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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.
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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
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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
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