Marissa M. Conner 
The Women Songwriters Hall of Fame (WSHOF) 2021 Winter Songwriting Mixer in Washington, DC was a resounding success. The performances of Robin Sailor Zander (such a nice person), Lisa Marie Williams, Kanysha Williams, Jessica Ricca and Brianna Knight wowed audiences. As the definitive champion of women songwriters, the WSHOF seeks to ensure that women are better represented and recognized for their achievements.
Dr Janice McLean DeLoatch, Founder and Executive Director of WSHOF, Babson College Alumni and Paul Miller Fellow through the National Press Foundation, said: “The event on December 11 celebrated the diversity in the lineup and genres of songwriters in a beautiful location.
Taheerah Sutton performed a gripping rendition of “O Holy Night” accompanied by vocal coach and artist Suzy Dalzell. The Kirov Ballet Academy soared with grace and enthusiasm. Brianna Knight’s vocal range was reminiscent of a young Mariah Carey, and Ms. Maybelle brought in the funny as host and comedian. This year’s songwriting winners are Jessica Ricca and Kanysha Williams.
Muriel Bowser, Mayor of Washington, DC congratulated WSHOF “for your dedication to honoring the work of women songwriters …”
The award presenters were: We Model USA, an anti-trafficking modeling agency.
Robin Zander of Cheap Trick, Chloe Lattanzi, Dexter Wansel, Bill Bloom, “Double Dutch Bus” and Dan McKeown congratulated the Lifetime Achievement & Legacy Award winners.
WSHOF honored the incomparable Ms. Dee Dee Sharp and Dr. Cynthia Biggs El with Lifetime Achievement & Legacy Awards. Ms. Sharp gave a moving rendition of her song “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow”. Dr Cynthia Biggs El described the honor as “the honor of a lifetime. Thank you for crowning my career as a songwriter.
Annette L. Redmond, an Fmr. The military intelligence officer explained, “All of the candidates were amazing and talented at every level, which makes our job as a judge incredibly difficult.” The other judges included: Dr. Claudia Bornholdt, Dean of the University of Coastal Carolina; Phil Oakley, Creating Cultural Files; Tina Harrison; and Cheryl Cooley, member of the all-girl group KLYMAXX. Cheryl generously donated autographed guitars to the winners.
Panels led by Lauren Bringle, Self-Financial (Chartered Financial Advisor®) and Anthony Little (MegaByte Music Group) as well as music and workshop presentations with Freya Shoffner, Esq., Dr. Sonara Barber-Carter and Dr. Jovan Jackson provided training and clarification.
WSHOF is seeking nominations and new songwriters for the June 2022 Awards and the Second Songwriting Competition. WSHOF is also looking for sponsors and corporate partners for June 2022. Please respond to womensongwritershalloffame.org.
