At the 2026 Songwriters Hall of Fame, Even Legends Had Notes on the Music Business

Taylor Swift, Alanis Morissette, and Raye were honored at the 2026 Songwriters Hall of Fame gala dinner on June 13, 2026, an event that also served as a platform for discussions on the music business's challenges. The honorees voiced concerns regarding songwriting credits, royalty distribution, and the broader landscape of writers' rights within the industry. Swift, receiving the Hal David Starlight Award, spoke about the evolving nature of music creation and the importance of fair compensation for artists. Morissette, inducted into the Hall of Fame, highlighted the need for greater transparency in how royalties are calculated and paid out, particularly in the digital age. Raye, recognized for her songwriting achievements, emphasized the ongoing fight for artists to retain ownership and control over their work, advocating for stronger protections for songwriters.