Songwriters Hall of Fame 2013 induction

Elton John, left, and Bernie Taupin accept the Johnny Mercer Award at the Songwriters Hall of Fame 44th annual induction and awards gala on June 13, 2013, in New York. 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.

Berry Gordy speaks at the Songwriters Hall of Fame 44th annual Induction and Awards Dinner at the New York Marriott Marquis on June 13, 2013, in New York.

Billy Joel speaks at the Songwriters Hall of Fame 44th annual Induction and Awards Dinner at the New York Marriott Marquis on June 13, 2013, in New York.

Sting performs at the Songwriters Hall of Fame 44th annual induction and awards gala on June 13, 2013, in New York.

Mick Jones, left, and Lou Gramm from the band Foreigner perform at the Songwriters Hall of Fame 44th annual induction and awards gala on June 13, 2013, in New York.

The cast of "Motown The Musical" performs at the Songwriters Hall of Fame 44th annual Induction and Awards Dinner at the New York Marriott Marquis on June 13, 2013, in New York.

Inductees Joe Perry, left, and Steven Tyler attend the Songwriters Hall of Fame 44th annual induction and awards gala on June 13, 2013, in New York.

Inductee Mick Jones attends the Songwriters Hall of Fame 44th annual induction and awards gala on June 13, 2013, in New York.

Jordin Sparks attends the Songwriters Hall of Fame 44th annual induction and awards gala on June 13, 2013, in New York.

Nickelback's Chad Kroeger, left, and Avril Lavigne attend the Songwriters Hall of Fame 44th annual induction and awards gala on June 13, 2013, in New York.

Smokey Robinson and Natalie Cole attend the Songwriters Hall of Fame 44th annual induction and awards gala on June 13, 2013, in New York.

Inductee JD Souther and Alison Krauss attend the Songwriters Hall of Fame 44th annual induction and awards gala on June 13, 2013, in New York.

Songwriter and Rascals member Felix Cavaliere poses with Smokey Robinson at Songwriters Hall of Fame 44th annual Induction and Awards Dinner at the New York Marriott Marquis on June 13, 2013, in New York.

Mia Tyler and inductee Steven Tyler arrive for the Songwriters Hall of Fame 2013 Annual Induction and Awards Ceremony on June 13, 2013, in New York.

Rob Thomas and his wife, Marisol, attend the Songwriters Hall of Fame 44th annual Induction and Awards Dinner at the New York Marriott Marquis on June 13, 2013, in New York.