New York, NY. (Top40 Charts/
National Music Publishers Association) -
National Music Publishers' Association President and CEO
David M. Israelite announced today that music legend
Neil Sedaka has been chosen to receive the NMPA Songwriter Icon Award. Sedaka will be presented with this award at the NMPA Annual Meeting to be held on Wednesday, June 6, 2007, at Le Parker Meridien in New York City.
For over four decades, Sedaka has created timeless standards and numerous hit singles. A prolific writer, Sedaka has authored more than 1,000 songs, including such memorable tunes as "Stairway To Heaven," "Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen" and "Calendar Girl." Sedaka's "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do" was listed by BMI as one of the 50 most performed songs of the 20th century. He continues to write exciting music and has devoted fans all over the world.
"Neil Sedaka has had an incredible influence on the music world, and this award expresses our appreciation for his legacy," said Israelite. "We are honored that Mr. Sedaka will accept this award."
Sedaka is expected to perform a few of his songs during the meeting. Congressman Howard Berman from California will also be receiving the President's Award for his work on behalf of songwriters and music publishers. Berman is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet and Intellectual Property of the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee. As Chairman, Congressman Berman has initiated hearings addressing copyright protection and music licensing in the digital age.
As part of this year's meeting, Israelite will host a panel discussion on the future of Section 115 of the Copyright Act. Panelists include Marybeth Peters, Register of Copyrights, Cary Sherman, President of the Recording Industry Association of America, Jon Potter, Executive Director of the Digital Media Association, and Gary Churgin, President and CEO of The Harry Fox Agency. The annual meeting will begin at 3 p.m.
