Mike Love Honors Brian Wilson | Songwriters Hall of Fame 2024
Mike Love’s heartfelt tribute to Brian Wilson at the Songwriters Hall of fame is the talk of the music world. At the ceremony, Love of The Beach Boys, freshly inducted himself, honored his late cousin and collaborator, acknowledging Wilson’s profound influence on his career and the world. The emotional event also celebrated the induction of George Clinton and The Doobie Brothers, solidifying their places in musical history. This year’s ceremony was a powerful reminder of music’s enduring legacy, featuring special performances and touching moments that showcased the impact of the inductees. News Directory 3 was there to capture the highlights of this memorable night. Discover what’s next from the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Mike Love Pays Tribute to Brian Wilson at Songwriters Hall of Fame
Updated June 13, 2025
Mike Love, of the Beach Boys, honored his late cousin and bandmate Brian Wilson during his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York.Love told the audience he felt Wilson’s presence as he accepted the honor.
The beach Boys’ Mike Love’s induction occurred a day after Brian Wilson’s death at 82. Wilson himself was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000.
“I especially must thank my cousin Brian Wilson,” Love saeid, acknowledging their prosperous musical collaborations.
John Stamos, a longtime Beach Boys fan, inducted Love, stating that Love’s songs chronicled “the American dream.” Stamos added, ”He made the whole world want to be us: sun-kissed, carefree, full of promise.”
love performed “California Girls” with Stamos,followed by hits like ”I Get Around,” “Kokomo,” and “Good Vibrations.”
The ceremony also celebrated George Clinton, Michael McDonald, Tom Johnston, Patrick Simmons of The Doobie Brothers, Ashley Gorley, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, and Tony Macaulay. Stephen Schwartz received the Johnny Mercer Award, and Gracie Abrams was honored with the Hal David Starlight Award.
Living Color inducted Clinton with a performance of Funkadelic’s “Cosmic Slop.” Clinton, wearing a cream pinstriped suit and a sly and the Family Stone shirt, noted the significance of the honor, saying it came from those “who truly know what it means to be a songwriter.”
Debbie Gibson covered Tony Macaulay’s “Build Me Up Butter Cup,” while Dan + Shay inducted Gorley with a medley of his hits. Gorley’s daughter performed Trace Adkins’ “You’re Gonna Miss This.”
Teddy Riley inducted Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, who shared how his father supported his early career. Jerkins recalled Clive Davis’s initial rejections until he presented Whitney Houston’s “It’s Not Right, But It’s OK.” Jerkins’ children performed a string arrangement of Brandy and Monica’s “The Boy is mine.”
Benj Pasek and Justin Paul introduced Schwartz, with Mary Kate Morrisey and Kristin Chenoweth singing “For Good” from Wicked. Aaron Dessner presented Gracie Abrams with the Hal David Starlight Award, praising her songwriting. Abrams performed “Free Now.”
Garth Brooks inducted The doobie Brothers’ McDonald, Johnston, and Simmons, stating their music remains popular. The Doobie Brothers played ”Black Water,” “Takin’ It to the Streets,” and “Listen to the Music.”
“This one hits different, this comes from people who truly know what it means to be a songwriter,”
What’s next
The Songwriters Hall of Fame continues to celebrate influential figures in music, ensuring their legacies endure for future generations of songwriters and fans.