BURBANK, CA. (Top40 Charts/ Warner Bros. Records) - As previously announced, JOHN RZEZNIK, of famed American Rock band THE GOO GOO DOLLS, will receive the Hal
David Starlight Award, which will be presented by Hal David, Chairman/CEO of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, at the 2008 Awards dinner slated for Thursday, June 19th, at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.
The Hal David Starlight Award, created in 2004, was renamed in honor of the SHOF Chairman for his longtime support of young songwriters. Award recipients are gifted songwriters who are at an apex in their careers and are making a significant impact in the music industry via their original songs. Rzeznik joins the prestigious company of Rob Thomas, Alicia Keys, John Mayer, and John Legend as past recipients of the Hal David Starlight Award.
As songwriter for The Goo Goo Dolls, one of rock's best-selling and most beloved bands, Rzeznik has penned a series of chart-topping songs, beginning in 1995 with the No. 1 hits "Name," "Iris," and "Slide," followed by "Black Balloon," "Broadway," "Here is Gone," "Big Machine," "Sympathy," "Better Days," "Stay With You," and "Let Love In" - setting a record for the most Top 10 hits in Hot AC Radio history with 14 consecutive tracks.
"Iris" spent nearly a year on Billboard's airplay charts and 18 weeks at No. 1.
"Slide" went to No. 1 in six different radio formats.
The Goo Goo Dolls have sold 10 million records worldwide and have been nominated for four Grammys and an MTV Video Award.
The band actively participates in philanthropic work with such organizations as USA Harvest, VH1's Save The Music, and the Food Bank of Western New York.
Commenting on the award to Rzeznik, Hal David said, "John Rzeznik is well-deserving of the Starlight Award, not only shining as an outstanding, talented songwriter, but one with a unique vision. We are pleased to honor him with this prestigious award."
Inductees at this year's event include Desmond Child, Albert Hammond, Loretta Lynn, Alan Menken, and John Sebastian. Other honorees to be announced.
About The Songwriters Hall of Fame:
The Songwriters Hall of Fame celebrates songwriters, educates the public with regard to their achievements, and produces a spectrum of professional programs devoted to the development of new songwriting talent through workshops, showcases, and scholarships. Over the past 39 years, key Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees have included John Fogerty, Isaac Hayes and David Porter, Steve Cropper, Richard and Robert Sherman, Bill Withers, Carole King, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, Sir Elton John, Bernie Taupin, Brian Wilson, James Taylor, James Brown, Curtis Mayfield, Hal David and Burt Bacharach, Jim Croce, Phil Collins, Alan and Marilyn Bergman, Jimmy Webb, Van Morrison and Cy Coleman among many, many others. The Songwriters Hall of Fame was founded in 1969 by songwriter Johnny Mercer and publishers Abe Olman and Howie Richmond.
Full biographies and a complete list of inductees are available at the Songwriters Hall of Fame's Virtual Museum at www.songhall.org.
Ticket Information:
Tickets for the Songwriters Hall of Fame begin at $1,000 each and are available through Buckley Hall Events, (212) 573-6933. Net proceeds from the event will go toward Songwriters Hall of Fame programs.
In other news, THE GOO GOO DOLLS are writing and recording material for the follow up to their 2006 Warner Bros. Records release, "Let Love In."
In addition, details regarding the release of the band's upcoming "Greatest Hits Vol. 2" will be announced to media shortly.
