BMI to Name Graham Gouldman as BMI Icon at 2015 BMI London Awards
BMI is proud to announce that it will honor internationally-celebrated songwriter Graham Gouldman as a BMI Icon at its annual BMI London Awards. The gala, which will also recognize the U.K. and European songwriters and publishers of the past year’s most-performed songs on U.S. radio and television, will be held on Monday, October 19, at London’s Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane. The BMI Icon designation is given to songwriters who have had “a unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers.” Gouldman joins an exclusive list of past honorees that include last year’s winner, music legend Sir Tim Rice, as well as Queen, Ray Davies, Van Morrison and Bryan Ferry.
“Graham Gouldman is a musical force whose legendary catalog has had a massive international impact on pop music for five decades and counting,” said Brandon Bakshi, BMI Executive Director, Writer/Publisher Relations, Europe and Asia. “Both his remarkable creative contributions as a longtime songwriter and member of the beloved band 10cc and his success penning hits for iconic bands of the sixties, define Graham as a true BMI Icon. We’re extremely proud to honor him for his artistry and undeniable influence in shaping the genre.”
From a young age Gouldman’s talents shone, and at the age of just 19 he wrote “For Your Love” and “Heart Full Of Soul,” timeless hits for The Yardbirds, which were also used in the live set of The White Stripes. His hitmaker reputation continued to grow throughout the years, as he created chart hits such as “Look Through Any Window” and“Bus Stop” by the Hollies, as well as “No Milk Today” performed by Herman’s Hermits. As a member of 10cc, he helped drive their highly successful career, including co-writing their Ivor Novello award winning hit “I’m Not In Love,“ which was most recently featured prominently in the 2014 blockbuster film Guardians of the Galaxy, as well as “The Things We Do For Love” and “Dreadlock Holiday.” With a series of hugely acclaimed and successful albums such as Sheet Music, The Original Soundtrack, How Dare You, Deceptive Bends and Bloody Tourists, 10cc has sold more than 30 million albums around the world, with the band’s longevity standing as a testament to the timeless songs shaped by Gouldman. In addition to this legendary band, which still successfully tours worldwide, during the eighties the soon-to-be-crowned BMI Icon formed the band Wax with the late Andrew Gold. This association produced the hit “Bridge To Your Heart.” Today, Gouldman continues to write and record, releasing his critically acclaimed solo album Love and Work in 2012. Continuing his legacy as an in demand songwriter, he has written songs for artists including Paul Carrack, Gary Barlow, the late Kirsty MacColl and McFly.
Graham said of this new honoring by BMI:
“I am very proud to be the recipient of this year’s Icon award presented by BMI with whom I have had a very long and happy relationship. I am also aware of the long list of previous recipients and am honored to be joining their ranks. I look forward to many more years of our association.”
The BMI London Awards will be hosted by BMI President and CEO Mike O’Neill; BMI Senior Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, Phil Graham; and BMI Executive Director, Writer/Publisher Relations, Europe and Asia, Brandon Bakshi.
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