Ed Sheeran to receive Songwriters Hall of Fame Hal David Starlight Award

Ed Sheeran (Courtesy of Songwriters Hall of Fame)

Ed Sheeran is this year's recipient of the Songwriters Hall of Fame (SHOF) Hal David Starlight Award, to be presented at the 48th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner June 15 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York.

"Ed Sheeran has accomplished so much in pop music that it is hard to believe he is only 26," said SHOF co-chairs Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff. "He is not an overnight sensation, however, having immersed himself in songwriting, recording and performing since his early teens. His natural talent as a singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer has brought him well-deserved success."

Added SHOF president/CEO Linda Moran: "Ed is undoubtedly one of today's most prolific and effective songwriters and is a most worthy and an ideal Hal David Starlight Award honoree."

Named in honor of the late SHOF chairman emeritus Hal David for his longtime support of young songwriters, the award recognizes gifted young songwriters who are making a significant impact in the music industry via their original songs. Previous recipients include Nick Jonas, Taylor Swift, John Legend, Alicia Keys, Drake, John Mayer and Rob Thomas.

The 2017 Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees are Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Berry Gordy, the songwriting teams of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and the band Chicago's Robert Lamm and James Pankow, Max Martin, and Shawn "Jay Z" Carter. Pitbull will be the first-ever recipient of the Global Ambassador Award, with additional special award honorees to be announced soon.

The Songwriters Hall of Fame celebrates and educates the public about songwriters, and produces professional programs devoted to the development of new songwriting talent.