"This one here hits different," George Clinton told an assorted crowd of songwriters, artists and music industry players in New York City on Friday (June 13) night as he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Oates also tells PEOPLE about creating his new collaboration with Clyde and Gracie Lawrence, "Enough Is Enough"

Fifty-three years since their first hit single, “Listen to the Music ,” raced up the charts in 1972, the Doobie Brothers are back with their 16th studio album, Walk This Road, and a 20-date tour this summer with the Coral Reefer Band that kicks off on Aug. 4 in Detroit.

Gorley reflected on the honour, saying, “As much as part of me is still in shock, I look around this room & I know I belong. I see family.”

"These songwriters have enriched the lives of billions of listeners the world over. It’s our honor to honor them."