Woody Guthrie to honoured at Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala

Woody Guthrie will be the recipient of the prestigious Pioneer Award, to be presented at the 43rd Annual Induction and Awards Dinner slated for Thursday, June 14th at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City, Songwriters Hall of Fame Chairman Jimmy Webb announced today.

The Pioneer Award was established in 2012 to honor the career of a historic creator of a major body of musical work that has been a major influence on generations of songwriters.

"This year, we join musicians and songwriters from around the world in celebrating Woody Guthrie's 100th birthday," commented SHOF Chairman Jimmy Webb. "One of the great songwriters of all time, we look forward to acknowledging his brilliance with the first-ever Songwriters Hall of Fame Pioneer Award."

Guthrie wrote more than 3,000 songs throughout his career, including American staples "This Land Is Your Land," "This Train Is Bound For Glory," "Pastures of Plenty" and "Pretty Boy Floyd." First known as "the Dustbowl Balladeer," his musical and compositional style has influenced generations of contemporary songwriters in every genre, from folk to rock. Recognized for his monumental contributions and achievements in American culture, Guthrie was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters' Hall of Fame in 1977, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988, and in 1999 he was honored with The National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences Grammy® Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2012, to commemorate what would be Guthrie's centennial year, Woody Guthrie Publications and the Grammy® Museum are collaborating on a year-long celebration from California to the New York Island and across the pond, with concerts, exhibits, educational conferences and album releases, among other honorary celebrations.

Previously announced inductees at this year's SHOF event include Gordon Lightfoot, Bob Seger, Don Schlitz, Harvey Schmidt & Tom Jones and Jim Steinman. The Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Bette Midler and the Abe Olman Publisher Award will be presented to Lance Freed. "Stand By Me" will receive the Towering Song Award with Ben E. King honored with the Towering Performance Award. The Hal David Starlight Award will be presented to Ne-Yo.