BMI is excited to share the news that two of its legendary Gospel singer/songwriters, BeBe & CeCe Winans, are participating in an upcoming episode of the popular webcast series, Verzuz, on Easter Sunday, April 17. BeBe & CeCe will be paired up against celebrated Gospel sister act, Mary Mary. Initially… Read more...
At my songwriting workshops I stress the importance of including lyric and melodic elements in our songs that will compel listeners and decision-makers to choose our material over the tough competition. Let’s look at some ways to write lyrics that command attention. 1. Find a Fresh Angle It’s unlikely that… Read more...
As one of the most talented TV and film composers working today, Kurt Farquhar knows the value of a good story better than most. Having composed for series including CBS’ King of Queens, BET’s Being Mary Jane and dozens more, the Chicago native also created several enduring theme songs—including the… Read more...
When Texas-born singer/songwriter MAJOR. dropped his debut album, I Am MAJOR. in 2016, his signature blend of joyful, technicolor R&B made an immediate impression. Via lushly produced, romantic singles like “Why I Love You” and “Honest,” MAJOR. captivated listeners with his blend of contemporary stylings and classic melodicism, and earned… Read more...
BMI will honor multi-platinum, GRAMMY Award-winning singer/songwriter and actress Brandy with the BMI President’s Award at its 2019 R&B/Hip-Hop Awards on Thursday, August 29. The private event, held at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center in Atlanta, will be hosted by BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill and BMI Vice… Read more...
On Saturday, January 27, BMI presented its annual pre-GRAMMY event How I Wrote That Song® (HIWTS), in partnership with the Apollo Theater, at the legendary performance hall. The audience was treated to an enlightening panel discussion that featured multi-platinum and GRAMMY award-winning music producer Mark Batson, GRAMMY award-winning R&B royalty… Read more...
Singer-songwriter-producer Dernst Emile II, aka D’Mile, expressed his musical talents early. At the age of six, he ably performed pieces from the book, Hanon: The Virtuoso Pianist in Sixty Exercises. From there, he mastered the acoustic, bass and electric guitars and drums. His classical training (instilled by his father, Dernst… Read more...
BMI’s Los Angeles office received a visit Thursday, October 2 from BMI songwriter Robert “Rob. A” Allen, recently named one of the “Urban Songwriters to Watch” in the October 4 issue of Billboard. Rob. A is part of the Los Angeles songwriting and production collective Graffiti, a creative hive similar… Read more...
Marquee Lineup Includes Rodney Jerkins, Chris Daughtry, Mos Def, Ben Moody, Polow Da Don, Anthony Hamilton and Brian Howes BMI will pair with the Los Angeles Times to present the second annual “How I Wrote the Song” panel Saturday, February 9, from 1p.m. until 3p.m., at the Key Club in… Read more...
The Kauai Music Festival, a four-day celebration of the art of songwriting held on the island of Kauai, Hawaii is set for August 1-4, 2007. The festival offers an opportunity to learn songwriting from some of the best songwriters in America. Attendees can consult, one-on-one, with award-winning songwriters, Grammy-winning producers,… Read more...
Captured at 2020 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards
