It was an incredible evening at the Merkin Hall at the Kaufman Center last night when the SongHall presented the latest in our series of Master Classes.
Songwriters Hall of Fame Chairman/CEO and renowned lyricist Hal David began by relating some of the remarkable history surrounding SongHall Inductee and guest Lamont Dozier, and Grammy winner/author Nelson George, who would host. In addition, Mr. David acknowledged the 2009 recipients of our Abe Olman Scholarships which were presented later that night.
He then turned the floor over to Nelson George, who introduced Lamont Dozier, and an intimate, informational conversation ensued with moments of humor and insight. The sold-out audience remained enthralled, and time sped by to the conclusion, when a birthday cake was presented to Mr. Dozier in honor of his 68th birthday. The crowd sang an enthusiastic version of Happy Birthday.
At the private reception afterward, the 2009 recipients of our Abe Olman Scholarships for Excellence in Songwriting were presented with their awards and checks. They are: Madi Diaz (SHOF), Michael Grubbs (SESAC), April Lynn Smith (BMI), Kirsten Thien (SGA) and Natalie Warner (ASCAP).
The Master Class series is designed to provide an extraordinary and intimate view of the creative processes of some of our most prolific and well-known songwriters, and this evening excelled to new standards for future presentations.