New York City - An eclectic plethora of music industry stars from rock to pop gathered at the Marriot Marquis for the 40th Anniversary of the Songwriters Hall of Fame Awards in a rainy Times Square on June 18 in Manhattan. The videos rolled and the cameras flashed as musicians, songwriters, producers and agents walked the red carpet en route to the star studded reception and award dinner.

Jon Bon Jovi, Sir Tom Jones and Richie Sambora were all honored.

This year's inductees included Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora, Felix Cavaliere and Eddie Brigati of The Young Rascals, Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Galt MacDermot, James Rado and the late Gerome Ragni who created the seminal 1960s musical "Hair" and Broadway songwriter Stephen Schwartz.

Among the numerous special award winners was Sir Tom Jones, recipient of the Howie Richmond Hitmaker Award. The iconic Welsh singer gave due credit to songwriters, past and present, when asked to explain his longevity and appeal, "I have always tried to be honest, not try to be something I am not, and think young people see that, especially young songwriters, they see what I do. When I hear really great songs, I say to myself 'How the hell did he or she write that song?' I couldn't write a song like that, but I can sing it!"

Jason Mraz and Rob Thomas share a laugh.

Crosby, Stills & Nash were presented their induction award by fellow folk/rock icon, James Taylor, who serenaded the audience with a classic CSN medley that included "Love The One You're With," "Long Time Gone" and "Teach Your Children." Along the red carpet, Taylor paused to share his own musical inspirations growing up, which appropriate to the Times Square location included Broadway musicals, "There was, of course, early folk singers like Pete Seeger and Bob Dylan, but I also listened to a lot of Broadway musicals. It was certainly a part of my early education. At the time, it was the pinnacle, as high as a songwriter got."

Also honored with special awards were Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland of Holland-Dozier-Holland, who were presented with the esteemed Johnny Mercer Award; Jason Mraz, who received The Hal David Starlight Award and Maxyne Lang, who was honored with The Abe Olman Publisher Award. Andy Williams, who was presented with the Towering Performance Award sang The Towering Song Award winner, which this year went his signature song "Moon River," which Williams sang with heart, reminding the sold-out crowd why he claimed it for his own back in 1962, where he first performed it at that year's Academy Awards for "Breakfast At Tiffany's."

Hamptonians old enough to remember the 1960s club scene on the East End will recall the floating rock club called The Barge in East Quogue. I asked Felix Cavaliere if he remembered his gigs there with The Young Rascals, "The Barge, geez! The two little cabins that were out there by the club are still there, but the dune is worn down to sea level. When I go back out there, all the spirits jump out at me. That was a great time."

Maybe a Hamptons' morning, after a gig at The Barge, was the inspiration for The Young Rascals hit "Beautiful Morning." In any case, the "rainy evening" of the 40th Anniversary Songwriters Hall of Fame Awards was beautiful for all the songwriters and musicians that were honored themselves and have honored and inspired all of us with their talent and craft.

Eddie Holland Jr., Brian Holland, Berry Gordy and Lamont Dozier enjoy the evening.