NASHVILLE, TN. (ASCAP) - The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) honored the world's finest songwriters of the most performed country songs of 2004 at the Mother Church of Country
Music tonight. Over a thousand of Nashville's most celebrated artists and songwriters, as well as music industry professionals from around the world, gathered at the star-studded gala for the presentation of the 43rd Annual ASCAP Country
Music Awards, proving once again that ASCAP songs are at the heart of country music's enduring success.
The evening was highlighted with a special presentation of the ASCAP Voice of Music Award to Kenny Chesney, who was described by ASCAP President & Chairman of the Board Marilyn Bergman as "an artist who has the ability to captivate millions with songs that are honest, heartfelt and entertaining. He is a superstar, yes, but he is a songwriter first."
Co-hosted by ASCAP CEO John LoFrumento and ASCAP Senior Vice President Connie Bradley, this year's celebration took place at two of Nashville's most distinctive landmarks - The Ryman Auditorium and the BellSouth Tower. Bradley happily noted that the move downtown for the annual event was a tremendous success. "We purposely sought to break the typical 'awards banquet' mold and present our songwriters and publishers in the best possible light." Bradley echoed the sentiments of attendees regarding the choice of venue. "It's only fitting that we honor the world's finest songwriters and the best songs of the past year at one of the most beloved venues in the world... The Ryman Auditorium."
Among those in attendance were Kenny Chesney, Gretchen Wilson, Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Darryl Worley, Terri Clark, Phil Vassar, Brad Paisley, Sugarland, SHeDAISY, Buddy Jewel, Craig Morgan, Billy Currington, Keith Anderson, David Lee Murphy, Jamie O'Neal, J.D. Souther, Jimmy Wayne, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Deric Ruttan, Blaine Larson, Shannon Lawson, Josh Turner, The Wrights, Brice Long, Jessica Andrews, Blue County, Lane Turner, Shannon Brown, Whitney Duncan, Melonie Cannon, Keni Thomas, Brady Seals, Matt Jenkins, and Guy Clark.
The evening opened with a stellar performance of "I Saw The Light" by Rascal Flatts, and throughout the evening hit songwriters performed live renditions of the past year's Top 5 most performed ASCAP songs. Craig Wiseman performed "Live Like You Were Dying," Brett James sang "When The Sun Goes Down," Monty Powell performed "Days Go By" and ASCAP Voice of Music Award honoree Kenny Chesney delighted the audience with a knock out performance of "I Go Back."
During the special presentation of the ASCAP Voice of Music Award to country superstar Kenny Chesney, ASCAP's Connie Bradley said: "Kenny brings a special magic to the stage. When he performs, you feel as though he is your best friend, speaking directly to you through each song. His music celebrates the every day things in life, things we hold dear to our hearts." Chesney joins a select group of songwriters who have received this prestigious honor, which is given to songwriters whose music gives people's lives a voice through song, including Garth Brooks, Amy Grant, Diane Warren and George Strait.
The evening's other top honors were awarded as follows:
ASCAP Songwriter of the Year - Craig Wiseman: For hit singles, "In A Real Love," "Live Like You Were Dying," "Rough And Ready," "That's What It's All About," and "This Woman With You." Wiseman is one of Music Row's most prolific writers with 300 songs released, 90 charted singles and 13 number one hits. It's his second time receiving this honor.
ASCAP Songwriter/Artist of the Year - John Rich: "Here For The Party," "Holy Water," "Redneck Woman," "Save A Horse Ride A Cowboy," and "When I Think About Cheatin'." Big & Rich's John Rich is Nashville's newest "renaissance man." The 31-year-old Texas native has made an indelible mark on the face of country music. Rich's songs have been on the charts all year; Faith Hill's "Mississippi Girl" and Gretchen Wilson's "Redneck Woman" are two of his most recent No 1 hits.
ASCAP Country Song of the Year Award - "Live Like You Were Dying" - Craig Wiseman: This award honors the most performed country song of the past year and was presented to ASCAP's 2005 Songwriter of the Year, Craig Wiseman. The smash hit was recorded by multi-platinum selling artist Tim McGraw and published by Wiseman's Big Loud Shirt Industries. "Live Like You Were Dying" spent a remarkable 10 weeks at the No 1 spot and garnered Song of The Year honors at the GRAMMY, NSAI, CMA and ACM Awards.
ASCAP Publisher of the Year, EMI Music Publishing: For "Awful, Beautiful Life," "Break Down Here," "Girls Lie Too," "How Far," "In A Real Love," "It's Five O'clock Somewhere," "Little Moments," "Mud On The Tires," "Passenger Seat," "Remember When," "Sweet Southern Comfort," "Too Much Of A Good Thing," and "You'll Think Of Me." With a total of thirteen award-winning songs, EMI earned this award for the 5th consecutive year.
This year's Partner in Music Award, presented by ASCAP Senior Vice President and Director of Licensing Vincent Candilora, went to Tootsies Orchid Lounge. This award recognizes an ASCAP licensee who has shown exceptional dedication to promoting and expanding the reach of country music. During the presentation to Tootsies' owner, Steve Smith, Candilora noted, "this year's Partner in Music Award recipient played a key role in Nashville's musical legacy. For decades this establishment has spun its magic with legendary live performances."
The evening also included a presentation by Gibson's Henry Juskiewic to ASCAP Country Songwriter and Country Songwriter/Artist of the Year. Craig Wiseman and John Rich each received Gibson Songwriter Deluxe Cutaway guitars, which were personalized in recognition of their individual honors.
ASCAP Vice President John Briggs joined Connie Bradley on stage to present awards to the ASCAP writers and publishers of the most performed country songs of 2004. For the complete list of winners, go to www.ascap.com.
