Premier Master Session At NYU With Jimmy Webb Captivates

It was an evening of exceptional moments last night, when a crowd of music enthusiasts and supporters gathered at the Frederick Loewe Theater at the NYU Steinhardt School for the inaugural Master Session with Jimmy Webb, followed by the SHOF annual scholarship presentations and showcase. After welcoming remarks by Robert Rowe, Vice-Chair and Director of the NYU Steinhardt School, Department of Music & Performing Arts Professions, and an outline of the evening’s festivities by SHOF Board Members Karen Sherry and Robbin Ahrold, Phil Galdston, NYU’s Songwriting Faculty Member and Faculty Songwriter-in-Residence was introduced. He proceeded to impart an impressive history about guest of honor and SHOF Chairman Webb before bringing him to the stage to a round of thunderous applause from the audience. What came next was a casual and captivating conversation during which Mr. Webb reflected on his songwriting career, process and craft, sprinkled with anecdotes and stories that ran a gamut of memories and emotions. He and Mr. Galdston interracted while Mr. Webb played some of his classic songs, and everyone in attendance took away a sense of having witnessed a rare and memorable event.

After the Master Session, SHOF Board Members Caroline Bienstock and John Titta hosted the portion of the evening where the annual Abe Olman Scholarships, Holly Prize and NYU Steinhardt Songwriting Scholar Award were presented, after which each awardee was given the opportunity to play one of their songs.