June 2004

12th Annual El Premio ASCAP Awards Held in Puerto Rico

Joan Sebastian and Rudy Perez Named Songwriters of the Year

Sony/ATV Music Publishing Named Publisher of the Year

Pictured (l-r) are ASCAP's Alexandra Lioutikoff, ASCAP CEO John LoFrumento, ASCAP Latin Heritage Award honoree Ednita Nazario, ASCAP's Todd Brabec and Ana Rosa Santiago.

ASCAP celebrated its 12th annual El Premio ASCAP Awards at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico on March 11. This was the first time that ASCAP presented its awards ceremony on Puerto Rican soil in recognition of the creative talent and tremendous growth of the musical community on the island. The Society received a warm welcome as San Juan Bautista Mayor Jorge A. Santini Padilla proclaimed March 11th “ASCAP Day” saying, “We commend ASCAP for its contributions to the music and lyrics that enrich lives in our community, our country and every corner of the world; and we extend our appreciation to this organization for their continued efforts on behalf of music across the spectrum.” Queen of Merengue Milly Quezada and TV personality Rafael Jose were the special guest hosts of the evening’s festivities along with ASCAP CEO John LoFrumento.

The gala honored the songwriters and publishers of ASCAP's most performed songs in Latin music in 2003. Among the artists and award recipients in attendance were Omar Alfanno, Victor Manuelle, Area 305, Obie Bermudez, Noelia, Claudia Brant, Jorge Correa, Oscar Serrano, Tego Calderón, Domingo Quiñones, Ismael Miranda, Danny Rivera, Nydia Caro, Billy Van, Son By Four, Bobby Valentin and Andy Montañez.

Sharing “Songwriter of the Year” honors were Joan Sebastian and Rudy Perez. This is the third time they have been presented with this prestigious award, which is one of the top honors the performing rights organization bestows upon its members.

Songwriter of the Year Rudy Perez with ASCAP Silver Pen Award winner Johnny Pacheco

Joan Sebastian was born in the town of Julianita of Sierra Guerrero in Mexico. During his early musical career, he blossomed as both a songwriter and an interpreter. In 2000, ASCAP honored him with “The Silver Pen Award” for 35 years of song crafting. The most recent works of this Grammy award winner include“Secreto de Amor” and “Amorcito Mio”. His music has been interpreted by such notable artists as Rocio Durcal, Lucero and Banda Cachorros among others.

Rudy Perez is one of the most successful songwriters and producers currently working in Latin music. He has over 50 platinum records and has won four Grammy awards. His music can be heard in television commercials and Disney films, and he has written hit songs for many recording artists including Julio Iglesias, Luis Miguel, Roberto Carlos and Cristian.

Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC was named “Publisher of the Year” as the publisher of the most award-winning songs -- a total of 32. Richard Rowe, President of Sony/ATV Music Publishing, and Eddie Fernandez, Vice President of Sony/ATV, Norte and Latin American Region were on hand to pick up the award.

The evening also featured the special presentation of the ASCAP Latin Heritage Award to Latin music star Ednita Nazario by her beloved friend and colleague, Danny Rivera. Another highlight was the presentation of the “ASCAP Silver Pen Award” to legendary songwriter and musician Johnny Pacheco in celebration of his long and distinguished career.

ASCAP also presented Jose A. Ribas, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Radio Broadcasters Association, with the “ASCAP Partner in Music Award.” Jose's work with radio broadcasters in PR has helped to promote the use of ASCAP members' music on the island.

For a full list of ASCAP El Premio Award winners, visit http://www.ascap.com/eventsawards/awards/latinawards/2004/

El Premio Awards Photos