Vol II; JJ Hairston; Tribl Records
Chapter X: See the Goodness; VaShawn Mitchell; V Man Entertainment/Tyscot/FairTrade
The Journey; Todd Dulaney; DulaneyLand/MNRK
The Maverick Way Complete; Maverick City Music; Tribl Records
Praise and worship song of the year
“Always”; Jovonta Patton; Newton Street Entertainment/MNRK
“Holy Forever”; CeCe Winans; Red Alliance Media
“I Just Wanna Praise You”; Maurette Brown Clark; Nettie’s Child Music/MNRK
“It’s Working ft. Hezekiah Walker”; Todd Dulaney; DulaneyLand/MNRK
Rap/hip hop song of the year
“Amen Right There” (ft. Canton Jones & Everett Drake); Emcee N.I.C.E.; Gypsy City Music
“MIA” ft. 1K Phew; Jor’Dan Armstrong; Jor’Dan Armstrong Music
“Miracles” ft. Lecrae; KB; RCA Inspiration/Provident Label Group LLC
“Your Power” ft. Tasha Cobbs Leonard; Lecrae; Reach Records
Top market of the year
WBGX 1570 AM, Chicago
WNZN 89.1 FM, Cleveland
WPRS Praise 104.1, Washington, DC
WPZE – MyPraise 102.5, Atlanta
Medium market of the year
KOKA 980 AM 93.3 FM, Shreveport
KZTS 1380 AM, Little Rock
WEHA 88.7 & 100.3 FM, Atlantic City
WJYD JOY 107.1 FM, Columbus, OH
Small market of the year
WBZF-98.5 FM, Florence-Myrtle Beach
WWLD-HD2 98.3FM, Tallahassee
WXHL 89.1 FM, Wilmington
WXOK 1460 AM, Baton Rouge
Internet station of the year
GODRadio1.com, https://streams.radio.co/sf6241e689/listen
Sound Gospel Radio, https://soundgospelradio.com/live/
Waycrosspraise/Power 89.1, https://www.waycrosspraise.org/
WVTC Gospel Radio Network, http://www.wvtcradio.com
Syndicated gospel radio show of the year
Early Morning Praise Party, Sherry Mackey & Dre Monie
Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell, Erica Campbell & Arlen “Griff” Griffin
The Nightly Spirit, Darlene “McCoy” Jackson
Willie Moore Jr Show, Willie Moore Jr & Dwight Stone
Gospel announcer of the year
Destiny Diggs, – WXHL 89.1 FM
Neiko Flowers, WPZE – MyPraise 102.5
Cheryl Jackson, WPRS Praise 104.1
Trey Nickelson, WBZF-98.5 F
Throughout almost two decades, songwriter and producer Luciano Luna has stood out as one of the most prolific artists behind the scenes in regional Mexican music, with songs like “Te Hubieras Ido Antes” by Julión Álvarez that will remain for posterity in the genre.
“I belonged to the generation of songwriters who suffered the most, who fought to get our credit in song collaborations or announcements,” Luna tells Billboard Español.
On June 26th, the musician will receive SESAC Latina’s Legacy Award in Los Angeles, as part of the celebration of the association’s 30th anniversary.
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Born in Sinaloa, Mexico, Luna has been recognized four times as SESAC Latina Songwriter of the Year for his many hits performed by a variety of acts, such as Banda El Recodo (“La Mejor de Todas”), Calibre 50 (“Tus Latidos”), Julión Álvarez (“Te Hubieras Ido Antes”), Grupo Firme (“El Reemplazo”) and Banda Los Recoditos (“Me Sobrabas Tú”).
Throughout his nearly two-decade career, he has recorded over 1,500 songs, of which about 500 have been released as singles in Mexico and the United States. With the SESAC Legacy Award, the Latin Grammy winner adds to a list of accolades that also includes La Musa Awards and the Conqueror Award from the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame.
In an interview with Billboard Español, Luna recently talked about the road he has traveled alongside colleagues such as Horacio Palencia and Espinoza Paz, the differences between the composers of past and present and upcoming projects with stars such as Pepe Aguilar and Carín León.
You have received many awards — what does this one in particular mean to you?
All awards are motivating, for me they are also important. Maybe for someone who doesn’t know about songwriting, it doesn’t mean much. Unless it’s a Grammy or a Billboard [Music Award], it doesn’t attract so much attention for those who are not in the industry.
Had you done any recounting of your career accomplishments before?
When I found out that I was going to receive this great recognition I realized that I have been composing for 18 years, I have been constant and now I am of the generation that has already come a long way. In fact, it will be 10 years since the first time I won SESAC Songwriter of the Year; I had 17 singles placed in 2004, so it was unforgettable. Subsequently I’ve been awarded three more times, so we’ve had a good run.
Your contributions to Latin music haven’t always been smooth sailing.
I belonged to the generation of songwriters who suffered the most, we fought to get our credit in song collaborations or announcements. The new generation, if they get a song recorded, they get into orbit very fast and they make money very fast too … Maybe the only complication is that there are a lot of them now, but nothing more.
To what extent have things changed for you financially?
Every stream today is worth something, and you get paid. I had to suffer along with Horacio Palencia and Espinoza Paz, because there was a lot of piracy [back then]. It was very difficult financially to think that you could only dedicate yourself to songwriting. I had never said this, but I received 1,800 Mexican pesos a year, about $950. Imagine what nonsense!
I could tell you that the first seven or eight years were very difficult — because it was the [physical] album era, so you had to deliver something that stood out so that it could become a single, get radio plays and then from there, that’s where you got the biggest income. I’m one of the veterans who battled and I’m proud of that. We have built a great brotherhood. Besides those I mentioned, there’s also Omar Tarazón, Tony Montoya, Geovani Cabrera and Edén Muñoz.
Do you think it’s fair how music is handled today?
It is unfair if we think that there is so much music released today that a lot of it remains hidden. But if you make quality, your music will continue to survive. I go to Banda El Recodo’s concerts and listen to 14 of my songs that they recorded eight or 10 years ago, and that makes me feel satisfied with my contribution to music.
What do you think is the key to transcend over time?
I bet more on a timeless style, not on what is trending, and that has worked for me. I am currently on Pepe Aguilar’s new album, that’s a dream come true; on Carín León’s new album with three songs; four songs on Luis Ángel “El Flaco”’s album; and soon with Ángela Aguilar and Conjunto Primavera. Another dream fulfilled is to work with Tony Meléndez, one of the voices I admire the most.
I have produced four of Chiquis’ albums; also with Banda Los Sebastianes. I am still here, perhaps no longer with that anxiety of being in first place. Now I have the wisdom to enjoy what I do.
What advice would you give to the new generations of songwriters?
Now that I will be given this award, I feel confident to advise new composers not to sign documents without legal advice, try to make music that will last for many years. They should have gratitude to their peers who guide them.
We had more love for this profession; today they fight for percentages and publishers rights when they only have one or two hits.
What are your thoughts on the current state of regional Mexican music?
What is happening with regional Mexican music adds up to all of us, but we have to take advantage of it to make quality and good collaborations and to be known globally. The new generations must know where the whole movement comes from. It is not fair to think that what is currently being listened to is all that exists.
Is there an artist you would like to collaborate with?
I have been talking with Julión Álvarez about working together again. There is also Alfredo Olivas, who is going through a great moment in his career. Last year for the first time he recorded for someone other than himself and he did very well with the song by [Aarón] “La Pantera” Martínez [“Ni Con Labios Prestados”]. I think Horacio and I can contribute to his career now that he is having that opening.
How will you celebrate the night of June 26?
It is a very intimate event and I want to experience it with my family. Since I was notified that I would be honored, we have been enjoying it together. My history with SESAC through [its vice-president] Celeste Zendejas has been very nice. I’m going to enjoy celebrating with my colleagues and be grateful, because many of those who will be there that night have been part of my career.
De La Soul, Caroline Polachek, Blondshell and IDLES won in multiple categories at the 2024 A2IM Libera Awards, which were held on Monday (June 10) at Gotham Hall in New York City. Comedian Marcia Belsky hosted the show.
Mitski’s seventh studio album, The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We (Dead Oceans), won record of the year.
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De La Soul’s classic 1989 debut album 3 Feet High and Rising won three awards – best reissue, creative packaging and a marketing genius award. The album, originally released on Tommy Boy Records, was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame this year. The reissue was released on AOI Records/Chrysalis Records.
Polachek’s Desire, I Want to Turn Into You, released on Perpetual Novice, won self-released record of the year and best alternative rock record.
Blondshell’s Blondshell, released on Partisan Records, won best rock record. The group also won breakthrough artist presented by Virgin Music Group.
IDLES, on Partisan Records, took awards for music video of the year (“Dancer”) and best short-form video (“Grace” teaser). Both tracks appear on the band’s fifth studio album, Tangk.
Killer Mike’s Michael, released on Loma Vista Recordings, which won a Grammy for best rap album on Feb. 4, won best hip-hop/rap record.
This year’s Libera Awards featured performances from Christian McBride’s New Jawn (Mack Avenue Music Group), classical pianist Lara Downes (Pentatone), Latin artist Pachyman (ATO Records), rapper Kari Faux (drink sum wtr), hotly-tipped NYC-trio Fcukers (Ninja Tune/Technocolour), and rising pop rock artist LØLØ (Hopeless Records).
The awards are presented by A2IM (The American Association of Independent Music, Inc.), a not-for-profit trade association that represents independent music recording owners.
The A2IM Libera Awards presented by Merlin boasted 36 categories honoring the best in independent music. This year saw the addition of three new categories: best record from games and interactive media, publisher of the year and distributor of the year.
This year, the Libera Awards honored Louis Posen, founder of Hopeless Records, with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his leadership in the independent sector.
Louis Posen with Hopeless Records and Lølø
Dan Bassini
The Libera Awards will kick off A2IM’s annual Indie Week conference, which will begin Tuesday (June 11) and run through Thursday, June 13 at the InterContinental New York Times Square.
Here’s a complete list of nominations for the 2024 Libera Awards, with winners marked:
Record of the Year
L’Rain – I Killed Your Dog (Mexican Summer)
Killer Mike – MICHAEL (Loma Vista Recordings)
WINNER: Mitski – The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We (Dead Oceans)
Caroline Polachek – Desire, I Want to Turn Into You (Perpetual Novice)
Wednesday – Rat Saw God (Dead Oceans)
Label of the Year (15 or more employees)
Dead Oceans
Domino Recording Company
Hopeless Records
Matador Records
Merge Records
WINNER: Partisan Records
Sub Pop Records
Third Man Records
Label of the Year (5 or fewer employees)
Bastard Jazz Recordings
Bayonet Records
FADER Label
Innovative Leisure
Oh Boy Records
Topshelf Records
WINNER: True Panther
Label of the Year (6-14 employees)
Captured Tracks
City Slang
Lex Records
WINNER: Light in the Attic
Mack Avenue Music Group
Photo Finish Records
Saddle Creek
Distributor of the Year
FUGA
Light in the Attic
The Orchard
WINNER: Redeye Worldwide
Secretly Distribution
Symphonic Distribution
Virgin Music Group
Publisher of the Year
Arts & Crafts Music
Domino Publishing Company
Reservoir Media
Rimas Publishing
WINNER: Secretly Publishing
Sub Pop Publishing
Warp Publishing
Independent Champion presented by Merlin
WINNER: Bandcamp
Downtown Music Holdings
Infinite Catalog
Light in the Attic
Peanut Butter Wolf
Jorge Brea
Thirty Tigers
Breakthrough Artist/Release presented by Virgin Music Group
BAMBII (Innovative Leisure)
bar italia (Matador Records)
WINNER: Blondshell – Blondshell (Partisan Records)
Indigo De Souza – All of This Will End (Saddle Creek)
Say She She – Silver (Colemine Records)
Slow Pulp (ANTI)
Wednesday (Dead Oceans)
Music Video of the Year
Black Pumas – “More Than a Love Song” (ATO Records)
Blondshell – “Salad” (Partisan Records)
Indigo De Souza – “Younger & Dumber” (Saddle Creek)
Geese – “Cowboy Nudes” (Partisan Records)
WINNER: IDLES – “Dancer” (Partisan Records)
Arlo Parks – “Blades” (Transgressive)
Shygirl – “Heaven (feat. Tinashe)” (Because Music)
Best Alternative Rock Record
Courtney Barnett – End of the Day (Mom+Pop)
Geese – 3D Country (Partisan Records)
Hotline TNT – Cartwheel (Third Man Records)
Mitski – The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We (Dead Oceans)
WINNER: Caroline Polachek – Desire, I Want to Turn Into You (Perpetual Novice)
Wednesday – Rat Saw God (Dead Oceans)
Best American Roots Record
Charley Crockett – The Man From Waco Redux (Son Of Davy/Thirty Tigers)
Madi Diaz – “Don’t Do Me Good” (feat. Kacey Musgraves) (ANTI)
WINNER: MJ Lenderman – “Rudolph” (ANTI)
Hiss Golden Messenger – Jump for Joy (Merge Records)
Esther Rose – Safe to Run (New West Records)
Allison Russell – The Returner (Fantasy Records)
Best Blues Record
The Count Basie Orchestra – Basie Swings the Blues (Candid Records)
Robert Finley – Black Bayou (Easy Eye Sound)
WINNER: Christone “Kingfish” Ingram – Live in London (Alligator Records)
Bettye LaVette – LaVette! (Jay-Vee Records/MRI)
Various Artists – Tell Everybody! (21st Century Juke Joint Blues From Easy Eye Sound) (Easy Eye Sound)
Nick Waterhouse – The Fooler (Innovative Leisure)
Best Classical Record
Chick Corea & Orchestra da Camera della Sardegna – Sardinia (Candid Records)
Doeke – Bewondering (Nettwerk Music Group)
Lara Downes – Love at Last (Pentatone)
Erik Hall – Canto Ostinato (Western Vinyl)
WINNER: Hauschka – Philanthropy (City Slang)
Will Liverman – The Dunbar/Moore Sessions: Vol. I (Lexicon Classics)
Kelly Moran – Vesela (Warp Records)
Chick Corea & Orchestra da Camera della Sardegna – “Mozart Concerto No. 24 C Minor, K.491: II Larghetto” (Candid Records)
Best Country Record
Mya Byrne – Rhinestone Tomboy (Kill Rock Stars)
Colbie Caillat – Along the Way (Blue Jean Baby Records/Downtown Artist & Label Services)
The Pink Stones – You Know Who (Normaltown Records)
WINNER: Margo Price – Strays (Loma Vista Recordings)
Tanya Tucker – Sweet Western Sound (Fantasy Records)
Turnpike Troubadours – A Cat in The Rain (Bossier City Records/Thirty Tigers)
Best Dance Record
Aluna – MYCELiUM (Mad Decent)
Braxe + Falcon – Step by Step (Remixes) (Smugglers Way/Domino Recording Company)
Jayda G – Guy (Ninja Tune)
LP Giobbi – Light Places (Counter Records/Ninja Tune)
Peggy Gou – “(It Goes Like) Nanana” (XL Recordings)
Hudson Mohawke & Nikki Nair – Set the Roof (Warp Records)
WINNER: Romy – Mid Air (Young)
Best Electronic Record
Floating Points – “Birth4000” (Ninja Tune)
Sofia Kourtesis – Madres (Ninja Tune)
Little Dragon – Slugs of Love (Ninja Tune)
ODESZA, Yellow House – Flaws in Our Design (Foreign Family Collective/Ninja Tune)
Overmono – Good Lies (XL Recordings)
DJ Shadow – Action Adventure (Mass Appeal)
WINNER: Yaeji – With a Hammer (XL Recordings)
Best Folk Record
Julie Byrne – The Greater Wings (Ghostly International)
Laura Jane Grace – “Dysphoria Hoodie” (Polyvinyl Record Co.)
Kara Jackson – Why Does the Earth Give Us People to Love? (September Recordings)
Aoife O’Donovan – Age of Apathy Solo Sessions (Yep Roc Records)
Andy Shauf – Norm (ANTI)
WINNER: Sufjan Stevens – Javelin (Asthmatic Kitty Records)
Sunny War – Anarchist Gospel (New West Records)
Best Global Record presented by Redeye Worldwide
Altin Gün – Ask (ATO Records)
Asake – Work of Art (YBNL Nation / EMPIRE)
Bombino – Sahel (Partisan Records)
Pachyman – Switched-On (ATO Records)
Sampa the Great – As Above, So Below (Deluxe) (Loma Vista Recordings)
WINNER: WITCH – Zango (Desert Daze Sound)
Best Heavy Record
Beartooth – The Surface (Red Bull Records)
The Callous Daoboys – God Smiles Upon the Callous Daoboys (MNRK Music Group)
From Ashes to New – Blackout (Better Noise Music)
Fucked Up – One Day (Merge Records)
WINNER: Model/Actriz – Dogsbody (True Panther)
Soul Glo – “If I Speak (Shut the Fuck Up)” (Epitaph)
Zulu – A New Tomorrow (Flatspot Records)
Best Hip-Hop/Rap Record
Aesop Rock – Integrated Tech Solutions (Rhymesayers Entertainment)
Atmosphere – So Many Other Realities Exist Simultaneously (Rhymesayers Entertainment)
Danny Brown – Quaranta (Warp Records)
Conway The Machine – WON’T HE DO IT (Drumwork Music Group LLC/EMPIRE)
McKinley Dixon – Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!? (City Slang)
Kari Faux – REAL B*TCHES DON’T DIE! (drink sum wtr)
WINNER: Killer Mike – MICHAEL (Loma Vista Recordings)
billy woods, Kenny Segal – Maps (Backwoodz Studios/Fat Possum Records)
Best Jazz Record
Joey Alexander – Continuance (Mack Avenue Music Group)
Louis Cole – Some Unused Songs (Brainfeeder)
Sam Gendel & Marcella Cytrynowicz – AUDIOBOOK (Psychic Hotline)
Robert Glasper – In December (Loma Vista Recordings)
WINNER: John Carroll Kirby – Blowout (Stones Throw Records)
Christian McBride’s New Jawn – Prime (Mack Avenue Music Group)
Best Latin Record
El Búho – Strata (Wonderwheel Recordings)
Bebel Gilberto – João ([PIAS])
WINNER: Helado Negro – “LFO (Lupe Finds Oliveros)” (4AD)
Carla Morrison – “Todo Fue Por Amor (de la película “Con Esta Luz”)” (Cosmica Artists)
Pahua – Habita (Nacional Records)
Tagua Tagua – Tanto (Wonderwheel Recordings)
Best Outlier Record
Anjimile – The King (4AD)
ANOHNI – My Back Was a Bridge for You to Cross (Secretly Canadian)
Khruangbin – Live at Sydney Opera House (Dead Oceans)
WINNER: L’Rain – I Killed Your Dog (Mexican Summer)
Tirzah – trip9love…??? (Domino Recording Company)
yeule – softscars (Ninja Tune)
Best Pop Record
Belle and Sebastian – Late Developers (Matador Records)
CHAI – CHAI (Sub Pop Records)
Becca Mancari – Left Hand (Captured Tracks)
WINNER: Samia – Honey (Grand Jury Music)
Suki Waterhouse – “To Love” (Sub Pop Records)
Best Punk Record
CIVIC – Taken by Force (ATO Records)
WINNER: Mannequin Pussy – “I Got Heaven” (Epitaph)
Neck Deep – “Take Me With You” (Hopeless Records)
Scowl – Psychic Dance Routine (Flatspot Records)
Snõõper – Super Snõõper (Third Man Records)
Soul Glo – “If I Speak (Shut the Fuck Up)” (Epitaph)
Best R&B Record
Emily King – Special Occasion (ATO Records)
WINNER: Sampha – Lahai (Young)
Emeli Sandé – How Were We to Know (Chrysalis Records)
Jorja Smith – falling or flying (FAMM Limited (Jorja Smith))
Cleo Sol – Gold (Forever Living Originals / TuneCore)
Jamila Woods – Water Made Us (Jagjaguwar)
Best Record From Games and Interactive Media
Jon Everist – The Lamplighters League (Original Soundtrack) (Lakeshore Records)
WINNER: HEALTH – “HATEFUL” (Loma Vista Recordings)
Mr. Sauceman, ClascyJitto, Post Elvis – Pizza Tower (Materia Collective)
Matt Creamer, Retroware, Professor Shyguy ft. Nur-D – Prison City Original Soundtrack (Screenwave Media)
Best Reissue
Cymande – Cymande (Partisan Records)
WINNER: De La Soul – 3 Feet High & Rising (AOI Records/Chrysalis Records)
The Exploding Hearts – Guitar Romantic (Expanded and Remastered) (Third Man Records)
Jerry Garcia – Might as Well: A Round Records Retrospective (Round Records)
Jason Isbell – Southeastern (Southeastern Records / Thirty Tigers)
Neutral Milk Hotel – The Collected Works of Neutral Milk Hotel (Merge Records)
Best Remix
WINNER: Sudan Archives, ODESZA – “Selfish Soul (ODESZA Remix)” (Stones Throw Records under exclusive license to Foreign Family Collective/Ninja Tune)
Christine and the Queens – “To Be Honest” (SG Lewis Remix) (Because Music)
John Summit, deadmau5, Kaskade – “I Remember” (John Summit Remix) (mau5trap)
Jerry Garcia & LP Giobbi – Garcia (Remixed) (Round Records)
Margo Price – “Change of Heart” (feat. Sierra Ferrell) (Loma Vista Recordings)
Best Rock Record
Be Your Own Pet – Mommy (Third Man Records)
WINNER: Blondshell – Blondshell (Partisan Records)
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit – Weathervanes (Southeastern Records)
Manchester Orchestra – The Valley of Vision (Loma Vista Recordings)
The National – First Two Pages of Frankenstein (4AD)
Queens of the Stone Age – In Times New Roman… (Matador Records)
Ratboys – The Window (Topshelf Records)
Best Short-Form Video
Blondshell – “Kiss City” Reel (Partisan Records)
De La Soul – Tribute to Dave (AOI Records/Chrysalis Records)
WINNER: IDLES – “Grace” Teaser (Partisan Records)
John Carroll Kirby – “Oropendola” (Stones Throw Records)
Mitski – The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We (Dead Oceans)
Best Singer-Songwriter Record
Indigo De Souza – All of This Will End (Saddle Creek)
Madi Diaz – “Same Risk” (ANTI)
WINNER: Angel Olsen – Forever Means (Jagjaguwar)
Jess Williamson – Time Ain’t Accidental (Mexican Summer)
Jenny Owen Youngs – Avalanche (Yep Roc Records)
Best Soul/Funk Record
WINNER: Betty Davis – Crashin’ From Passion (Light in the Attic)
Black Pumas – Chronicles of a Diamond (ATO Records)
Robert Finley – Black Bayou (Easy Eye Sound)
Neal Francis – Francis Comes Alive (ATO Records)
Say She She – Silver (Colemine Records)
Best Spiritual Record
WINNER: Blind Boys of Alabama – Echoes of the South (Single Lock Records)
Lecrae, Tasha Cobbs Leonard – “Your Power” (Reach Records)
Katy Nichole – Jesus Changed My Life (Centricity Music)
J Rocc – Beatitudes (Stones Throw Records)
Lori Vambe – Space-Time Dreamtime (STRUT)
Best Sync Usage
Cat Power – Cover of Rihanna’s “Stay” in A24’s Past Lives trailer (Domino Recording Company)
Brittany Howard ft. Childish Gambino – “Stay High” in You People (ATO Records)
WINNER: Refused – “New Noise” in The Bear (Season 2) (Epitaph)
Sharon Van Etten – “Anything” in Priscilla trailer (Jagjaguwar)
Nilüfer Yanya – “Midnight Sun” in The Boogeyman (ATO Records)
Creative Packaging
Aphex Twin – Blackbox Life Recorder 21f / in a room7 F760 (Warp Records)
WINNER: De La Soul – 3 Feet High & Rising (AOI Records/Chrysalis Records)
Jerry Garcia – Heads and Tails: Vol. 1 (Round Records)
Neutral Milk Hotel – The Collected Works of Neutral Milk Hotel (Merge Records)
John Prine – The Oh Boy Singles Box Set (Oh Boy Records)
Various Artists – Sub Pop Singles Club Vol. 8 (Sub Pop Records)
Marketing Genius
Blonde Redhead – Sit Down for Dinner (section1)
Blondshell – Blondshell (Partisan Records)
WINNER: De La Soul – De La Soul Catalog Release (AOI Records/Chrysalis Records)
Peggy Gou – “(It Goes Like) Nanana” (XL Recordings)
Killer Mike – MICHAEL (Loma Vista Recordings)
Mitski – The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We (Dead Oceans)
Self-Released Record of the Year
Laurel Halo – Atlas (Awe)
L’Queer – “Fuck Ron DeSantis” (L’Queer)
Michigander – It Will Never Be the Same (C3 Records)
Paris Texas – MID AIR (Paris Texas LLC)
WINNER: Caroline Polachek – Desire, I Want to Turn Into You (Perpetual Novice)
Tenacious D – “Video Games” (Tenacious D)
“Losing My Religion” was the unlikeliest of hits for R.E.M., Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush” was created at a girls’ songwriting sleepover weekend and, “yeah,” that’s Timbaland’s voice you hear on Justin Timberlake’s hit “SexyBack.”
Ahead of the 53rd annual Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala on Thursday (June 13) at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York, some of this year’s inductees and honorees share stories behind their biggest hits and the songs that hit closest to home, in their own words.
The 2024 class consists of Hillary Lindsey, Dean Pitchford, R.E.M., Steely Dan, Timbaland and the late Cindy Walker. Diane Warren will be honored with the Johnny Mercer Award and SZA will receive the Hal David Starlight Award.
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Hillary Lindsey
“Girl Crush” Co-written with Lori McKenna, Liz Rose Recorded by Little Big Town
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The Grammy-, CMA- and Nashville Songwriters Association International-winning song that spent 13 weeks at the top of the Hot Country Songs chart in 2015 had a spontaneous start. “The three of us are dear friends and once a month we’d do two-night sleepovers at Liz’s house and dive into writing. This was one of those times,” Lindsey says. “I didn’t know it, but Lori had this title ‘Girl Crush’ in her head, and she apparently asked Liz and Liz had said the title sounded cool but might be too hard. I came in and Lori asked me, ‘What do you think about this title?’ It could’ve gone lots of directions, and it was one of those miraculous moments that can happen when you’re creating. I picked up the guitar and played chords and the words just started popping out. It was one of those songs we didn’t put a lot of thought into. We were all throwing out lines and we probably wrote it in 45 minutes.
“Then the girls of Little Big Town were coming over for a write-in. Karen [Fairchild] said, ‘Do you all have anything you’ve written that you love?’ And Liz was like, ‘Well, we do have this song we wrote this morning.’ I was scared out of my mind; I thought we needed to make it sound better. We’d just put it down on our phones on a voice memo so we wouldn’t forget it. And they both just sat there in silence with their eyes real big and we were like, ‘Do you hate it? Do you love it?’ And then they were like, ‘Oh my God, this is a beast of a song.’ Jay Joyce [the producer] took it to the utmost next level. It was otherworldly. He heard it in its raw form and the band just made it shine.”
Dean Pitchford
“Footloose” Co-written and recorded by Kenny Loggins
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Loggins was Pitchford’s top choice for the Footloose title song, which spent three weeks at No. 1 and was nominated for an Oscar in 1984 — and Pitchford went to great lengths to seal the deal. The soundtrack, which produced six Hot 100 top 40 hits, knocked Michael Jackson’s Thriller out of the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200, where it spent 10 weeks. “Kenny had a very big pop career at that point. He sort of auditioned me by giving me a cassette with a melody he and Steve Perry had come up with. All he would say is it was called ‘Don’t Fight It.’ So I wrote the lyric, and he and Steve loved it. They recorded a duet and got a Grammy nomination. And we found out about the nomination while we were in the trailer at Paramount on preproduction on Footloose,” Pitchford says.
“I came to him with the movie script and said, ‘I want to work with you to write the title song.’ He was seduced by reading the script. Paramount was not taking for granted that I had Kenny onboard until they heard something. And then something happened that put us into a great bind. At a gig in Utah, Kenny came out in the dark and walked off the edge of the stage and broke three ribs. He was laid up and recovering because he was leaving for a tour of Asia in four weeks, and now the clock is ticking. I finally got a call from his manager, who said he was going to play one weekend in Lake Tahoe before he goes to Asia and, ‘If you can get yourself to Tahoe I can put you in a room with Kenny.’ The night before I came down with strep throat; I never mentioned it to Kenny. I called it our house of pain because I was running into the bathroom and spraying my throat with Chloraseptic and he was strumming the guitar, which was obviously causing pain. We ended up creating the verse and the chorus of the song. And I had enough to go back to L.A. and say to the executives, ‘He’s in.’”
R.E.M.
“Losing My Religion” Written by Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, Michael Stipe
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The second song on the band’s seventh album, Out of Time, spent 21 weeks on the Hot 100, was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2017 and in 2022 reached one billion YouTube views. But as Mike Mills recalls, it didn’t scream hit. “It’s a five-minute song with no chorus and the lead-in is a mandolin. It was a really cool song… but that is not a recipe for a hit single. We never really thought about songs in terms of, ‘This is going to be a big hit.’ We just wrote the best songs we could. And we always tried to make timeless records. That song was driven by our desire to explore different instruments and ways of writing, [since] we were really writing good songs at that point. And it tapped into a zeitgeist that really worked. I believe in the record company’s mind it was sort of a warm-up track for ‘Shiny Happy People’ or some other thing they thought would be a big hit,” he says.
“Peter [Buck] had begun playing the mandolin all the way back to [our 1988 sixth album] Green and was becoming very proficient, and he came up with basically the whole song. As I remember, when he showed it to us it was fully formed so all we had to do was come up with our parts. I was having a little difficulty with the bass line. It needed to have some element of identity without getting in the way of the mandolin. And I thought, ‘What would John McVie do? I tried to put myself in John McVie’s head and came up with a very simply change that, to me, made all the difference. It’s a simple low F sharp before the minor E chord. That’s all it was, but it gave the song a little bit of darkness. It’s the only time I recall turning to another bass player for help, as it were.”
Timbaland
“SexyBack” Co-written with Justin Timberlake, Nate “Danja” Hills Recorded by Justin Timberlake
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Co-written and produced by Tim Mosely, aka Timbaland, the song that served as a re-introduction for Justin Timberlake was certified three times platinum by the RIAA and delivered him a No. 1 on the Hot 100 in September 2006. “It all started by really being bold,” Timbaland recalls. “We knew people were going to love it — and we knew especially the women would go crazy. Because it was a call-to-action song. It makes you feel good and has something about it that gets your attention. What we were going for was that old David Bowie sound, back in the day when rock n’ roll was in a disruptive space. We were trying to re-create that in [Timberlake’s 2006 sophomore album] FutureSex/LoveSounds. We were going for something different. I thought the way Justin approached it was so futuristic but felt so nostalgic that I knew it was going to shock the world. People were used to him coming off *NSYNC. And the funny thing is, the label came in and they were like, ‘What is this?’ But we knew what it was. We knew it was disruptive. It’s like that Michael Jackson Thriller moment.”
“When we were coming up with the song, Justin was like, ‘This song feels like I’m bringing sexy back.’ And I said, “Yeah.” The way I talk is in rhythm, so ‘yeah’ came out [and] it just fit in the track. And he was like, ‘This is it; this is the song.’ And I thought we should really swag it out, so we did. I was more fascinated about the sound taking over the world than it being No. 1, to be honest. I think what we did was we made dance music come back. And that to me was the moment. My real impact was, ‘Did we change how people view [Justin]?’ Yes, we did that.”
Diane Warren
“I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing,” recorded by Aerosmith; “Here’s To The Nights,” recorded by Ringo Starr and friends
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Warren delivered Aerosmith’s only No. 1 on the Hot 100, where it remained for four weeks in 1998 — one of the songwriting legend’s nine chart-topping hits. “I never, ever thought Aerosmith would do my song. They just don’t do that. I wasn’t in the studio when they were recording so it went from me teaching Steven Tyler the song at the piano to someone sending me the CD and hearing the finished record. I was blown out of my chair; it was so great. I think to this day I’m the only outside songwriter [they’ve worked with].
And while Warren has already received a Grammy, a Primetime Emmy, two Golden Globes, 15 Oscar nominations, and in 2022 became the first-ever songwriter to receive a Governor’s Award from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences, she says the “coolest thing that’s ever happened” is getting two members of the Beatles on her song, “Here’s to the Nights.” As she recalls, “A few years ago Ringo asked me for a song and it was basically, ‘Here’s to the nights we won’t remember with the friends we won’t forget.’ My idea when I gave him the song was, ‘Let’s get your old friends and some new friends on there singing along.’ And my whole intention was to get Paul McCartney. And Paul McCartney was the first person who said yes to Ringo. So I have two f—ing Beatles on my song. And also the other artists on that song — Lenny Kravitz, Dave Grohl, Joe Walsh, Sheryl Crow, Finneas… it’s a Who’s Who.”
Despite such memories, Warren insists, “I’m writing my best songs now. I’m working with so many great artists in all genres, whether its country or Afrobeats, whether its Angélique Kidjo to Kesha, or David Guetta in the dance world with Steve Aoki. I just did a great song with The War and Treaty that I think is going to be their career song. It’s one of those songs when you hear it you stop everything and listen. I just heard a mix and I was in tears. I love to do a song that changes someone’s life, whether it’s a new artist or an established artist.”
A version of this story originally appeared in the June 8, 2024, issue of Billboard.
The 2024 Billboard Latin Women in Music event honored eight powerful and admirable mujeres in the industry, including Gloria Estefan, who received the legend award; Ana Bárbara, who received the lifetime achievement award; and La India, who received the pioneer award. This year’s woman of the year was Karol G — who was unable to […]
Kevin Bacon, the star of Footloose, and Deniece Williams, who had a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” from that iconic film, will be on hand when Dean Pitchford, who wrote the screenplay and co-wrote all of the songs from the 1984 blockbuster, is inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame on Thursday, June 13, at the Marriot Marquis Hotel in New York City.
Bacon will appear in tandem with his brother Michael Bacon as The Bacon Brothers. “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” brought Williams a Grammy nomination best pop vocal performance, female and an invitation to perform on the Oscars in 1985, where the song was nominated for best original song.
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Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban, who had career-defining hits with songs co-written by Hillary Lindsey, will also be on hand as she is inducted into the SHOF. Underwood won a Grammy for best female country vocal performance for “Jesus, Take the Wheel.” Urban was nominated for best country solo performance for “Blue Ain’t Your Color.” Lindsey also won Grammys for best country song for co-writing both songs.
Missy Elliott will be on hand as Timbaland (Timothy Mosley) is honored. Mosley cowrote four of Elliott’s top 10 hits on the Hot 100: “Hot Boyz,” “Get Ur Freak On,” “Work It” and “Gossip Folks.”
El DeBarge will be on hand as Diane Warren receives the Johnny Mercer Award, the organization’s highest honor. The group DeBarge’s 1985 smash “Rhythm of the Night” was one of Warren’s first hits, and brought her the first of a remarkable 15 Oscar nominations for best original song.
Other performers who will be on hand to present or perform at Thursday’s event are Trey Anastasio, Cary Barlowe, Andra Day, Jason Isbell, Nile Rodgers and Paul Williams. Rodgers is chairman of the SHOF. Williams is on the board of directors. Both veteran songwriters are past SHOF inductees.
Inductees at this year’s event, not already named, are R.E.M. (Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills and Michael Stipe) and Steely Dan (Donald Fagen and the late Walter Becker). SZA will receive the Hal David Starlight Award.
The SHOF doesn’t reveal in advance who is on hand to honor who. These are educated guesses, given the strong connections between these performers or presenters and these honorees.
Tickets for the Songwriters Hall of Fame event begin at $2,000 each, and are available through Buckley Hall Events, 914-579-1000 and SHOF@buckleyhallevents.com. Net proceeds from the event will go toward Songwriters Hall of Fame programs. The Songwriters Hall of Fame is a 501(c)3 organization. The non-deductible portion of each ticket is $215.
A songwriter with a notable catalog of songs qualifies for induction 20 years after the first commercial release of a song.
06/10/2024
This star-studded list will get you in the mood for this year’s Tonys, which are set for Sunday June 16.
06/10/2024
Tears, parents, emotional performances and lots of gratitude and respect for Gloria Estefan marked Billboard’s second annual Latin Women In Music gala on June 9 in Miami.
Produced by Telemundo, the show, which aired Sunday night, honored revered icons of Latin music like Gloria Estefan (the Legend Award), salsa Legend La India (the Pioneer Award) and Mexican Powerhouse Ana Bárbara (Lifetime Achievement), as well as Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Kany García (Spirit of Change), Mexican prodigy Ángela Aguilar (Musical Dynasty), Colombian chart topper Kali Uchis (Rising Star) and this month’s Billboard cover star, Camila Cabello (Global Impact).
The show was pre-taped at Telemundo’s studios (with production headed by Cisco Suárez and Macarena Moreno) in Miami, and perhaps the smaller setting, combined with fully live performances, gave the evening a sense of intimacy, collegiality and love — corny as that may sound — that is not usually felt at big award shows.
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“It’s an honor to honor someone who writes her own story,” said Mexican star María José early in the evening as she presented the Lifetime Achievement Award. “Ana Bárbara is an example of someone who does not put brakes on herself. I identify with that strength and determination with which she has chosen to be an artist, but above all, the woman she is.”
It was an assessment that could have well applied to all the honorees in the room, all pioneers in their own right. Even Angela Aguilar, the youngest among them, at 20 years old, and the daughter and granddaughter of legends — Pepe Aguilar, Antonio Aguilar, Flor Silvestre — said as much: “In between this great legacy and this great last name, I’m still trying to find who I am.”
It was uncommon honesty expressed again and again throughout the evening, by the “newer” artists, but also the veterans. La India, emotional as a singer and as a speaker, belted “Ese Hombre” and her classic “Vivir Lo Nuestro,” then shed tears as she thanked her icons — the late Celia Cruz and the living Gloria Estefan — and acknowledged that artists have ups and downs. Ana Bárbara, the first honoree of the night, admitted that when she had first visited Miami, many, many years ago, her dream was to meet Estefan, the great door-opening star that was honored with the Legend award, and who sat through the entire evening cheering her colleagues on.
The sentiment was echoed by García, who said: “I love being among all these women I so admire. The first award show I ever went to in my life, they honored Gloria Estefan, and to see her seated here is one of the most beautiful things in the world.”
Parents were also a recurring theme of the evening. Camila Cabello devoted most of her speech to her mother: “When the world is suffering […] my mom reminds me there is love in this world. I love you, mom. And I love you, Gloria Estefan.”
In the other direction, Aguilar received warm words from her dad, Pepe Aguilar, who sent her a video from Japan, where he is currently.
And at the close of the evening, the Woman of the Year award for Karol G — honored in absentia because she was kicking off her European tour the same evening — was picked up by her father, Guillermo Giraldo.
“Thank you, Billboard, thank you, Telemundo, for opening the door to this little girl who at five years old sang backup for this artist [Giraldo himself is an artist] who wasn’t successful, but who today picks up her recognition as Woman of the Year.”
The evening, after all, was a celebration of doors opening, as Billboard extends its Woman of the Year franchise to the Latin realm.
“Thank you, Billboard, for doing this for women,” said Ana Bárbara receiving her award. “We have many barriers to tear down yet, but we’re doing well.”