Three members Tom Johnston, Michael McDonald and Patrick Simmons, learned they were among this year's inductees to the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
MORE: Music history made during Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony
The band formed in San Jose in 1970 and had many hits, including "Black Water, "What a fool believes" and "Jesus is just alright."
The other inductees include Mike Love of the Beach Boys, George Clinton and R&B producer Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins.