To: JakeStraw who wrote (25655 ) 3/21/2001 12:17:34 PM From: SIer formerly known as Joe B. Respond to of 49844 Clapton Honored for Songs Tuesday March 20 09:47 PM ESTdailynews.yahoo.com Eric Clapton, Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson, are among this year's class of songwriters who will be inducted into the National Academy of Popular Music/Songwriters Hall of Fame this year. Diane Warren, who penned songs for everyone from Aerosmith ("I Don't Want to Miss a Thing") to Toni Braxton ("Un-Break My Heart"), and veteran pop tunesmith Paul Williams -- an Oscar winner for "Evergreen," the theme from Barbra Streisand's 1976 film A Star Is Born and the co-writer of "We've Only Just Begun," which was a hit for the Carpenters -- will also be inducted. Other notable honorees are Billy Joel, who will receive the Johnny Mercer Award, named after the singer, songwriter and lyricist and one of NAPM/SHF's founders. Gloria Estefan and husband Emilio Estefan will receive the Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award. Ralph Peer will receive the Abe Olman Publisher Award -- also named for one of the organization's founders -- and "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" will receive the Towering Song Award. No word yet on presenters and performers for this year's group of songwriters, though announcements about the lineup of special guests are expected in the coming weeks. The 32nd Annual Songwriter's Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held on June 14th at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers in New York. Tickets for the event run at $750 dollars each with all the proceeds going to the NAPM/SHF. The organization is raising funds for a songwriting museum in New York City and works to support talent through songwriting workshops, showcases and scholarships. CHRISTINA SARACENO (March 21, 2001)