Jason Isbell to Honor R.E.M. at Songwriters Hall of Fame Awards

Jason Isbell will honor R.E.M. when the band is inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame on Thursday (June 13) in New York City.

While it's unclear whether Isbell will induct the band or perform one of their songs at the event (press reps for the event are keeping that under wraps), he has been announced as a presenter or performer by the SHOF and he does have ties to the band.

In 2021, Isbell released the album titled Georgia Blue, featuring him covering R.E.M.'s "Nightswimming" with Bela Fleck & Chris Thile, and "Driver 8" with John Paul White.

Isbell floated the concept for the album a few weeks prior to the 2020 election, tweeting, "If Biden wins Georgia I'm gonna make a charity covers album of my favorite Georgia songs - - R.E.M., Gladys Knight, Vic Chesnutt, Allmans, Cat Power, Precious Bryant, Now It's Overhead, etc.... And damn is that gonna be fun."

Following the album's release, R.E.M. returned the love with a statement by Michael Stipe. "Jason's version of "Driver 8" is stellar! I can't wait to hear the rest of the record, especially Now It's Overhead's 'Reverse'...one of my favorite songs ever! Congratulations to Jason and the 400 unit, and thank you for shining a light on these awesome Georgia-based organizations. Let's all pitch in and keep Georgia blue!!!"

Isbell has also covered R.E.M. material live. In January 2022, when he played the Georgia Theatre, he invited R.E.M.'s Mike Mills to join him and his band, the 400 Unit, for a performance of "Driver 8."

Others set to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame on Thursday night include Hillary Lindsey, Timbaland, Dean Pitchford, and Steely Dan. SZA and Diane Warren will be honored with the Hal David Starlight Awards and the Johnny Mercer Award, respectively.

Other presenters and performers announced Monday (June 10) include Trey Anastasio, Kevin Bacon and Michael Bacon (The Bacon Brothers), Cary Barlowe, Andra Day, Rodney Chrome, El Debarge, Missy Elliott, Nile Rodgers, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Deniece Williams and Paul Williams.

Whether those above will be presenting or performing hasn't been announced, but we're guessing that Kevin Bacon will be involved in honoring Dean Pitchford, who's known for writing and executive producing the hits on the chart-topping soundtrack for Footloose, the 1984 film famously starring the actor/singer.

Tags

R.E.M., Jason Isbell, SZA