ABOUT THE AWARD
Goes to a writer or writers already inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and judged by the Nominating Committee as having established a history of outstanding creative works. At one time, this Award went only to lyricists, but it has since been expanded to include composers. Occasionally, the Mercer Award will go to a collaborative team such as Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick; Burt Bacharach and Hal David; and Marilyn and Alan Bergman.PAST RECIPIENTS
2011 Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil
2010 Phil Collins
2008 Paul Anka
2007 Dolly Parton
2006 Kris Kristofferson
2005 Smokey Robinson
2004 Stevie Wonder
2003 Jimmy Webb
2002 Carole King
2001 Billy Joel
2000 Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller
1999 Stephen Sondheim
1998 Paul Simon
1996 Hal David
1996 Burt Bacharach
1995 Cy Coleman
1994 Irving Caesar
1993 Jule Styne
1992 Burton Lane
1991 Betty Comden
1991 Adolph Green
1990 Sheldon Harnick
1990 Jerry Bock
1987 Jerry Herman
1986 Mitchell Parish
1985 Alan Jay Lerner
1983 Sammy Cahn
1982 Harold Arlen
1981 E.Y. “Yip” Harburg