About Last Night... The 2008 Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Marriot Marquis

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Loretta Lynn

Deep in the heart of Times Square, supermodel of the moment Agyness Deyn (in somber black as opposed to her signature wildly striped knee socks and clashing color outfits) arrived with father and son duo Albert Hammond and Albert Hammond Jr. Father Hammond (“The Air That I Breathe,” “It Never Rains in Southern California”), an inductee. Son Hammond, a Strokes-er and solo artist (check out his new album “Como Te Llama.”) PAPER asked inductee John Sebastian (of Lovin’ Spoonful fame) whether he smoked a lot of pot during the ‘60s, to which he replied, “I’m still smoking a lot of pot!” Dumbstruck with honest to goodness legend Loretta Lynn in front of me, I have to admit I slipped into a state of stupor and awe and asked her what her favorite song was. “Why, ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter,’” graciously leaving out the “you stupid ass!” As each honoree walked by, the 20-something photographer standing next to me asked over and over again, “Is that Paul Anka?” until I finally snapped and hit him over the head with my program!