The two-day event, scheduled to run 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., is designed to be informative, practical and inspirational, and is open to songwriters of all abilities and ages. Students will learn effective strategies for writing songs and immediately apply these techniques to their own work.

Registration is $225 for general enrollment, $200 for USC alumni. For complete information, go to www.usc.edu/music/songwriting or call (213) 740-6474.

The Alliance comprises 29 member organizations from the worlds of entertainment, arts, technology and sports, and represents an estimated 11 million Americans working in copyright-related industries. Its executive director, Patrick Ross, is a former journalist and think-tank senior fellow with more than 10 years of expertise writing about and advocating for the importance of intellectual property.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers (D-Ml) welcomed the coalition's formation in a statement read at the launch event, which also featured a panel discussion with Grammy-winning musicians, a noted academic expert, and working artists.

"Strong copyright laws are essential to protect the livelihoods of millions of artists and inventors," said Conyers. "But just as importantly, strong copyright is important to all Americans by driving creativity and innovation in our economy.”

"Everybody loves creative works, and starting today, the Copyright Alliance will work to ensure the creative process continues by advancing the interest of millions of Americans," said Ross. “Our common mission is to provide educational resources and promote creativity, jobs and growth through copyright."

The Copyright Alliance is supported by an Academic Advisory Committee, and one of the Committee's members was a participant in the panel discussion: James Gibson, University of Richmond law professor. Other panelists included Lamont Dozier, Grammy-winning Motown songwriter; Steve Cropper, Grammy-winning guitarist, songwriter, producer, and founding member of Booker T. and the MGs; Steve Siwek of Economics, Inc., an author of comprehensive economic studies of copyright; Tim O'Brien, Grammy-winning singer/songwriter; and Tom Paxton, another Grammy-winning folk singer/songwriter.

Members of the Copyright Alliance include: American Federation of Television & Radio Artists, American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers; American Society of Media Photographers; Association of American Publishers; Broadcast Music, Inc.; Business Software Alliance; CBS Corporation; Directors Guild of America; Entertainment Software Association; Magazine Publishers of America; Major League Baseball; Microsoft; Motion Picture Association of America; National Association of Broadcasters; National Collegiate Athletic Association; National Music Publishers Association; NBA Properties, Inc.; NBC Universal; News Corporation; Newspaper Association of America; Professional Photographers of America; Recording Artists' Coalition; Recording Industry Association of America; Software & Information Industry Association; Sony Pictures Entertainment; Time Warner; Viacom; Vin Di Bona Productions; and The Walt Disney Company.

The Copyright Alliance is a non-profit, non-partisan educational organization dedicated to promoting the value of copyright as an agent for creativity, jobs and growth. For more information, visit www.copyrightalliance.org

Standing, left to right: Stanley S. Hubbard, Chairman and CEO Hubbard Broadcasting; Bruce Reese, Joint Chairman of the NAB and President and CEO Bonneville International Corporation; Cecil L Walker, Chairman, BMI Board of Directors; FCC Commissioner Deborah Taylor Tate; NAB President & CEO David Rehr; Sitting: Del Bryant, BMI President and CEO; Dolly Parton; Craig A. Dubow, Chairman, President & CEO, Gannett Co., Inc. photo by Lester Cohen

Saluted for a “lifetime of brilliant performances that have delighted and entertained broadcast audiences across America,” Parton was recognized as a songwriter whose enormous entertainment contributions have shaped American music and culture. “It is rare that a songwriter of such immense talent is also able to deliver those songs on record, on the air and in concert in a way that thrills audiences and has brought her to the pinnacle of professional success in our industry,” said Bryant. “The management and Board of Directors chose her for this salute because of her impact across all media and genres, and the diversity and scope of her talent as a songwriter, recording artist, actress, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.”

left to right: Cecil L. Walker, Chairman, BMI Board of Directors; Dolly Parton; and Del Bryant, BMI President and CEO. photo by Randall Michaelson

Also at the dinner were legendary BMI songwriters Jeff Barry (“Be My Baby,” “Chapel of Love”), Holland/Dozier/Holland (“Stop In The Name of Love,” “Reach Out and I’ll Be There”), and Barry Mann and Cynthia Weill (“You’ve Lost That Lovin Feelin’,” “Here You Come Again”); BMI’s Board of Directors, executives and Board members of the NAB, and FCC commissioners.

left to right: BMI Songwriter Eddie Holland; Del Bryant, BMI President and CEO; BMI Songwriters Brian Holland, Jeff Barry, Dolly Parton, Barry Mann, Cynthia Weill, Lamont Dozier; and Cecil L Walker, Chairman, BMI Board of Directors. photo by Randall Michaelson

Pictured after the performance are NNB EVP/CFO Trila Bumstead, NNB President Pete Benedetti, BMI songwriter Lamont Dozier, BMI's Dan Spears and Michelle Mazzara, and motivational speaker Ken Rutherford.

As part of Motown songwriting trio Holland-Dozier-Holland, Dozier co-wrote such classics as "Baby Love," "Stop! In the Name of Love," "Baby, I Need Your Lovin'," "Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch," "Heat Wave" and "This Old Heart of Mine," among many others. In addition to being inducted into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, H-D-H were also honored as BMI Icons at the 2003 BMI Pop Awards.

New Northwest Broadcasters consists of 37 radio stations located in seven northwest markets, including Anchorage, Alaska, and Billings, Montana. Formats include adult contemporary, adult hits, rock/classic rock, contemporary hits, country, news/talk/sports and oldies.]]> 2005-12-12T17:00:00-05:00 http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/234403 Artists, Dozier, Lamont, Stone, Joss Joss Stone and Beau Dozier, son of legendary Motown songwriter Lamont Dozier.

Shown at the BMG party are Zomba/BMG's Andrea Torchia, BMI singer/songwriter Joss Stone, BMI's Barbara Cane and BMI songwriter Beau Dozier.

]]> 2005-04-07T18:00:00-05:00 http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/234321 Artists, Anderson, Bill, Ayala, Ramon, Berry, Chuck, Brown, James, Diddley, Bo, Dozier, Lamont, Estefan, Gloria, Estefano, Green, Al, Guerra, Juan Luis, Hayes, Isaac, Holland, Brian, Intocable, Juanes, Little Richard, Los Tigres del Norte, Lynn, Loretta, Miguel, Luis, Morrison, Van, Parton, Dolly, Rivera, Lupillo, Shakira, Wilson, Brian, Awards, BMI Awards, BMI Latin Awards, Musical Styles, Latin, R&B, Rock Dinner and Ceremony to Be Held April 21 in Las Vegas

BMI today announced that multiple Grammy winner and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Carlos Santana will be honored as a BMI Icon at the music performing right organization's 12th annual Latin Awards. The dinner and ceremony will be held April 21 at The Ballroom of the Four Seasons Hotel in Las Vegas, the first time the awards will be held in that city.

Santana will be the first songwriter honored as a BMI Icon at the company's Latin Awards. The designation is given to a creator who has been a "unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers." He joins a distinguished list of previous BMI Icons, including pop songwriting master Brian Wilson; R&B legends James Brown, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Bo Diddley, Isaac Hayes and Al Green; Motown songwriting trio Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland; blues/rock/soul artist Van Morrison, and country songwriter/artists Loretta Lynn, Bill Anderson and Dolly Parton.

The BMI Latin Awards recognize the songwriters and publishers of the most played Latin songs on U.S. radio and television from the company's repertoire of approximately 4.5 million musical works from around the world. A Latin Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year and Publisher of the Year will be announced during the evening. Winners from previous years include Ramon Ayala, Intocable, Shakira, Estefano, Ramon Gonzalez Mora, Emilio & Gloria Estefan, Juanes, Luis Miguel, Los Tucanes de Tijuana, Los Tigres del Norte, Banda Recodo, Juan Luis Guerra and Lupillo Rivera.

According to Diane Almodovar, BMI Assistant VP of Latin Music: "When we created our awards 12 years ago we intended to bring them to each of the major U.S. Latin markets. Our intent holds true. Las Vegas is known for its diversity, and we are very pleased to bring BMI's premiere Latin event there."

The black-tie, invitation-only awards have previously been staged in California, Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico.

BMI saluted the premier country music songwriters, artists and publishers at its 2004 Country Awards, staged last night (11/8) at the BMI offices on Music Row in Nashville.

Country Awards Song List

Country Awards Event Photos

Crystal Gayle; BMI President & CEO Del Bryant; Shania Twain; Kitty Wells, Casey Beathard; Toby Keith, Loretta Lynn; Universal Music Senior VP/GM Pat Higdon; BMI President Emeritus Frances Preston; and Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville President & CEO Donna Hilley.

Shania Twain's "Forever and For Always" was proclaimed Country Song of the Year. Casey Beathard earned the title of Country Songwriter of the Year, with superstar Toby Keith collecting Country Songwriter/Artist of the Year honors. Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville was named Country Publisher of the Year. A highlight of the gala was a tribute to Loretta Lynn, who was named a BMI ICON for "her enduring influence on generations of music makers."

The black-tie ceremony was hosted by Del Bryant, BMI President and CEO. Frances W. Preston, President Emeritus, and Paul Corbin, Vice President of Writer/Publisher Relations, Nashville, assisted with the presentations to the BMI-affiliated writers and publishers of the 50 most performed songs in the country music format.

Loretta Lynn	Shania Twain

"Forever and For Always," written and recorded by Shania Twain, won the 36th Robert J. Burton Award as Most Performed Country Song of the Year for tallying the most US broadcast performances during the eligibility period. Included on Twain's 10-times platinum Mercury Nashville album, UP!, "Forever and For Always" was published by her company Loon Echo, Inc., and by Universal-Songs of PolyGram International, Inc., and was co-written with her husband, Robert John "Mutt" Lange (share not licensed through BMI).

Casey Beathard	Toby Keith

"Forever and For Always" is Twain's fourth BMI Song of the Year win. It was named Song of the Year at the 2004 BMI London Awards, and her smash "You're Still the One" received the honor at both the 1999 BMI Pop and Country Awards. She was also named BMI Songwriter of the Year at both the 1999 and 2000 Pop and Country Awards and now owns a total of 28 BMI Awards.

The BMI Country Songwriter of the Year trophy went to Casey Beathard, who placed five titles on the most performed list: "Drinkin' Bone" (recorded by Tracy Byrd), "Hot Mama" (Trace Adkins), "The Love Song" (Jeff Bates), "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems" (Kenny Chesney) and "Walk a Little Straighter" (Billy Currington).

Toby Keith was crowned BMI Country Songwriter/Artist of the Year on the strength of his #1 hits "American Soldier," "Beer For My Horses" and "I Love This Bar." Keith, who now has 15 BMI Awards, was also named Songwriter/Artist of the Year in 2001.

Eight songwriters were double winners, contributing two songs each to the most-performed list: Bob DiPiero, Scotty Emerick, Tony Martin, Wendell Mobley, Tim Nichols, Tom Shapiro, Jeffrey Steele, and Twain.

Other writer/artists earning awards were Keith Urban, Sara Evans, Lonestar's Richie McDonald, Clint Black, Kix Brooks & Ronnie Dunn, Buddy Jewell, Craig Morgan, Pat Green, Jeff Bates, and Sherri� Austin.

Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville was named BMI Country Publisher of the Year by accumulating the highest percentage of copyright ownership in award songs. Donna Hilley, President & CEO, accepted on behalf of the publisher, which boasted 18 songs on the most-performed list (through its companies Sony/ATV Acuff Rose and Sony/ATV Tree).

Other publishers with multiple award-winning songs included Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. (8); Universal-Songs of PolyGram International, Inc. (6); EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc. (4); Careers-BMG Music Publishing, Inc./Zomba Songs Inc., and Tokeco Tunes (3 each).

President Emeritus Frances Preston was recognized with the President's Award; BMI's Del Bryant led the tribute, joined by Kris Kristofferson, Vince Gill, and Alabama's Randy Owen. Preston, who joined BMI in 1958 and created the Country Awards in 1959, served as President & CEO from 1986 until August of this year. The award, given to those in the entertainment industry deserving of special recognition, has previously been bestowed on the group Alabama, Merv Griffin, Earle Hagen, Harlan Howard, Willie Nelson, Billy Sherrill, Pete Townshend and Brian Wilson.

The evening culminated in the ICON tribute to Loretta Lynn, which included an introduction by Preston, remarks from Kitty Wells, and performances by Crystal Gayle, Lynnís sister (singing Coal Minerís Daughter�) and Martina McBride (�You Ainít Woman Enough�). A BMI affiliate for 43 years, the Kentucky-born Lynn launched her career in 1960 with her self-composed "I'm a Honky Tonk Girl." Soon she was topping the charts with the feisty female classics she wrote, including "You Ain't Woman Enough" (1966), "Don't Come Home A-Drinkin'" (1966), "What Kind of Girl (Do You Think I Am)" (1967), "Fist City" (1968), "Coal Miner's Daughter" (1970), "You're Lookin' at Country" (1971), "Rated X" (1972) and "The Pill" (1975). The first woman ever to become the Country Music Association's Entertainer of the Year, she released her 71st album, the acclaimed Van Lear Rose, earlier this year.

Lynn joins a distinguished list of previous BMI ICONS, including country songwriter/artists Bill Anderson and Dolly Parton; pop songwriting master Brian Wilson; R&B legends James Brown, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Bo Diddley, Isaac Hayes and Al Green; Motown songwriting trio Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland; and blues/rock/soul artist Van Morrison.

Lynn, a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, will be saluted for her "enduring influence on generations of music makers."

A BMI affiliate for 45 years, the Kentucky-born Lynn launched her career in 1960 with her self-composed "I'm a Honky Tonk Girl." Soon she was topping the charts with feisty female classics she wrote, including "You Ain't Woman Enough" (1966), "Don't Come Home A'Drinkin'" (1966), "What Kind of Girl (Do You Think I Am)" (1967), "Fist City" (1968), "Coal Miner's Daughter" (1970), "You're Lookin' at Country" (1971), "Rated X" (1972) and "The Pill" (1975). The first woman ever to become the Country Music Association's Entertainer of the Year, she released her 73rd album, the acclaimed Van Lear Rose, earlier this year.

Lynn joins a distinguished list of BMI ICONs, including country songwriter/artists Bill Anderson and Dolly Parton; pop songwriting master Brian Wilson; R&B legends James Brown, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Bo Diddley, Isaac Hayes and Al Green; Motown songwriting trio Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland; and blues/rock/soul artist Van Morrison, who will receive his honor at the BMI London Awards on October 5.

The annual BMI Country Awards recognize the songwriters and publishers of the 50 most performed songs of the past year. The ceremony will culminate in the announcements of Songwriter of the Year, Publisher of the Year, and Most Performed Country Song of the Year (the Robert J. Burton Award). BMI President & CEO Del Bryant, President Emeritus Frances Preston and BMI Nashville Vice President Paul Corbin are hosts of the invitation-only event, which is the oldest awards program recognizing country music creators.

Morrison, who is a member of both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, will be honored for his "enduring influence on generations of music makers." He joins a distinguished list of previous BMI ICONS, including R&B legends James Brown, Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Bo Diddley; "Soul Men" Isaac Hayes and Al Green; Motown songwriting trio Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland; country songwriter/artists Bill Anderson and Dolly Parton; and pop songwriting master Brian Wilson.

The BMI London Awards will recognize European songwriters and publishers of the most played songs on U.S. radio and television in the past year and in a variety of music formats. The Robert J. Musel Award will be presented to the writer and publisher of the most performed song of the year.

BMI saluted the premier R&B, rap and hip-hop songwriters, producers and publishers at its 2004 BMI Urban Awards, staged tonight (8/27) at the Grand Ballroom at the Fontainebleau Hilton Resorts & Towers in Miami Beach.

Pictured at the 2004 BMI Urban Awards are BMI's Del Bryant and Frances Preston, Producer of the Year R. Kelly, BMI ICON honoree Al Green and BMI's Catherine Brewton

R. Kelly won two of the evening's top honors as writer of Song of the Year, "Ignition," and as Urban Producer of the Year. Chad Hugo and Pharrell Williams were proclaimed Urban Songwriters of the Year and Universal Music Publishing was named Urban Publisher of the Year. A highlight of the gala was a tribute to soul music legend Al Green, who was named a BMI ICON for "his enduring influence on generations of music makers."

BMI Urban Awards Event Photos

2004 BMI Urban Awards Song List

Al Green: MusicWorld Feature | BMI Awards List

More on BMI and Urban Music

The black-tie ceremony was hosted by BMI President and CEO Del Bryant. President Emeritus Frances W. Preston and Assistant Vice President of Writer/Publisher Relations Catherine Brewton assisted with the presentations to the BMI-affiliated writers and publishers of the 36 most performed songs in the urban music format.

Al Green	R. Kelly	Busta Rhymes

"Ignition," written by R. Kelly and published by R. Kelly Publishing, Inc. and Zomba Songs Inc., was named Urban Song of the Year for tallying the most US broadcast performances during the eligibility period. Included on Kelly's multi-platinum Jive Records album, Chocolate Factory, "Ignition" was a Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop, Hot 100 and Top 40 charts smash.

Mannie Fresh	Nate Dogg	Kanyé West

Kelly collected his second major award of the night when he was crowned Producer of the Year. The BMI Top Urban Producers list also included Chad Hugo and Pharrell Williams of the Neptunes, Busta Rhymes, Irv Gotti, Jazze Pha, Lil' Jon, Mannie Fresh, Nate Dogg, Kany� West, Mario Winans, and D-Roc and Kaine of the Ying Yang Twins.

Irv Gotti	Jazze Pha	Lil' Jon

The BMI Urban Songwriter of the Year trophy went to the team of Chad Hugo and Pharrell Williams - also known as the Neptunes - who placed five titles on the most performed list. The songs earning them the prize were "Beautiful" (recorded by Snoop Dogg featuring Pharrell and Uncle Charlie Wilson), "Excuse Me Miss" (by Jay-Z), "Frontin'" (Pharrell featuring Jay-Z), "Luv U Better" (LL Cool J featuring Marc Dorsey) and "When the Last Time" (The Clipse).

Mario Winans	Ying Yang Twins

This is the third Urban Songwriter of the Year award for Williams; he also won in 2001 and 2002. At last year's ceremony, Williams took the BMI Urban Song of the Year honor for co-writing "Hot In Herre," and the Neptunes were named Urban Producers of the Year.

Eight songwriters were double winners, contributing two songs each to the most-performed list: Jeff I. Bass, Mary Y. Brown, Eminem, Irv Gotti, Jazze Pha, R. Kelly, Lil' Jon and Sham. Other writer/artists earning awards were Jennifer Lopez, Ja Rule, Busta Rhymes, Snoop Dogg, Anthony Hamilton, Wayne Wonder and Paul Simon.

Universal Music Publishing was named BMI Urban Publisher of the Year by accumulating the highest percentage of copyright ownership in award songs. David Renzer, Worldwide President of Universal Music Publishing Group, accepted on behalf of the publisher, which boasted 10 songs on the most-performed list (through its companies Irving Music, Songs of Universal, Inc., and Universal-Songs of PolyGram International, Inc.).

Other publishers with multiple award-winning songs were EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc. (9); Warner/Chappell Music Group (Unichappell Music, Inc./Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.) (7); Waters of Nazareth Publishing (5); Careers-BMG Music Publishing, Inc./Zomba Songs Inc., Ensign Music Corporation, Noontime Tunes (3); and Bubba Gee Music, D J Irv Publishing, Eight Mile Style Music, Miss Mary's Music, Nitty and Capone Publishing, R. Kelly Publishing, Inc., White Rhino Music, Inc. (2).

The evening culminated in the ICON tribute to Al Green, who was honored during the dinner with performances by BMI artists Kany� West, Pharrell, Sleepy Brown, Claudette Ortiz and Lloyd. Born in Forest City, Ark., Green blends southern gospel, Philadelphia soul, and a soaring, sensual voice to create music that has rocked our world for four decades. Ranked by many as the world's greatest living soul artist, he became an international superstar through such self-written hits as "Let's Stay Together," "I'm Still in Love With You," "Call Me," "Love and Happiness," "Here I Am (Come and Take Me)" and "Tired of Being Alone." Green is in the midst of a remarkable comeback, thanks to his current Blue Note album, I Can't Stop, which reunites him with producer/arranger/songwriting collaborator Willie Mitchell, who first signed Green to the Memphis-based Hi label and oversaw the singer's seminal string of '70s smashes.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer joins an impressive list of previous ICON honorees including country songwriter/artists Bill Anderson and Dolly Parton; R&B legends James Brown, Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Bo Diddley; "Soul Man" Isaac Hayes; Motown songwriting trio Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland; and pop songwriting master Brian Wilson.

In addition to the BMI performance awards, music trade magazine Billboard recognized the BMI-affiliated writers who had #1 songs on the R&B/Hip-Hop Singles and Rap Tracks charts during the past year; Kany� West led with four songs, two of which topped both lists.

BMI annually honors the songwriters and music publishers of the most performed songs on American radio in the urban, pop, country, Latin and Christian genres.

Delta is the official airline of BMI's 2004 Urban Awards.