In a
time and age where there has been much dispute with copyright infringement of
various songs and movie soundtracks, the American Society of Composers, Authors
and Publishers or ASCAP has always come to the aid of its members.
From the
stages of Broadway to the “entertainment capital of the world,” Las Vegas,
headliners such as Barry Manilow, Tom Jones, along with Strip entertainers, such
as T. Fox., Clint Holmes and others, rave about ASCAP.
Recently,
Quincy Jones, the maestro of music, stated, “If it wasn’t for ASCAP, there
wouldn’t be any future royalties.”
In
essence, ASCAP, through its well-organized efforts has made it possible for
writers and composers to be recognized and compensated for their creative works
in the United States and throughout the world.
ASCAP
represents every kind of music: pop, rock, alternative, country, R&B, rap,
hip-hop, Latin, film and television themes, folk, roots and blues, jazz, gospel,
Christian, new age, theater and cabaret, dance, electronic, symphonic, concert,
as well as many others.
To honor
its members’ contributions, the organization produces several awards shows
annually, which includes ASCAP’s Pop Music, Film and Television, Rhythm & Blues,
Country Music, Latin Music and other awards shows.
Recently a
number of notable composers, songwriters and celebrities attended ASCAP’s
26th Annual Pop Music Awards held at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel. It was
certainly a very inspirational evening.
Some of
the highlights of the evening included Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart who
received ASCAP’s Founders award. The legendary duo rocked the stage performing
some of their hits, including “Barracuda”, “Crazy For You” and “Magic Man,”
along with some of the latest material.
Mikkel
Eriksen and Tor Hermansen of Stargate were recognized as Songwriters of the Year
for “Closer,” “Don’t Stop the Music,” “Miss Independent,” “Take a Bow,” “Tatoo”
and “With You.” They were very warmly greeted. 
Another
highlight of the evening was Wyclef Jean’s account of how he got started in the
industry. He got laughs from the audience when he started his story with the
admission that he “got into the business to meet girls.”
He
received the Creative Voice award, performed to a standing ovation, and he
complimented one of his mentors, Quincy Jones.
Among the
dozens of honors given at the Pop and Music awards, Quincy Jones accepted one in
the Most Performed Song category for “Good Life.”
He is a
person who stands up for his beliefs. On an earlier occasion, I spoke with him
about his views on a major event and why supported it for the sake of the arts.
During the 2008 Olympics held in China, there was controversy due to politics,
but Quincy Jones supported the athletes and the musical artists by traveling to
China. He said that he would go anywhere in the world to support and protect
members of his industry.
Vanguard
Award winner Santi White, who performs as Santigold, was as a recipient in the
major category, In Recognition of the Impact of Musical Genres Which Help Shape
the Future of American Music.
The Song
of the Year award for “Bleeding Love” was presented to writers Jesse McCartney
and Ryan Tedder. Dozens of recipients in other categories were recognized.
Another
feature of ASCAP award events is the state of the art equipment they use for
high production value, along with their elaborate dinner shows and world-class
performances.
ASCAP Supports Artists
ASCAP
protects the rights of its members and foreign affiliates by licensing the
public performances of their copyrighted works and distributing royalties based
upon surveyed performances.
Established in 1914, ASCAP is the first and leading U.S. Performing Rights
Organization (PRO) representing the world’s largest repertory totaling over 8.5
million copyrighted musical works of every style and genre from more than
350,000 songwriter, composer and music publisher members. ASCAP has
representation arrangements with similar foreign organizations so that the ASCAP
repertory is represented in nearly every country around the world where
copyright law exists.
ASCAP’s
informational Daily Brief for members is compiled by board member Dean
Kay, who is a songwriter and music publisher. ASCAP’s magazine Playback
is loaded with full-color photos, features the latest news on events, new member
listings, legislative updates, feature articles, distribution info, upcoming
workshops and showcases and more.
ASCAP
membership consists of those who make their living writing music. As a society
of composers, songwriters, lyricists and music publishers, the organization is
helpful to them through all the steps between creation and compensation, which
can take months, if not years, between the creation of a song, its recording,
its release, its performance and the day when the creators begin to receive
revenues from it.
A music
creator is like a small business, and ASCAP exists to ensure that music creators
are paid promptly when their works are performed publicly.
ASCAP
helps writers in a number of ways: workshops, showcases, publications, and an
exclusive, tailor-made benefits package that includes health and instrument
insurance, a credit union, discounts on musical accessories, travel and much
more.
ASCAP, as
the only American publishing rights organization owned and governed by its
writer and publisher members, is committed to nurturing music makers throughout
their careers.
For more
information on events and membership, visit
www.ascap.com.
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My book of poetry
entitled "Messages" was inspired by my dear friends C.J. Cansler along
with Victoria Boone and Beryl Warren.
The group of poems
along with some beautiful photographs are to inspire the reader.
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