The Songwriters Society of North America honored Raye, Thomas Scherer, Ross Golan, Willie “Prophet” Stiggers and the late Andrea Martin at its annual SONA Warrior Awards on Sunday evening. A celebration was held on the Skirball Cultural Heart in Los Angeles.
Songwriters Sean Stevens (Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande) and Bonnie McGee (Katy Perry, Britney Spears) hosted the night, which included Benny Blanco, Sylvia Rona, Eurythmics’ David A. Stewart, songwriter Michael Sabas and ASCAP President Paul Williams. Golan, Theda Garrett and Melanie Fiona are among the many performers.
Michelle Lewis, CEO of SONA, stated: “I’m so excited to have a good time the 2024 Warrior Award winners in entrance of a passionate venue full of songwriters and the individuals who love us. We’re principally behind the scenes, however the songwriters and composers are A proficient, enjoyable and fascinating group of individuals with quite a bit to say and we cleaned up effectively. The highlight was on us and the microphone was on us and it was an inspiring and significant evening (pictured above with Louise). Photograph of Du Hua and Scherer).
Launched by Sabbas, Rey accepted the award by way of video. The rising British star had good motive to not attend in individual: She was scheduled to make a reside prime-time TV look that night, singing the James Brown basic on the American Music Awards’ fiftieth anniversary particular. In March, Rae made historical past when she obtained six of her seven BRIT Award nominations and have become the primary lady to win Songwriter of the Yr on the BRIT Awards. She is a powerful contender for a Finest New Artist nomination on the upcoming Grammy Awards.
Paul Williams launched Epic Chairman and CEO Sylvia Rhone, who introduced the Warrior Award to Martin’s household. Fiona, who had successful with Martin-penned “It Kills Me,” paid tribute to the late songwriter, whose songs additionally included Toni Braxton (“I Love Me Some” R&B hits by stars similar to Him” and “En Vogue”.
Dave Stewart introduced the Warrior Award to Scherer, who spent practically three a long time as an artist, songwriter, music writer, and producer at BMG and its guardian firm, Bertelsmann , manufacturing unit model homeowners and executives. Scherer was named president of Worldwide Catalog Data by the corporate earlier this 12 months after serving as president of North American Music Publishing.
In an fascinating speech, the Eurythmics co-founder stated: “He is an effective listener, not somebody impatiently ready to precise his opinion. When he speaks, he speaks with authenticity and unity. Form, pleasant and helpful – a bit just like the turtle in Kung Fu Panda.
He continued, “All the pieces Thomas and I mentioned throughout our tenure has been accomplished, (together with) constructing an app that permits writers to view their earnings in a good and clear approach. Songs by artists we love and discuss are slowly Grow to be a part of BMG’s huge catalog. Thomas turns into a juggernaut, an unstoppable drive that brings writers collectively to collaborate in significant methods.
Blanco (Maroon 5, Justin Bieber), a songwriter, producer and report government behind the songwriter-focused podcast “And The creator is the host of…” Golan is called a powerful advocate of the “Warrior Award”. Writers had been instrumental within the passage of the Music Modernization Act and the inclusion of songwriters within the Album of the Yr class on the Grammy Awards and the repeal of the 33% rule. After profitable the award, Golan carried out “Harmful Girl,” a tune he co-wrote with Ariana Grande.
The ultimate honoree of the evening was Stiggs, aka “The Prophet,” co-founder, CEO and president of the Black Music Motion Alliance, an ethnic group representing black creatives and executives within the trade A robust drive for equality and justice.
Garrett ended the evening at Skiball with what may grow to be her signature tune, “Man within the Mirror,” a Michael Jackson hit she co-wrote.
