NEW YORK — The 2018 Songwriters Hall of Fame class will include John Mellencamp, Alan Jackson, Kool & the Gang and Jermaine Dupri, who will become the second hip-hop act inducted into the prestigious organization. Mellencamp was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame a decade ago and has written his own classic hits, including “Jack and Diane,” ?Hurt So Good” and ?R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.”Jackson, who was just inducted into the Country Hall of Fame last year, has been a respected songwriter since he launched his debut album in 1990. Kool & the Gang members Robert “Kool” Bell, Ronald Bell, George Brown and James “JT” Taylor will be inducted into the Hall. “Each year, the slate of songwriters we induct is more diverse and illustrative of the history and contributions that we strive to acknowledge and honour.”The Songwriters Hall of Fame’s 49th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner will be held at the Marriott Marquis Hotel.

Source: National Post February 06, 2018 14:03 UTC