Justin Timberlake to receive Songwriters Hall of Fame Contemporary Icon Award

Justin Timberlake (courtesy of Songwriters Hall of Fame)

Justin Timberlake will receive the Songwriters Hall of Fame (SHOF) Contemporary Icon Award at the 50th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner on June 13 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York.

The award celebrates a songwriter-artist who has attained an iconic status in pop culture. Timberlake will be only the second recipient of the award, following Lady Gaga, who received it in 2015.

“Justin is extraordinary,” said SHOF chair Nile Rodgers. “Like Michael Jackson and George Michael before him, he’s turned pop music into great art and made three or four of the most influential albums of the last 15 years. How? He knows the secret is extraordinary songs. He and Timbaland have defined an era.”

Added SHOF president/CEO Linda Moran: “Multitalented and multifaceted, respected, admired and beloved by his fans and peers alike, Justin is the epitome of the songwriter-singer that the Contemporary Icon Award was created for. The Songwriters Hall of Fame is proud to acknowledge his contributions to and status in pop culture. To be doing so at the celebration of the SHOF’s 50th Anniversary makes the award and the gala all the more special.”

This year’s SHOF inductees are Dallas Austin, Missy Elliott, Tom T. Hall, John Prine, Jack Tempchin and Yusuf/Cat Stevens. Martin Bandier will receive the Visionary Leadership Award, Carole Bayer Sager will get the prestigious SHOF Johnny Mercer Award, and songwriter Halsey will receive the Hal David Starlight Award.

Established in 1969, the Songwriters Hall of Fame is dedicated to recognizing the work and lives of those composers and lyricists who create music around the world. To qualify for induction, a songwriter must be a published writer for a minimum of 20 years with a notable catalog of hit songs.