Ray Davies, Donovan set for Songwriters Hall of Fame

The Kinks’ Ray Davies and folk singer Donovan are both set to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. They will be joined by songwriters Graham Gouldman, who wrote for the Yardbirds, Mark James, who wrote ‘Suspicious Minds’ and ‘Always on My Mind’ for Elvis, and Jim Weatherly, who wrote a number of hits for Gladys Knight and the Pips, reports Rolling Stone. The induction ceremony will take place at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City on June 12. Last year, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith were honoured alongside Mick Jones and Lou Gramm of Foreigner, Holly Knight, JD Souther and Neighbours composer Tony Hatch. “It means that people are listening to what we’re doing,” said Perry at the ceremony in New York. “Like Steven said, we’re always under the hood working, or we’re on the road, whatever. That’s what the band is, it’s work, and we’re doing it.”

Elton John and writing partner Bernie Taupin also received the Johnny Mercer award at 44th annual Songwriters Hall Of Fame event. The ceremony paid tribute to Hal David, who died in 2012, and Phil Ramone, who died in March 2013.

Source: NME