belfasttelegraph

Sunday 26 May 2013

Ne-Yo: Writing music saved my life

Ne-Yo received a special award at the 2012 Songwriters Hall of Fame induction

Ne-Yo has revealed songwriting saved his life.

The Miss Independent singer was awarded with the Hal David Starlight Award, given to young artists that are making a significant impact with their original music, at the Songwriters Hall Of Fame Induction ceremony in New York.

Picking up his award, the star - whose real name is Shaffer Chimere Smith Jr - joked: "I was a pretty riled up little kid, and if not for my mom giving me the pad and the pen and telling me to take my emotions and put them there, then there was no telling then I might I have been sticking you up or something."

Singer Bob Seger, along with Canadian folk rocker Gordon Lightfoot, Gambler songwriter Don Schlitz, and Jim Steinman of Bat Out Of Hell fame became the latest members of the prestigious club at the event. The writers of the long-running musical, The Fantastick's were also inducted.

Bob opened the show with a spirited version of his 1973 classic, Turn the Page. He was then inducted by Valerie Simpson who performed We've Got Tonight in his honour.

Fleetwood Mac singer Stevie Nicks honoured Bette Midler with the Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award, and performed The Rose, the song made famous by Bette in the 1979 movie of the same name.

"People ask what is your favourite thing to do in a night? Be in a fantastic studio with a great poem and a piano and a little tape recorder. That is my idea of a great time," Stevie said.

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Your Horoscopes by Russell Grant

Gemini:

Someone will steal credit for your work, which is maddening. Drawing attention to the problem will only make you look petty. You're better off accepting the situation with quiet dignity and grace. Move on to the next assignment, but make sure to sign your name to every piece of work that is submitted. Tell your boss what you are doing on a regular basis. You'll sound like a pest, but at least it's better than getting stabbed in the back.More