Grammy Museum celebrates songwriters with new Tower of Song exhibit

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES -- The Grammy Museum is celebrating songwriters with a new exhibit called, Tower of Song: Iconic Songwriters and Recordings.

The exhibit highlights the work of songwriters and the stories behind some of the most recognizable songs in popular music. Among them is Paul Williams, who co-wrote the Kermit the Frog classic, "Rainbow Connection," a song that continues to resonate with audiences. It's one of Williams' many hits over many decades.

"Those songs become mirrors to a time in our lives that sometimes are wonderful, sometimes it's terribly sad, but thank God for the people that honor us by playing them," Williams said.

The Grammy Museum, in partnership with the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, is honoring songwriters for decades of excellence and influence through music. Artist and producer Jimmy Jam praised the effort to bring attention to creators who often work behind-the-scenes.

"I think it's a wonderful thing and I don't think songwriters ever quite get enough credit, so the fact to have this exhibit down here and be able to see the craft of songwriting but also some of the tools of the trade that were used to make the songs, I think, is pretty cool," Jam said.

Jam and Terry Lewis collaborated with Janet Jackson on the album "Rhythm Nation 1814," whose songs tackled issues such as racism, drugs and homelessness more than 35 years ago.

"Musically, I love the fact that it's still relevant. Lyrically, I wish it wasn't still relevant. I wish we weren't still talking about those same issues," Jam said.

Songwriter Diane Warren creates music in different genres, with 17 Oscar nominations to her credit. To get where she is today, she followed her own path.

"I didn't want to be the next anybody, you know, starting out. I just wanted to be the best me I could be. And I still want to be the best me-and a better me," Warren said.

When asked whether she would ever sell her song catalog, Warren was clear. "That's like selling my soul. I know a lot of people are doing it but my soul is not for sale and never will be for sale," she said.

The exhibit includes artifacts and materials that illustrate how artists and albums have shaped popular music over the years, offering visitors insight into the songwriting process.

Williams shared a story about a song he wrote with Roger Nichols, first used in a bank commercial. The song was "We've Only Just Begun."

"I sang it on the commercial. Richard Carpenter heard it and asked if there was a full version. There was. She sang it," Williams said, referring to Karen Carpenter. "And, George, when an angel sings your songs, your life changes. And she changed our lives," Williams added.

The "Tower of Song" exhibit is now on display at the Grammy Museum in downtown Los Angeles.