The nominees for the 2024 Songwriters Hall of Fame have been announced, and they represent a diverse range of genres. Established in 1969 to honor those creating popular music, the Songwriters Hall of Fame recognizes songwriters and performing-songwriters who have made a significant impact on the industry. This year's nominees include legendary acts such as Public Enemy, Steely Dan, Bryan Adams, George Clinton, Tracy Chapman, R.E.M., Blondie, Heart, and The Doobie Brothers.

The ballot also features some noteworthy individuals in the industry. Kenny Loggins, known for his hit song "Footloose," has been nominated as a singer-songwriter. Hillary Lindsey, a Nashville hitmaker who co-wrote “Girl Crush” for Little Big Town, is also among the nominees. Timbaland, the producer-writer behind Justin Timberlake's “SexyBack” and Missy Elliot's "Get Yer Freak On," has received recognition for his contributions to the music world.

Several iconic bands have made the list, including R.E.M. with their hit song "Losing My Religion," and Heart, fronted by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, who are known for their powerful rock anthems like “Barracuda” and "Crazy On You." Bryan Adams, famous for radio staples like "Summer of '69" and "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?," has also been nominated. Additionally, George Clinton, with his influential Parliament-Funkadelic collective and hits like “Atomic Dog” and "Give Up the Funk," has received a nod from the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Eligible voting members have until December 27th to submit their ballots, choosing three nominees from the songwriter category and three from the performing-songwriter category. The Associated Press has obtained an early copy of the list, which includes some familiar names. Debbie Harry, Chris Stein, and Clem Burke, collectively known as Blondie, are nominated for their contributions to the New Wave genre with hits like “Call Me” and "Rapture." Tracy Chapman, whose song “Fast Car” earned her two Grammy awards in 1989, has also made the list.

Interestingly, some of this year's nominees were also nominated last year but did not make the final cut. This includes Adams, R.E.M., Blondie, The Doobie Brothers, and Heart. Last year's inductees into the Songwriters Hall of Fame included Snoop Dogg, Gloria Estefan, Sade, Jeff Lynne, Glen Ballard, and Teddy Riley.

The performing-songwriters category features notable Canadian rock musicians Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings, who are behind hits like “American Woman” and "These Eyes." The Doobie Brothers, consisting of Tom Johnston, Patrick Simmons, and Michael McDonald, are also nominated for classics such as "Listen to the Music" and "Long Train Runnin'."

Other songwriter nominees who have made significant contributions behind the scenes include Maurice Starr, known for "Candy Girl," Tony Macaulay with songs like "Baby Now That I've Found You," Dean Dillon with "Tennessee Whiskey," L. Russell Brown with "Sock It To Me - Baby," Narada Michael Walden with "How Will I Know," Roger Nichols with "We've Only Just Begun," and the team of Dennis Lambert and Brian Potter with "Ain't No Woman (Like The One I've Got)."

In addition to their individual accomplishments, some nominees share credits for well-known songs. For example, Kenny Loggins' “Footloose” is also a credit for songwriter Dean Pitchford, who co-wrote hits like “Fame” and "Holding Out For a Hero." Tony Macaulay, whose songs have been sung by Elvis Presley, Gladys Knight, and Tom Jones, is nominated for "Baby Now That I've Found You" and "Build Me Up Buttercup."

The Songwriters Hall of Fame sets specific eligibility criteria for induction. Songwriters with a notable catalog of songs become eligible for induction 20 years after the first commercial release of a song. This prestigious hall already includes renowned artists such as Carole King, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora, Elton John and Bernie Taupin, Brian Wilson, James Taylor, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Lionel Richie, Bill Withers, Neil Diamond, and Phil Collins.

As the voting deadline approaches, the music industry eagerly awaits the announcement of the 2024 Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees. With such a diverse range of talented nominees, it will undoubtedly be a tough decision for the voting members to choose the final inductees who will join the ranks of the industry's greatest songwriters.