SZA to be second Black woman receive award from Songwriters Hall Of Fame

nme.com:

SZA will be honoured with the Hal David Starlight Award at the 2024 Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards gala.According to a press release, the Hal David Starlight Award is presented to “gifted young songwriters who are making a significant impact in the music industry with their original songs.” The chart-topping singer will also become the second black woman to receive the honour – the last being Alicia Keys in 2005.“This is such an exciting time for songwriters and music,” said Songwriters Hall of Fame chairman Nile Rodgers. “Phenomenal artists like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift are pushing the envelope of what success looks like, but who could argue that the last two years belong to SZA.

Incredible songwriting, incredible performances, incredible artistry. She so deserves to be the 2024 recipient of the Hal David Starlight Award!”SZA reacted to the news online, writing in an Instagram story post: “This is THE most meaningful thing to me.

You have NO idea. THANK YOU beyond words for seeing me at all.”SZA to receive special award from Songwriters Hall of Fame pic.twitter.com/vEMQJlm79B— HipHopDX (@HipHopDX) April 17, 2024The event will take place on June 13 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City, and will also honour this year’s inductees, including R.E.M., Steely Dan, Timbaland and more.Non-performing writers Hilary Lindsey and Dean Pitchford will also be honoured for their contributions to country music and ’80s film soundtracks, respectively.In another statement, Rodgers emphasised the importance of songwriters in the music industry, stating: “I’ve said it before, but the music industry does not exist without songwriters delivering great songs first.