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Michael Woodard Wins on Series Finale of Popular Reality Singing Show ‘Majors and Minors’

14-year-old up-and-coming BMI writer wows fans and industry judges Last night, on the highly anticipated season finale of the popular reality singing show Majors and Minors, 14-year-old BMI writer and singer Michael Woodard took home the top prize of a music publishing deal and a record deal with RCA Records. Woodard, a sweet and gifted eighth grader from Philadelphia, won fans’ hearts with his incredible voice, positive attitude and infectious…
Indie Spotlight: Jhameel

Jhameel creates explosively funky music comprising soul-stirring guitar, immersive synthesizers, triumphant brass, and unique, melodic vocals inspired equally by Prince and Michael Jackson. An incredibly talented musician, Jhameel produces his own music, and plays each and every instrument on his records himself. In just two years Jhameel released two full-length albums, Jhameel and The Human Condition, a fun “Dance” EP, and recently dropped a collection of brand…
BMI Songwriters Chart Big on Billboard Hot 100’s First 1,000 No. 1s

In 1958, Billboard magazine created the “Hot 100,” a listing showing the top songs being purchased and aired in the U.S. week after week. Decade after decade, BMI songwriters have dominated the chart with some of the greatest hits ever written, from “Lonely Boy,” “Stop in the Name of Love,” and “Let It Be,” to “Da Doo Ron Ron,” Stayin’ Alive,” and “I Will Always Love You.” That proud tradition…
Indie Spotlight: People’s Champs

Mixing experimental rock and soul with African and Latin beats, People's Champs are quickly establishing themselves as one of Brooklyn's freshest new bands. Led by trombonist Alex Asher and featuring lead vocals by diva-on-the-rise Cole Williams, People's Champs mash 80s electro-accordion riffs, tasty neo-soul vocals and gritty drum grooves to create a sound that’s equal parts Gorillaz, Michael Jackson, Fela Kuti…
Indie Spotlight: IJ Quinn

It’s fair to say that IJ Quinn is a young soul. Born and raised on a farm in the small eastern North Carolina town of Warsaw, Quinn developed a musical style that draws comparisons to the R&B/soul greats he grew up listening to (Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, EW&F and Michael Jackson), and the leading commercial songwriters of today (Maroon 5, Alicia…
BMI Partners with Hard Rock for Capitol Hill Event

BMI Senior Vice President, Government Relations Fred Cannon made arrangements for the Hard Rock Memorabilia Bus to make its Washington, DC stop in the shadow of the west front of the U.S. Capitol, just steps away from the entrance to the Capitol Building Visitor’s Center. BMI and Hard Rock Washington, DC marketing executive Jordan Rosenblatt hosted a VIP reception attended by members of Congress, including Representatives Marsha Blackburn and Ted…
David Foster’s 10 Tips for Songwriters
David Foster, honored as an Icon at the 59th Annual BMI Pop Awards, offered aspiring hitmakers a list of 10 items that he views as the keys to success and longevity as a songwriter/producer. The three-time BMI Pop Songwriter of Year offered his sage advice before an audience of BMI Award winners and top industry executives. Foster has written and produced hits for international superstars including CelineDion,…
David Foster Named BMI Icon at 59th Annual BMI Pop Music Awards

BMI held its 59th annual Pop Music Awards tonight at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles. Visionary songwriter and producer David Foster was celebrated as a BMI Icon in recognition of his “unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers.” Lady Gaga, Jason Derülo and JR Rotem all became the BMI Pop Songwriters of the Year. Gaga, Derülo and…
BMI Partners with Boardwalk Entertainment for ‘Majors & Minors’ Reality Series

The Boardwalk Entertainment Group, in partnership with BMI and Sony Music Entertainment’s RCA /JIVE Label Group, has announced the launch of nationwide casting search for kids to be mentored by the biggest and most established artists in the music industry in a groundbreaking new reality series. Called “Majors & Minors,” the series will be televised this fall on The Hub television network, a destination for kids and their families. Boardwalk…
David Foster to be Named BMI Icon at 59th Annual BMI Pop Music Awards

Event Honoring 2010’s Top Pop Songwriters to be Held May 17 in Los Angeles David Foster will be celebrated as a BMI Icon at the 59th annual BMI Pop Music Awards, slated for Tuesday, May 17 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles. Hosted by BMI President & CEO Del Bryant and Barbara Cane, BMI Vice President & General Manager, Writer/Publisher Relations, Los…
