The Songwriters Hall of Fame (SHOF) is an American institution founded in 1969 by songwriter Johnny Mercer, music publisher/songwriter Abe Olman, and publisher/executive Howie Richmond to honor those whose work, represent, and maintain, the heritage and legacy of a spectrum of the most beloved English language songs from the world's popular music songbook. It not only celebrates these established songwriters, but is also involved in the development of new English language songwriting talent through workshops, showcases, and scholarships. There are many programs designed to teach and discover new English language songwriters. Nile Rodgers serves as the organization's chairman.
Hal David at the ASCAP Awards in 2011
Johnny Mercer between 1946 and 1948
Sammy Cahn in 1950s
John Legend was honored in 2002 with the Abe Olman Scholarship
John Herndon Mercer was an American lyricist, songwriter, and singer, as well as a record label executive who co-founded Capitol Records with music industry businessmen Buddy DeSylva and Glenn E. Wallichs.
Johnny Mercer, c. 1947
Childhood home of Johnny Mercer, 224-226 East Gwinnett Street
The historic Mercer House in Savannah, Georgia, built for the songwriter's great-grandfather. (Johnny Mercer did not live there.)
Self-portrait and signature of Johnny Mercer from bench at his grave in Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia.
