The Kinks lead singer Ray Davies is among five songwriters to be inducted into the US Songwriters Hall of Fame this year. It is particularly apt as the Kinks celebrate their 50th anniversary this year.

Fellow 1960s artist Donovan will also be inducted alongside 10cc’s Graham Gouldman, Jim Weatherly and Mark James. The five songwriters were selected from a list of nominees that also included Madonna, Nile Rodgers, Sade and Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page and Robert Plant.

As well as writing songs for 10cc, Graham Gouldman has also written songs for Herman’s Hermits, The Hollies, Cher and Jeff Beck. Meanwhile Gladys Knight and the Pips recorded 12 songs written by Jim Weatherly. As well as Midnight Train To Georgia, they also recorded You’re The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me and Where Peaceful Waters Flow.

Perhaps the least well known 2014 US Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductee is Mark James who helped to revive Elvis Presley’s career in the late 1960s with his song Suspicious Minds, after Elvis’ televised 1968 Comeback Special, where he never looked better than that night, dressed in his iconic black leather boots, trousers and jacket!!

If you will pardon the outrageous pun, this list of US Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductees is “music to the ears” of the Record Press author, who adores the music of The Kinks, Donovan, 10cc, Elvis Presley and Gladys Knight and the Pips. I’m absolutely delighted that these songwriters have been recognised for writing some of the greatest songs of the 1960s and 1970s!!!

Songwriters Hall of Fame chairman Jimmy Webb commented: “Each of our 2014 inductees has been responsible for captivating the world with their creativity for decades, serving up a rich variety of songs for our global soundtrack”. To emphasise this point here is a Record Press Top 20 Best Songs by the 2014 US Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductees ( To make it democratic, each songwriter is nominated at least two songs ) –

Top 20 Best Songs by the 2014 US Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductees

1) Kinks – Waterloo Sunset ( Ray Davies 1968 )

2) 10cc – I’m Not In Love ( Graham Gouldman 1975 )

3) Herman’s Hermits – No Milk Today ( Graham Gouldman 1966 )

4) Kinks – You Really Got Me ( Ray Davies 1964 )

5) Elvis Presley – Moody Blue ( Mark James 1977 )

6) Kinks – Lola ( Ray Davies 1970 )

7) 10cc – Wall Street Shuffle ( Graham Gouldman 1974 )

8) Gladys Knight – The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me ( Jim Weatherly 1975 )

9) Elvis Presley – Always On My Mind ( Mark James 1972 )

10) 10cc – I’m Mandy Fly Me ( Graham Gouldman 1976 )

11) Kinks – Sunny Afternoon ( Ray Davies 1966 )

12) Donovan – Hurdy Gurdy Man

13) Elvis Presley – Suspicious Minds ( Mark James 1969 )

14) Yardbirds – For Your Love ( Graham Gouldman 1965 )

15) 10cc – Art for Art’s Sake ( Graham Gouldman 1975 )

16) Yardbirds – Heart Full of Soul ( Graham Gouldman 1965 )

17) Donovan – Mellow Yellow

18) Kinks – Dead End Street ( Ray Davies 1966 )

19) Gladys Knight – Midnight Train to Georgia ( Jim Weatherly 1976 )

20) Donovan – Sunshine Superman

Framed vinyl records, framed CDs and framed DVDs with a personalised plaque, make unique presents or original gifts for a special celebration  / special occasion ie a Wedding ( Wedding First Dance Song ), an Engagement Party ( Our Song ), a House Warming Party ( New Home ), a 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th Birthday ( How about the No1 song on the day of birth? ), a Silver, Ruby or Golden Wedding Anniversary, Father’s or Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day!!  THE PERFECT PERSONALISED PRESENT!!   ORDER NOW www.myfirstrecord.co.uk/