Classic Pop Icons

Leon Russell, John Bettis, Garth Brooks, Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly, and Allen Toussaint have been announced as the 2011 inductees to the Songwriters Hall of Fame (SHOF).

These great songwriters will join around 400 inductees in the Hall of Fame, including legendary names such as Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, Hal David and Burt Bacharach, John Fogerty, Bob Dylan, Isaac Hayes and David Porter, Carole King, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Sir Elton John, Bernie Taupin, Brian Wilson, James Taylor, James Brown, Bruce Springsteen, Curtis Mayfield, Kris Kristofferson, Leonard Cohen and many others.

Announcing the inductees, SHOF Chairman, Jimmy Webb, said:

The 2011 inductees:

Leon Russell

This is turning out to be a great period for Leon Russell. He returned to prominence last year with his collaboration with Elton John, “The Union,” and will be the first recipient of the Award for Musical Excellence at next month’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony.

Russell’s songs have been recorded by artists such as Joe Cocker, B.B. King. George Benson and the Carpenters. Key tracks include “A Song For You,” “This Masquerade,” ” Delta Lady,” ” Tight Rope,” “Bluebird,” “Back To The Island” and “Hummingbird.”

John Bettis

John Bettis’ songs have been performed by some of the biggest names in music, including Michael Jackson, Madonna, Diana Ross, Whitney Houston, Karen Carpenter and Celine Dion. His songs have produced sales of more than 250 million. Some of his most popular tracks are “Human Nature,” “Heartland,” “Top Of The World,” “Yesterday Once More,” “Good-Bye To Love,” “Only Yesterday,” “Can You Stop The Rain?,” “One Moment In Time,” “Crazy For You” and “Slow Hand.”

Garth Brooks

Garth Brooks has had one of the most successful careers in music history, with enormous sales and a string of awards. Among his best known tracks are “If Tomorrow Never Comes,” “The Thunder Rolls,” “Unanswered Prayers” and “We Shall Be Free.”

Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly

Billy Steinberg & Tom Kelly are responsible for some of the most enduring hits of the past 30 years, including Madonna’s “Like A Virgin,” Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors,” Whitney Houston’s “So Emotional” and the Bangles’ “Eternal Flame.”

Allen Toussaint

Allen Toussaint has produced and written for artists such as Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, Elvis Costello, Patti LaBelle, Mac “Dr. John” Rebannac, Aaron and Art Neville, Joe Cocker, Glen Campbell, The Band, The Rolling Stones, Etta James and many others. His best known songs include “Working In The Coalmine,” “Holy Cow,” “Ride Your Pony” and “Southern Night.” His arranging skills featured on great tracks such as Patti LaBelle’s “Lady Marmalade.”

The 42nd Annual Induction and Awards Dinner for the Songwriters Hall of Fame will take place on Thursday, June 16 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.