Bon Jovi Gives Songwriters A Good Name

Bon Jovi’s writing team of Bon Jovi and Sambora were inducted by “American Idol” alum Chris Daughtry, of the multiplatinum rock band Daughtry.

“They’re a huge influence on our career as songwriters, as performers, as people,” Daughtry said.

The bandmates were honored with Daughtry’s rendition of the Bon Jovi 1989 tune “I’ll Be There For You.”

Bon Jovi and Sambora then rocked out to the band’s 1986 tune “Wanted: Dead or Alive.”

David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Graham Nash were inducted by singer/songwriter James Taylor, who performed a medley of Crosby, Stills and Nash’s “Long Time Gone,” “Love the One You’re With” and “Teach Your Children.”

Tom Jones was honored with the Howie Richmond Hitmaker Award, presented by American Idol judge and songwriter Kara DioGuardi. Jones treated the crowd to a medley of “Green Green Grass” and “It’s Not Unusual.”

Jason Mraz was recognized with the Hal David Starlight Award, which honors a young artist’s promise. Mraz then performed his hit single “I’m Yours.”

“I believe in 20 years, or whatever, (he) is going to be in the Songwriters Hall of Fame,” said Rob Thomas, who presented the award.

The British songwriting team of Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway were inducted by Clint Black, who performed their tune “Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress.”

Cook and Greenaway are the guys behind the Coca-Cola jingle “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing, (In perfect harmony)” as well as the hits “You’ve Got Your Troubles,” “My Baby Loves Lovin'” and “Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again.”

Holland-Dozier-Holland, a Motown songwriting team made up of Lamont Dozier and brothers Brian Holland and Edward Holland Jr., was also honored, along with Andy Williams, music publisher Maxyne Lange and Young Rascals’ Felix Cavaliere and Eddie Brigati.

Broadway songwriters were not forgotten in the ceremony. Stephen Schwartz, lyricist/composer of “Wicked,” “Pochahontas,” and “Prince of Egypt,” was inducted as well as composer Galt MacDermot and lyricists James Rado and Gerome Ragni, writers of the musical “Hair.”

Click here for the Songwriters Hall of Fame Web site.

Click here for the AP article.