Tops In London
Yusuf Islam, Coldplay, BMG Music Publishing and more are honored at ASCAP/PRS Awards
At the ASCAP/PRS Awards in London on October 6, singer-songwriter legend Yusuf Islam was named Songwriter of the Year for a second year in a row. ASCAP Song of the Year honors went to Coldplay's "Speed of Sound." The song, featured on the band's third album,
X&Y, reached #8 on the
Billboard 100 chart and has earned them numerous accolades, including a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Performance and a Brit Award for Best British Single.
BMG Music Publishing Ltd was named Publisher of the Year. ASCAP CEO John A. LoFrumento presented the award to Chairman Paul Curran, who commented, "We are thrilled at winning our third ASCAP Publisher Award in a row. It is a real tribute to the dedication of everyone who works at BMG Music Publishing and the fact that we clearly have been able to create an environment in which our songwriters can consistently flourish here, and in the U.S."
Indie/Rock group The Cribs received the ASCAP College Award for their self-titled debut album, which has received significant airplay on college radio stations in the U.S. The band, from Yorkshire, England, features three brothers, twins Gary and Ryan Jarman and younger brother, Ross. They released three singles – "Another Number," "What About Me," and "You Were Always the One" – before signing to Wichita Records in late 2003, and since then have toured the U.S. a total of six times. They are currently recording their third album.
British/Australian duo The Bodyrockers received the ASCAP Dance Award for their worldwide hit "I Like The Way." Comprising Kaz James, one of Australia's leading house DJs, and U.K. guitarist/ vocalist Dylan Burns, the Bodyrockers are gaining massive support from some of the most known and respected DJs, including Erick Morillo and Steve Lawler.
Honorees in the Film and TV Theme categories were Patrick Doyle (
Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire, Nanny McPhee), Dario Marianelli (
Pride and Prejudice, The Brothers Grimm), Julian Nott (
Curse of the Were-Rabbit), Joby Talbot (
The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy), Keith Strachan and Matthew Strachan (
Who Wants To Be A Millionaire), Catherine Dennis, Julian Gingell and Barry Stone (
American Idol), and Adrian Johnston (
Gideon's Daughter).
The evening was highlighted with a special tribute to Felix Cavaliere, who performed some of the classic songs that rocked millions of fans with his soulful singing and songwriting skills. Cavaliere was the main creative force behind The Rascals who had four number one hits, six top 20 singles, and six top 20 albums. His voice is familiar to millions through smash hits like "Good Lovin'," "Girl Like You," "I've Been Lonely Too Long," "Groovin'," "You Better Run," "A Beautiful Morning" and the inspiring " People Got To Be Free." His vocal style had an impact on the development of pop music long before the term "Blue Eyed Soul" was coined. Cavaliere has completed a tour with Ringo Starr, has been busy coordinating and producing music for Northwest Airlines and TV commercials featuring legendary musicians, and touring nationally. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.
