Randy Edelman, Merv Griffin To Be Honored at BMI Film/TV Awards May 14

Posted in News on April 22, 2003

Composer and songwriter Randy Edelman will receive the 2003 Richard Kirk Award for Outstanding Career Achievement at the BMI Film & TV Awards May 14 at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles. In addition, composer, songwriter and television executive Merv Griffin will be presented with the BMI President's Award at the black-tie event hosted by BMI's President and CEO Frances W. Preston.

Edelman is known for his vast and diverse credit list, including scores to "The Last of the Mohicans," "Gods and Generals," "While You Were Sleeping," "The Mask, " "Anaconda," "Billy Madison," "XXX" and more. He wrote the hit "Weekend In New England" and has worked with such varied groups as The Carpenters and Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention. He won an Emmy Award for his closing theme for the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, and his score to "The Last of the Mohicans" was nominated for the British Academy Award and a Golden Globe.

The BMI Award for Outstanding Career Achievement is named after past BMI Vice President Richard Kirk and is given annually to a composer who has made significant contributions in the fields of film and TV music. Former recipients of the prestigious award include John Barry, Danny Elfman, Charlie Fox, Jerry Goldsmith, Earle Hagen, Michael Kamen, Alan Menken, Thomas Newman, Mike Post, Lalo Schifrin, Richard and Robert Sherman, W.G. "Snuffy" Walden, John Williams and Patrick Williams.

In addition to being one of television's most successful personalities with his Emmy Award-winning "Merv Griffin Show," Griffin has created the scores and themes for two of the most-watched and longest-running game shows in television history: "Wheel of Fortune" and "Jeopardy!" He has also made significant contributions as a recording artist, songwriter and producer, and is highly regarded for his business acumen and philanthropic activities. Owner of Merv Griffin's Beverly Hilton Hotel among other hotel properties, he recently released his second autobiography, Merv: Making the Good Life Last, and has signed a deal with ABC Family to bring back his hit series, "Dance Fever."

BMI created the President's Award in 1993 to honor an exceptional person in the entertainment industry deserving of special recognition. It symbolizes BMI's commitment to creative and unique individuals who have made this industry what it is today. Past awardees include Harlan Howard, Earle Hagen, Brian Wilson, Willie Nelson, Alabama and Pete Townshend.

SOURCENews TAGS Dance Film & TV BMI Film & TV Awards Alabama Randy Edelman Danny Elfman Jerry Goldsmith Merv Griffin Earle Hagen Harlan Howard Alan Menken Willie Nelson Thomas Newman Mike Post Lalo Schifrin Robert Sherman Pete Townshend Patrick Williams Brian Wilson