Halsey to receive Songwriters Hall of Fame Hal David Starlight Award

Halsey (Photo courtesy of Songwriters Hall of Fame)

Singer-songwriter Halsey will receive the Hal David Starlight Award at the 50th Annual Songwriters Hall of Fame [SHOF] Induction and Awards gala, to be held June 13 at New York’s Marriott Marquis Hotel.

The award, which was instituted in 2004, was named in honor of SHOF chairman emeritus Hal David, in recognition of his longtime support of young songwriters. It is given to gifted young songwriters who are making a significant impact in the music industry via their original songs, with previous recipients including Sara Bereilles, Ed Sheeran, Nick Jonas, Nate Ruess, Imagine Dragons’ Dan Reynolds, Taylor Swift, John Legend, Alicia Keys, Ne-Yo, Drake, Benny Blanco, Jason Mraz, John Mayer, Rob Thomas and John Rzeznik.

“I’ve watched Halsey grow over the last five years and every record seems to be better than the last one, so I’m delighted that she’s being recognized in this much deserved way,” said SHOF chair Nile Rodgers. Added president/CEO Linda Moran: “Halsey bares her soul with heart-wrenching, rebellious and complex lyrics that come from a place of creativity and strength where not many songwriters are comfortable going. She is more than worthy to join the roster of the young songwriters who have received the coveted Hal David Starlight Award.”

This year’s SHOF inductees are Dallas Austin, Missy Elliott, Tom T. Hall, John Prine, Jack Tempchin & Yusuf/Cat Stevens. Martin Bandier will receive the Visionary Leadership Award, and Carole Bayer Sager will get the prestigious SHOF Johnny Mercer Award.

Established in 1969, the Songwriters Hall of Fame is dedicated to recognizing the work and lives of those composers and lyricists who create music around the world. To qualify for induction, a songwriter must be a published writer for a minimum of 20 years with a notable catalog of hit songs.