USC Thornton School of Music students performed a tribute during the celebration of her illustrious career
On November 7 during Trojan Family Weekend, USC welcomed SHOF inductee and Johnny Mercer Award honoree Diane Warren to a packed audience at the Carson Sound Stage. After viewing an introductory trailer of her new documentary Diane Warren: Relentless, Jason King, dean of the USC Thornton School of Music, hosted “A Conversation with Diane Warren” in celebration of her illustrious career.
Instead of focusing on her process, Diane emphasized the mindset that fuels it — “showing up” and never taking no for an answer. Her peers and collaborators have often confirmed that indomitable spirit. As Steven Spielberg once put it, “Diane was born without brakes,” a testament to the persistence that has propelled her success.
Since it was Family Weekend at USC, King reflected on her upbringing in Van Nuys, California, highlighting how Diane was driven to prove people wrong. She was supported by her father while her mother was reluctant about her pursuing a music career. Alienated and bullied as a child, Diane eventually ran away from home, a turning point that strengthened her resolve to embrace music and believe in her own talent. With her father David’s encouragement, she attended the LA Songwriter Showcase each week, gaining valuable feedback, and remaining relentless in her pursuit of success.
King spotlighted “Because You Loved Me,” a song she wrote for the film Up Close and Personal in tribute to her father. With its universal themes, it resonates at both weddings and funerals, along with many of her great power ballads like Starship’s “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now,” Cher’s “If I Could Turn Back Time,” Belinda Carlisle’s “I Get Weak,” Milli Vanilli’s “Blame it On the Rain,” Ace of Base’s “Don’t Turn Around,” Bad English’s “When I See you Smile,” and Taylor Dayne’s “Love Will Lead You Back,” among many others.
The conversation turned to publishing and the value of copyright. As a solo songwriter and owner of her company Realsongs, Diane emphasized the importance of being thoughtful of respect for the song, which she considers “the only thing that matters” and the foundation of the craft.
Songs like “Till It Happens to You” and “Stand Up for Something” illustrate how Diane uses film as a platform for powerful storytelling — but at the heart of it, she says, it always comes down to one thing: writing a great song.
After the conversation, Diane was surprised by students who performed a stellar medley of her hits including “Time, Love and Tenderness,” “Only Love Can Hurt Like This,” “Un-Break My Heart,” “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” “The Journey,” “Dear Me,” “Because You Loved Me,” and “Rhythm of the Night.”
The event was attended by the SHOF West Coast Events Committee including SHOF West Coast Events Chair and SHOF Board Member Mary Jo Mennella, SHOF West Coast Committee Events Director Barbara Cane, Michael Todd, Tuff Morgan, and Michael Pizzuto.
Photos © USC 2025; Courtesy of USC Thornton School of Music / Photo credit by David M. Giannamore
