BMI Foundation Announces Lennon Scholarship Winners

Posted in News on May 28, 2003

BMI Foundation President Ralph N. Jackson has announced the winners of the 6th annual John Lennon Scholarships, a program that recognizes the talent of young songwriters between the ages of 15 and 24. This year's winners include University of Miami senior Jaide Fried, who received first place honors and a $5,000 scholarship for her piece "Love Me Tonight." Jaide was awarded the top prize at a special presentation during the recent BMI Pop Awards ceremony in Los Angeles on May 13.

Jaide Fried Listen | Bio

Stacy Allyn Baker Listen | Bio

Melissa Cartoun Listen | Bio

Berklee College of Music student Stacy Allyn Baker was named second place winner for her song "Too Late For Love Songs," and received a $2,500 scholarship. Third place winner Melissa Cartoun, a student at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, also received a $2,500 scholarship for her winning piece entitled "25."

The 2003 judges included legendary record producer Arif Mardin, record producer and hit Broadway composer Frank Wildhorn, and esteemed jazz specialist Suzan Jenkins. Thousands of students from across the country participated in the competition this year.

Established by Yoko Ono in 1997 in conjunction with the BMI Foundation, the John Lennon Scholarships have been made possible through generous donations from Ono with matching funds from Gibson Musical Instruments. Over $100,000 has been awarded over the last six years to students from music schools, universities, youth orchestras and submissions from the Music Educators National Conference (MENC).

The BMI Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation founded in 1985 to support the creation, performance, and study of music through awards, scholarships, commissions and grants. Tax-deductible donations to the Foundation come primarily from songwriters, composers and publishers, BMI employees and members of the public with a special interest in music. Because both the Foundation staff and the distinguished members of the Advisory Panel serve without compensation, over 95% of all donations and income are used for charitable grants.

SOURCENews TAGS Country Jazz Pop Foundation John Lennon Scholarship Stacy Allyn Baker Melissa Cartoun Jaide Fried John Lennon Arif Mardin Yoko Ono Frank Wildhorn