NEW YORK, NY (ASCAP) - The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) honored the top British writer and publisher members of the PRS at a special ceremony held at The Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Wednesday, October 11, 2006. Hosted by ASCAP Senior Vice President, International
Roger Greenaway, the gala dinner and awards presentation honored those PRS writer and publisher members whose repertory is licensed by ASCAP and was among its most performed works in the U.S. during 2005.
"We're very pleased to celebrate the achievements of the writer and publisher members of the PRS whose music is represented by ASCAP in the United States," said Greenaway. "I'm especially pleased to welcome our Songwriter of the Year honoree, Yusuf Islam, and to pay tribute to Felix Cavaliere. Their songs have truly stood the test of time. My sincerest congratulations to them and to all of tonight's honorees."
Yusuf Islam was named Songwriter of the Year for the second consecutive year and was recognized for his enduring classic "First Cut Is The Deepest." Formerly known as Cat Stevens, he was one of the most successful and enigmatic artists of the 1970s, with a string of best selling albums, which virtually defined the concept of the sensitive songwriter. His reflective and often highly personal songs connected with a huge audience and made him an international superstar. His most notable songs include "Morning Has Broken," "Peace Train," "Wild World," "Moonshadow," "Father and Son," "Matthew and Son," "Oh Very Young," and "First Cut Is The Deepest." "First Cut" first appeared on his 1967 album, "New Masters," and has been covered by numerous artists, including P.P. Arnold, Rod Stewart and more recently, Sheryl Crow, who earned a 2005 Grammy nomination for her rendition, which was featured on her Greatest Hits album, "The Very Best of Sheryl Crow."
Yusuf Islam is soon to release a Rick Nowels-produced album of new songs, his first in almost 30 years. The release will coincide with the 40th anniversary of the first Cat Stevens record, "I Love My Dog" (Deram November 1966).
ASCAP Song of the Year honors went to Coldplay's "Speed of Sound." The song, featured on the band's third album, "X&Y," reached No 8 on the Billboard 100 chart and has earned them numerous accolades, including a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Performance and a Brit Award for Best British Single.
BMG Music Publishing Ltd was named Publisher of the Year. ASCAP CEO John A. LoFrumento presented the award to Chairman Paul Curran, who commented, "We are thrilled at winning our third ASCAP Publisher Award in a row. It is a real tribute to the dedication of everyone who works at BMG Music Publishing and the fact that we clearly have been able to create an environment in which our songwriters can consistently flourish here, and in the U.S."
Indie/Rock group The Cribs received the ASCAP College Award for their self-titled debut album, which has received significant airplay on college radio stations in the U.S. The band, from Yorkshire, England, features three brothers, twins Gary and Ryan Jarman and younger brother, Ross. They released three singles - "Another Number," "What About Me," and "You Were Always the One" - before signing to Wichita Records in late 2003, and since then have toured the U.S. a total of six times. They are currently recording their third album.
British/Australian duo Bodyrockers received the ASCAP Dance Award for their worldwide hit "I Like The Way." Comprising Kaz James, one of Australia's leading house DJs, and U.K. guitarist/vocalist Dylan Burns, the Bodyrockers are gaining massive support from some of the most known and respected DJs, including Erick Morillo and Steve Lawler.
Honorees in the Film and TV Theme categories were Patrick Doyle ("Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire," "Nanny McPhee"), Dario Marianelli ("Pride and Prejudice," "The Brothers Grimm"), Julian Nott ("Curse of the Were-Rabbit"), Joby Talbot ("The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy"), Keith Strachan and Matthew Strachan ("Who Wants To Be A Millionaire"), Catherine Dennis, Julian Gingell and Barry Stone ("American Idol"), and Adrian Johnson ("Gideon's Daughter").
The evening was highlighted with a special tribute to Felix Cavaliere, who performed some of the classic songs that rocked millions of fans with his soulful singing and songwriting skills. Cavaliere was the main creative force behind The Rascals who had four number one hits, six top 20 singles, and six top 20 albums. His voice is familiar to millions through smash hits like "Good Lovin'," "Girl Like You," "I've Been Lonely Too Long," "Groovin'," "You Better Run," "A Beautiful Morning" and the inspiring "People Got To Be Free." His vocal style had an impact on the development of pop music long before the term "Blue Eyed Soul" was coined. Cavaliere has completed a tour with Ringo Starr, has been busy coordinating and producing music for Northwest Airlines and TV commercials featuring legendary musicians, and touring nationally. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.
For more information, including a complete list of winners, go to www.ascap.com.
