Melba Moore and Brenda Russell Among Honorees as Women Songwriters Hall of Fame Marks 5th Anniversary in DC

The Women Songwriters Hall of Fame (WSHOF) is celebrating a major milestone — its fifth anniversary — with an inspiring two-day event honoring groundbreaking female songwriters who’ve left an indelible mark on global music. Taking place June 20–21, 2025 at the prestigious Mead Center for American Theatre in Washington, DC, this celebratory gala is more than an award show — it’s a tribute to legacy, innovation, and empowerment through music.

Hosted by acclaimed TV personality and entrepreneur Claudia Jordan, the weekend will shine a spotlight on 12 influential women of song whose work spans genres and generations. This year’s honorees include iconic names like Melba Moore, Brenda Russell, Regina Belle, Janis Ian, and Asha Puthli, alongside notable contributors such as Sylvia Moy, Julie Giroux, Janiva Magness, Vicki Peterson, YoYo (Yolanda Whitaker), Christina Shusho, Dr. Stacy L. Smith (USC Annenberg), and the late Lari White.

Celebrating Women’s Creative Power

Since its inception, the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame has championed women in every facet of the music industry — not just songwriters, but also composers, educators, engineers, and executives. As Founder and CEO Dr. Janice McLean DeLoatch shares, “The Women Songwriters Hall of Fame Awards is like the Grammys — but with a sharper focus on elevating women’s voices. We’re creating long-overdue recognition and opening doors for the next 50 years of female musical brilliance.”

Over the years, WSHOF has honored artists such as Roberta Flack, Valerie Simpson, Loretta Lynn, Gloria Estefan, and Olivia Newton-John, among many others. Each event builds on the organization’s core mission: achieving parity, fostering creative collaborations, and inspiring the next generation of women in music.

Weekend Highlights

Friday, June 20 kicks off with WSHOF’s annual songwriting contest and exclusive industry mixer, hosted by Montanique “Monei” Sutton. Ten emerging songwriters will present their original music to a panel of veteran judges, vying for studio time at Omega Recording Studios, a new guitar, and the opportunity to perform at Saturday’s awards ceremony. The mixer also serves as a unique networking platform, giving new talent a chance to meet and connect with established industry professionals.

Saturday, June 21 features the main event — the glamorous WSHOF Awards Ceremony, packed with live performances, moving tributes, and plenty of surprises. Attendees can look forward to music from Nes Powers, Evelyn Rubio, Robert Cristian Jordan, and Mallow Hill, plus special entertainment from magician and mentalist Adam Stone and the acclaimed theatrical troupe Women on Fire, known for their humorous and thought-provoking takes on women’s issues.

Additional participants include DJ Supreme Da Barber, Songwriting Ambassador Versie Jean, awards presenters Andree Harris and Telishia Berry, and musical director Christopher Valentine, who will help bring the event to life with his signature sonic style.

Get Involved

For brands, organizations, and individuals eager to support women in music, sponsorship opportunities are now available. From ad placements to inductee sponsorships and event visibility, the gala offers unique exposure to a diverse, influential audience of creatives, tastemakers, and industry leaders.

For more information and to support the cause, visit:
🔗 womensongwritershalloffame.org