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Songwriters Hall of Fame: 8 Standout Moments From the 2025 Gala
Songwriters Hall of Fame 2025: The best moments.
Following an introduction by Living Colour, who ripped through a crunchy version of the Funkadelic classic “Cosmic Slop,” George Clinton strode onstage in a generously sized suit, paired with a Sly Stone t-shirt and a gold-colored captain’s hat that said “Atomic Dog” on top. Whether being introduced by Teddy Riley, being feted by his own talented performer children, or shouting out his own unlikely hero in the audience, it was clear that Jerkins — known for his late ’90s into 2000s R&B diva anthems for the likes of Brandy and Monica, Destiny’s Child, Toni Braxton and Whitney Houston — adopts the “pass it on” ethos. More surprising was the presence of Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the EGOT-winning composer-lyricist duo behind Dear Evan Hansen and The Greatest Showman, who recounted Schwartz’s generous mentorship since their college days before stepping over to the piano and mic to perform a selection of his best-known work — including, most impressively, a full rendition of the challenging “Corner of the Sky” from Pippin.
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