During his acceptance speech at the Songwriters Hall of Fame induction in New York on Thursday evening, Mike Love acknowledged and paid tribute to his late cousin and Beach Boys bandmate Brian Wilson, expressing that he could “feel his spirit” in the room as he received his award.
Love received his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame the day following Wilson’s death on Wednesday, at the age of 82. This honor came 25 years after Wilson had been inducted into the Hall himself, way back in 2000.
On Thursday, Love specifically expressed gratitude towards his cousin, Brian Wilson. Not just a relative through blood, but a musical sibling, Brian and I paved the way for some of the most fruitful collaborations in music history.”
“Thursday saw Love acknowledging his cousin Brian Wilson with special appreciation. We share the bond of being first cousins genetically, yet in music, we are brothers. Together, we established a foundation for some of the most successful musical partnerships ever.
John Stamos, an ardent Beach Boys admirer and frequent collaborator, was the one who ushered Brian Wilson (Love’s stage name) into the prestigious Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. In his heartfelt speech, Stamos expressed that Love narrated “the American dream” through the melodies he composed.
Stamos went on to say, “He made everyone yearn to be like us: radiant with sunshine, free-spirited, brimming with hope.” He added, “His songs were like movies. What’s a song without a catchy tune? What’s a catchy tune without an image in your mind or a sentiment in your heart? Mike Love knows how to compose that song.
Love played the song “California Girls,” with John Stamos by his side, strumming a dazzling gold electric guitar. After that, he showcased iconic tunes such as “I Get Around,” “Kokomo,” and “Good Vibrations.
As a devoted fan, witnessing Love’s enchanting induction and performance was merely one of numerous unforgettable highlights in an evening that honored funk pioneer George Clinton, The Doobie Brothers’ Michael McDonald, Tom Johnston, and Patrick Simmons, as well as music maestros Ashley Gorley, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, and Tony Macaulay. Broadway titan Stephen Schwartz was acknowledged with this year’s Johnny Mercer Award, while promising newcomer Gracie Abrams earned the Hal David Starlight Award. What an extraordinary night filled with music and celebration!
To begin the event, Living Color started by inducting Clinton, playing an energetic version of Funkadelic’s “Cosmic Slop, which featured impressive guitar solo performances by Vernon Reid.
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Kicking off the night was Living Color, who inducted Clinton by performing a lively rendition of Funkadelic’s “Cosmic Slop, highlighted by guitar solos skillfully played by Vernon Reid.
Later on, Clinton made an appearance on stage, stepping out to the tune of “We Want the Funk” while donning a cream-striped pinstripe suit, a sparkling gold captain’s hat adorned with rhinestones, and a shirt featuring Sly and the Family Stone – a tribute likely paid to his late friend Sly Stone, who passed away this week.
In his speech, Clinton recognized past accolades such as his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but emphasized that this particular honor was special because it came from people who deeply understand what it takes to be a songwriter. The 83-year-old continued to grace the stage with an energetic performance of Parliament’s “(I Wanna) Testify” afterward.
Debbie Gibson joined in the performance, singing a rendition of Tony Macaulay’s timeless hit “Build Me Up Buttercup.” She shared with the audience, “Tony’s achievements are legendary. Imagine if we all sang ‘Build Me Up Buttercup’ and ‘Love Grows Where My Rosemary Goes.’ The world might just be a little happier.
Dan + Shay honored Gorley by performing a lengthy medley of some of the renowned country songwriter’s well-known songs, such as “Last Night” by Morgan Wallen, “Play it Again” by Luke Bryan, “All-American Girl” by Carrie Underwood, and the collaboration between Post Malone and Morgan Wallen titled “I Had Some Help.
In a heartwarming moment, Gorely’s daughter stepped forward to address the audience before performing “You’re Gonna Miss This,” a song co-written by Gorely and Lee Thomas Miller.
Teddy Riley inducts Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, who spoke about his beginnings as a music producer and composer, reminiscing on the time when his father borrowed $1,200 from his life insurance to purchase equipment for his son’s musical production.
When I was just five years old, I’d compose poems for my mom, who treasured each and every line and rhythm. She may not have realized it back then, but she was fostering the spirit of a future songwriter in me,” Riley explained.
Later on, Jerkins discussed that he persistently submitted his early songs to Clive Davis for consideration, but was often turned down. However, it wasn’t until he presented Whitney Houston’s hit “It’s Not Right, But It’s OK” that Davis finally took notice.
Clive rejected my proposal and instructed me to return to work. Jerkins explained that rejection is actually a key step towards success. He returned to Clive’s office multiple times over the following years, until he finally presented his project titled “It’s Not Right, But it’s OK,” at which point Clive acknowledged, ‘I believe you’ve got it, Rodney.’
At one particularly touching and memorable instance during the event, Jerkins’ four kids delighted everyone with an orchestrated rendition of Brandy and Monica’s “The Boy is Mine.” Their father was privileged to witness this heartwarming performance.
As a music enthusiast, I had the pleasure of witnessing the harmonious collaboration between Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who gracefully introduced the song “For Good” from the captivating musical Wicked. Alongside them, Mary Kate Morrisey and Kristin Chenoweth delivered an enchanting duet that left me spellbound.
Towards the end of the night, Aaron Dessner, a member of The National, introduced his friend and regular collaborator, Gracie Abrams, who received the Hal David Starlight Award.
Dessner praised Abrams by saying she is exceptionally talented as a lyricist and melodic artist. The stories in her songs are raw, sincere, heartfelt, and profoundly touching, resonating strongly with her audience.
After singing “Free Now,” Abrams expressed to the audience that she can’t help but feel grateful and amazed, knowing that both regular people and the prestigious Songwriters Hall of Fame view her as a songwriter.
Garth made his appearance not long after, kicking off with “Long Train Runnin'” followed swiftly by “China Grove” as he welcomed Donald Fagen, Michael McDonald, and Patrick Simmons of Doobie Brothers for their induction.
Brooks pointed out that while we may reminisce about their past glory, let me assure you, there are more people tuning into The Doobie Brothers today than ever before. It’s uplifting tunes, unquestionably catchy Doobies, and some of the best songwriting one could ask for.
The Doobie Brothers, on the other hand, performed their popular songs “Black Water” and “Takin’ It to the Streets”, concluding the evening with their iconic yacht rock tune “Music Is the Key”.
It’s truly astounding to consider that we’d be mentioned alongside someone like Stephen Schwartz on that list,” McDonald expressed prior to the performance. “If I could address all the writers in this room, I’d express my gratitude for the inspiration. We’ve been learning from you, mimicking your styles throughout our lives. It’s an honor to stand among you.
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2025-06-13 08:25