Taylor Swift and Tamar Braxton lead star-studded Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony

Taylor Swift turned heads in a racy black gown as she arrived at the 55th annual Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York on Thursday, setting the tone for a glittering evening that also saw Tamar Braxton deliver a dynamic tribute. Braxton opened the ceremony with a homage to new inductee Christopher 'Tricky' Stewart, the game-changing R&B songwriter, producer and rapper, whose career has shaped modern pop and R&B. The event honoured a diverse lineup of musical icons, including Kenny Loggins, Alanis Morissette, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of Kiss, as well as Taylor Swift herself, who was among the inductees. Jimmy Jam, the legendary producer and songwriter, also attended the gala. Swift's appearance came after a rowdy night out at a Knicks game, but she slipped into glam mode for the ceremony, drawing attention in her daring gown. The Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony, captured in images by Evan Agostini and the Associated Press, showcased the breadth of music's behind-the-scenes talent, with Braxton's tribute to Stewart serving as a spirited start to an evening that celebrated the craft of songwriting.