NEW YORK (By Jo-Ann Geffen, JAG Entertainment) - Zane Williams of Nashville, Tennessee, was presented with the $20,000 Maxell Song of the Year check for his winning song "Hurry Home," his entry in the Country music category. Multi-award winning recording artist
Macy Gray and the Contest's Executive
Director Brian Rothschild, as well as Maxell Corporation's
Daniel Lee, Marketing VP, and Cheryl Severini, Senior Marketing Manager, were on hand to congratulate the winner at the opening evening's festivities at NAMM (International
Music Products Association) Summer Session in Austin, TX. A total of $225,000 in cash and prizes is distributed each year by the JLSC to 96 talented songwriters.
"The Maxell Song of the Year connects our long-standing history with the music industry and consumers that share, store, and enjoy music throughout the world," said Daniel Lee, vice president of marketing for Maxell. "We wish Zane the best as he pursues his dreams and look forward to next year's competition."
Mr. Williams' song was first recognized as a Grand Prize winner in the Country category, and went on to be named the recipient of the Contest's Lennon Award through an online public vote at www.themusicedge.com. The Maxell Song of the Year was selected from the twelve Lennon Award winners by a panel of renowned judges including performers, songwriters and music industry executives, that includes Robin Gibb, Al Jarreau, D12, Black Eyed Peas, Elton John, Wyclef Jean, Carlos Santana, and more.
Macy Gray was excited about the opportunity to show her support for music, music making, and songwriting. She founded The M. Gray Music Academy to help to provide music education to worthy candidates. The students range from 7-70 years of age. The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus, a non-profit mobile recording and video studio that provides free workshops for kids countrywide, will be providing the recording facility for students of Gray's Academy in Los Angeles, from July 24-26th.
About the John Lennon Songwriting Contest:
The John Lennon Songwriting Contest, in its ninth year, is dedicated to providing opportunities to both professional and amateur songwriters. Winners in 12 categories receive awards and prizes totaling over $225,000. The $20,000 Maxell Song of the Year is selected by a stellar Executive Committee including Elton John, Tim McGraw, Wyclef Jean, Sugar Ray, Carlos Santana, Black Eyed Peas John Legend, Enrique Iglesias, Mary J. Blige, Nick Lachey, and many more. Sponsors of the Contest include Maxell, Roland, Brian Moore Guitars, Audio-Technica, EMI Music Publishing, musiciansfriend.com, and Disc Makers. The John Lennon Songwriting Contest is made possible by an agreement with Yoko Ono Lennon who said, "I hope this Contest will encourage, inspire and help the songwriters of the world to share their dreams with us."
About the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus
The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus is a non-profit state-of-the-art mobile recording and multimedia studio that provides music and video education programs for young people. In its eighth year, the endeavor is an offshoot of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest. The Bus travels across America year-round, providing visitors with free, hands-on experiences using the latest audio and video technology, gear and products. The Bus, a 501(c)(3) venture, is made possible through the generosity of sponsors including Maxell Corporation, Apple Computer, NAMM, iGuitar, Roland, Sibelius, Elixir Strings, Edirol, Audio-Technica, Disc Makers, Sonicbids, Digidesign, Ableton, Antares, Lowell-light mfg., Serato, Spectrasonics, Ultrasone, Propellerhead, Music Player Network, Yamaha, Neutrik, Aphex Systems, Glyph Technologies, JVC Professional, Musiciansfriend.com, Stanton, IK Multimedia, McDSP, SKB, Native Instruments, themusicedge.com, and Gretsch Drums. The John Lennon Songwriting Contest and Educational Tour Bus are made possible by an agreement with Yoko Ono Lennon.
About Maxell
Maxell Corporation of America, a technology and marketing leader, is a full line manufacturer of digital media products for consumer, professional and data storage markets. Maxell is a recognized brand for over thirty years that delivers a comprehensive line of digital tape and disc-based recording media products for consumer audio, video, camcorder and data storage applications. The company also manufactures and markets a wide range of consumer battery products, as well as a full line of electronics care, maintenance, and accessory products including headphones, plasma TV cleaners, and iPod cases and speakers. www.maxell.com.
