The Songwriters Hall of Fame (SHOF) will be honoring “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” with the towering song award at this year’s gala. The award is presented each year to the creators of an individual song that has influenced American culture in a unique way over many years.
Composer Albert von Tilzer and lyricist Jack Norworth submitted the song to the U.S. Copyright Office for registration 100 years ago.
According to the SHOF, the song has been ranked in survey polls as one of the top 10 songs of the Twentieth Century, second only to “Happy Birthday” and “The Star Spangled Banner” as the one of the most easily recognized songs in America.
Previous towering songs have included “Unchained Melody,” “When the Saints Go Marching In,” “You’ve Lost that Lovin’ Feelin’,” “Let Me Call You Sweetheart,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” “What the World Needs Now Is Love” and “Fly Me to the Moon.”
This year’s inductees announced to date are Desmond Child, Albert Hammond, Loretta Lynn, Alan Menken and John Sebastian. Other awards will be presented to Paul Anka (Johnny Mercer Award); Ann Murray (Howie Richmond Hitmaker Award); and John Rzeznik (Hal David Starlight Award).
The 2008 SHOF gala will be held June 19 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New
York City.
