
Jay Z is the first rapper to enter the Songwriters Hall of Fame
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Songwriters Hall to honor Jay Z, Alan Menken, Max Martin
On June 15 the Songwriters Hall of Fame will induct new members and bestow special honors, including their highest honor — the Johnny Mercer Award — named after the writer who first taught America to "Accentuate the Positive" as well as a founding member of The Recording Academy.
With his induction, Jay Z earns the distinction of being the first rapper to enter the Songwriters Hall of Fame. The 21-time GRAMMY winner has won the GRAMMY for Best Rap Song three times in his career, including the 2010 award for the modern classic "Empire State Of Mind" with Alicia Keys.
Fellow GRAMMY winner Alan Menken will receive this year's Johnny Mercer Award. Menken's name gives the words "Music by …" extra meaning, whether in the credits of Little Shop Of Horrors, The Little Mermaid, Beauty And The Beast, Newsies, or more recently, Sausage Party.
The same can be said for the other songwriters who will be recognized at this year's ceremony. 2017 inductees include GRAMMY winners Jimmy Jam and Max Martin, who was awarded Best Song Written For Visual Media at the 59th GRAMMYs for co-authoring the Trolls tune "Can't Stop The Feeling!" Jam also appeared on the GRAMMY stage this February as a member of the Time for Bruno Mars' Prince tribute. Also fresh off the 59th GRAMMY stage, Ed Sheeran will receive the Songwriters Hall of Fame Hal David Starlight Award.
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