Keith, Braddock named to Songwriters' Hall

They will join Willie Dixon, Robert Hunter and Jerry Garcia, Cyndi Lauper and Linda Perry for an induction on June 18 in New York City.

"Our 2015 lineup of inductees represents the rich diversity of American musical styles - rock, country, blues and pop - that have captivated the world over the past six decades," said SHOF President & CEO Linda Moran. "Each one of these brilliant music creators has written instantly recognizable classics, songs that are both of their time and timeless. Our Annual Awards Gala is sure to be unforgettable."

Braddock is best known for writing "He Stopped Loving Her Today," considered by many the greatest country song ever, which George Jones recorded. Braddock, a Floridian, traveled the south as a rock and roll musician, and became a songwriter in Nashville in the mid-1960s. He is the only living person to have written number one country hits in five consecutive decades. With 13 number 1 hits, his songs include "D.I.V.O.R.C.E," recorded by Tammy Wynette, "Golden Ring," the duet sung by Jones and Wynette, Tracy Lawrence's "Time Marches On" and Keith's 2001 hit, "I Wanna Talk About Me." In 2001, he embarked on a new career as a producer, discovering singer Blake Shelton and making several number one records with him. Braddock's most recent number one composition was Billy Currington's "People Are Crazy." In 2011, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and received the annual BMI Icon Award, and in 2012, received the ACM Poet's Award. He has received six CMA Song of the Year nominations, winning twice.

Keith has enjoyed hits ranging from his first number one, "Should've Been A Cowboy" to "How Do You Like Me Now?!," "Who's Your Daddy," "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)," "Beer For My Horses" and "I Love This Bar." He has penned a number 1 song for 20 consecutive years.

Dixon has been referred to as "the poet laureate of the blues" and the "father of modern Chicago blues."

Songwriting partners Robert Hunter and Jerry Garcia first paired together as performers in a folk duo in the early 1960's. When Garcia formed the Grateful Dead in the mid-1960's, he looked to Hunter for lyrics. Hunter became an official lyricist for the band, and when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, Hunter was inducted as a band member, the only non-performer ever honored.

Lauper first found acclaim in 1983, co-writing "Time After Time" and "She Bop" for her debut "She's So Unusual."

Perry joined 4 Non Blondes in the early 90's and is credited for writing the mega-hit, "What's Up." She also has worked with Pink Christina Aguilera.

Dixon and Garcia will be honored posthumously.