The City of West Hollywood recently recognized songwriting legend Diane Warren for her various achievements in the music industry along with her philanthropic causes. Mayor Pro Tempore John Erickson presented Warren with a Proclamation at a regular City Council meeting on Tuesday, February 21, 2022.
Before his presentation, the Mayor Pro Tem made a reference to a song she wrote, “How Do I Live” by LeAnn Rimes, which he said he played after his first boyfriend broke up with him.
Diane Warren is described in the City Proclamation as one of modern music’s most celebrated songwriters, penning nine number one hits, 32 top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, and has been tied for having written the most number one songs as a solo writer in Billboard’s history. Her hits include “If I Could Turn Back Time” by Cher, “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion, “How Do I Live” by LeAnn Rimes and “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith.
Ms Warren was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, she was a recipient of a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She has over 100 songs featured in motion pictures and has received 14 Academy Award nominations, including a recent nomination for the song “Applause” as well as an honorary Oscar from the Academy of Motion Pictures.
She also created the Diane Warren Foundation which is dedicated to the support of animal rights and protections, enriching the lives of the elderly and people suffering from life-threatening illnesses through music-related charities, and she was recognized for her advocacy efforts in social justice issues.
Her songwriting has also brought attention to LGBTQ rights, women’s rights, empowerment, equity and fairness.
Photo provided courtesy of the City of West Hollywood. Some rights reserved. Photo credit: Jon Viscott“Therefore, let it be resolved that the City Council in the City of West Hollywood hereby recognizes Diane Warren for her many contributions she has made through her art, creativity, philanthropic work, and just–and I’m adlibbing here–for being a complete badass for all of us that need her songs,” concluded Mayor Pro-Tem Erickson.
“First of all John I apologize for ‘How Do I Live’,” Warren told Erickson during her comments. “I’m so sorry. Sorry–not sorry. I’m proud of the song, but I’m sorry that happened. Maybe I can write something else that heals your heart. Maybe I have. I don’t know.”
Photo provided courtesy of the City of West Hollywood. Some rights reserved. Photo credit: Jon Viscott“Thank you to the city of West Hollywood,” she added. “I have one really important thing that’s been on my mind, do I get my parking tickets paid for now? I got some. This is really great. Thank you everyone. I love what you said. I like the badass part. Usually I feel like an ass more than the badass part…thank you for everything.”
Actress and singer Sofia Carson will be accompanied by Warren for a performance of the Oscar-nominated song “Applause” from Tell It like a Woman at the 2023 Oscars on Sunday, March 12, 2023.
At least she seemingly deserves it. I remember when a John Duran gave the key to city to a porn star, Stormy Daniels. It’s amazing anyone takes this city seriously
Poor Diane Warren, love her!, but the council gave the same proclamation to Stormy Daniels. Not sure if it’s an honor, more like a curse. As for ‘How Do I Live?’, the residents chorus of West Hollywood has been singing the song ever since Erickson and Shyne were elected to the City Council. ‘How do we?’, indeed.
Stormy got a much bigger honor. She got a key to the City. And guess what? Shyne and Erickson had nothing to do with that. It was all John Duran. What song were you singing then?
I was singing the same song. The council and their priorities are pathetic.