The 2026 class included global stars Taylor Swift, Alanis Morissette, Kenny Loggins and Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of KISS.
Graham, who lives in Largs, is behind a string of international hits including Tina Turner’s What’s Love Got To Do With It, We Don’t Need Another Hero and Typical Male.
He shared the honour with long-time writing partner Terry Britten, who was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame at the American ceremony.
Speaking after the event, he admitted the recognition came as a shock.
“I really couldn’t believe it,” he said. “I knew we had been under consideration, alongside around 20 other names. For them to pick me and Terry, I was stunned.
“I had to sit down when I got the call from America, I really couldn’t believe it. The induction means our names are up there with some of the greats, and it’s going to stay there even when I’m gone. It’s quite a thought. The actual award itself is lovely, but the fact that you’re inducted just means the world.”
Despite sharing the honour with some of the biggest names in modern music, Graham said the moment still felt surreal.
He said: “I was really happy with this, and I was chuffed to see my name even above Taylor Swift.
“BMI had taken a page out saying congratulations to Graham Lyle, Taylor Swift and Walter Afanasieff, which was just incredible.
“It’s got me writing again. It’s given me such a buzz in New York that after six years not writing, Terry and I are back at it.”
Reflecting on his career, Graham pointed to the artists who brought his songs to life, including one particularly meaningful moment.
“It has to be Johnny Cash,” he said. “It’s not so much his performance of the track, but to have someone who I idolised for so many years sing one of my songs, that meant so much to me.
“Tina’s vocals obviously stand out on all songs, just so powerful and incredible, especially on Something Beautiful Remains, which I still think is the best song Tina ever recorded of ours.”
In good company: Graham Lyle has been inducted in the prestigious Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York. (Image: Sean McDonald)
Graham also paid tribute to his hometown, describing Largs as a place that continues to produce creative talent.
He added: “I look at Largs as a real breeding ground for talent.
“There are so many great people who have come from Largs with such a small population, that have made their way in music in one way or the other. There’s something in the water there.”
He added that while the industry has changed significantly since he began writing, he believes the emotional core of songwriting will endure.
“When I’ve been around songwriting, I’ve been so lucky that people were ready for songs — not necessarily songs made for radio playlists, but heartfelt expression,” he said.
“I just don’t hear a Bob Dylan coming through. It’s alright for me, I’ve had a lifetime to sustain me throughout, but it must be difficult for a young songwriter who really wants to write songs from the heart, rather than for the dancefloor.”
Graham first emerged in the 1970s as one half of Gallagher and Lyle, with friend Benny Gallagher, and enjoyed chart success with hits such as Heart on My Sleeve, I Wanna Stay with You and Breakaway.
He went on to enjoy huge international success as a writer for other artists.
Over the decades his work has earned Grammy recognition and multiple industry awards, and his recent induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York marks a career-crowning honour.
At the awards ceremony, Madison Cunningham enchanted the audience with an acoustic performance of What’s Love Got to Do With It, celebrating the songwriting legacy of Britten and Lyle.
Actress and longtime friend Jane Seymour then surprised the duo with heartfelt remarks before welcoming Taylor Dayne, who delivered a spectacular performance of another of their and Tina’s greatest hits, We Don’t Need Another Hero.