November 6, 2002

Contact: Michelle Goble-Peay ASCAP Nashville Public Relations 615.742.5043 mgoble-peay@ascap.com

Music Professionals Attend Black-Tie Gala with "It’s A Jungle Out There" Theme
Alan Jackson Receives The Prestigious ASCAP Golden Note Award
Rodney Crowell Honored With The ASCAP Creative Achievement Award
Flora-Bama Lounge Receives The ASCAP Partners In Music Award

More than 1000 music industry professionals from throughout the world joined country music’s top stars for the 40th annual ASCAP Country Music Awards at Nashville’s Opryland Hotel this evening, proving once more that ASCAP songs are at the heart of the success of country music. Among those in attendance were Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney, Rodney Crowell, Brad Paisley, Phil Vassar, Toby Keith, Rascal Flatts, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Diamond Rio, Lonestar, Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Chris Cagle, Jamie O’Neal, Andy Griggs, Trick Pony, Deana Carter, Tammy Cochran, Darryl Worley, Jessica Andrews, Terri Clark, Jameson Clark, Kellie Coffey, Steve Holy, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Mark McGuinn, Chalee Tennison, Deryl Dodd, Brett James, Holly Lamar, Neal McCoy, Aaron Tippin, Lari White, Trace Adkins, Alabama, Elizabeth Cook, Brad Martin, John Michael Montgomery, Mark Wills and Josh Turner.

The black-tie gala evening, which featured a "jungle" theme this year, was co-hosted by ASCAP President and Chairman of the Board Marilyn Bergman and Senior Vice President Connie Bradley. ASCAP Vice President John Briggs joined Bradley in presenting awards to the ASCAP writers and publishers of the most performed country songs of 2001.

The evening’s top writer and publisher awards were: ASCAP Songwriter of the Year: Darrell Scott for " Born To Fly" and "It’s A Great Day To Be Alive." Songwriter/Artist of the Year: Alan Jackson for "Where I Come From," "Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)," and "When Somebody Loves You." Publisher of the Year: EMI Music Publishing for "Complicated," "Downtime," "Don’t Happen Twice," "It’s A Great Day To Be Alive," "My Next Thirty Years," "One More Day," "Rose Bouquet," "Six Pack Summer," "Two People Fell In Love," "When I Think About Angels," "Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)," "Without You," and "Wrapped Around."

Two songs tied for the ASCAP Country Song of the Year Award, which honors the most performed country song of 2001: "Ain't Nothing 'Bout You," written by Rivers Rutherford and published by Memphisto Music and Universal Music Publishing Group; and "I'm Already There," written by Gary Baker and Frank Myers, and published by Josh Nick Music, Swear By It Music and Zomba Enterprises. "Ain’t Nothing ‘Bout You" was a six-week #1 hit for Brooks & Dunn; "I’m Already There" was a six-week #1 hit by Lonestar.

Among the evening’s highlights was the presentation by ASCAP President and Chairman Marilyn Bergman of The ASCAP Golden Note Award to Alan Jackson, one of country music’s great artist-writers. Jackson, the Newnan, Georgia-born superstar has sold over 40 million albums since his first album release in 1989 and has topped the Country Singles chart 30 times. He has endeared himself to country music fans and critics alike with his commitment to straight-ahead, roots-oriented, no frills country via songs like "Chattahoochee," "Midnight In Montgomery," "Gone Country," "Don’t Rock The Jukebox," "Here In The Real World," "Tonight I Climbed The Wall," "Where I Come From," and the tribute to the heroes and victims of September 11, "Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)." Joining Ms. Bergman in the presentation was Jackson’s first publisher and manager Marty Gamblin. The inscription on Jackson’s Golden Note Award reads as follows: "…to Alan Jackson, whose achievements as a songwriter, recording artist and entertainer reflects the heart and soul of the American spirit. Your legacy is ageless and has earned you an enduring place in country music."

ASCAP member Rodney Crowell, a Texas-born, Nashville-based songwriter and recording artist who has made a major impact on country music, was honored with the ASCAP Creative Achievement Award. Crowell, whose credits include "Song for the Life," "Leavin’ Louisiana in the Broad Daylight," "Shame on the Moon," "Voila, An American Dream," "After All This Time," "She’s Crazy for Leaving," "I Couldn’t Leave You If I Tried," "It’s Such a Small World" and the acclaimed 2001 album, The Houston Kid, was cited in recognition of his exceptional and ongoing contribution to the fabric of American music as both a writer and an artist. After receiving his award, Crowell was joined on stage by members of his legendary Nashville band of the ‘80s – The Cherry Bombs (Vince Gill-guitar, Tony Brown-piano, Eddie Bayers-drums, Michael Rhodes-bass, Hank Devito-guitar, Roger Bennett-guitar, and Emmylou Harris-vocals) for a memorable performance of some Crowell hits.

The ASCAP Partners In Music Award annually recognizes ASCAP licensees who are exceptional in promoting and expanding the reach of country music. This year’s recipient is the Flora-Bama Lounge, a major music venue in Pensacola, Florida, owned and operated by Joe Gilchrist. Mr. Gilchrist, a strong supporter of cultural endeavors in the Flora-Bama region, is the driving force behind the annual Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival, a popular and successful showcase for songwriters. Vincent Candilora, ASCAP Senior Vice President, Director of Licensing presented Mr. Gilchrist with the award.

The evening was further highlighted with an acoustic performance of "While You Love Me," and "I’m Moving On" by ASCAP members Rascal Flatts, CMA Horizon and Group of The Year nominees.

Multiple songwriter recipients named at the ASCAP ceremonies included: Kenny Beard, Roxie Dean, Alan Jackson, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Kelley Lovelace, Brad Paisley, Annie Roboff, Rivers Rutherford, Don Schlitz, Darrell Scott, Anthony Smith, Neil Thrasher, Kim Tribble, Phil Vassar and Diane Warren.

Multiple publisher award winners were: Almo Music Corporation, Anwa Music, Blakemore Avenue Music, Brian’s Dream, Cal IV Entertainment, EMI Music Publishing, Famous Music Corporation, Love Ranch Music, Major Bob Music, New Don Songs, New Hayes Music, Phil Vassar Music, Realsongs, Scott and Soda, Sea Gayle Music, Sony/ATV Milene Music, Sony/ATV Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music Group, Willdawn Music, Yee Haw Music and Zomba Enterprises.

The evening’s "It’s A Jungle Out There" décor and entertainment was provided by The Gary Musick Company. A waterfall, palm trees and life-sized animal sculptures transformed the lobby and ballroom into a tropical jungle paradise. Performances by West African and Caribbean singers and dancers enhanced the exotic atmosphere.

Each year, ASCAP honors its country music writers and publishers whose songs have been the most performed during the past year.

From the Nashville ASCAP office, those joining Bradley in planning and preparation of the evening were: John Briggs, Suzanne Lee, Michelle Goble-Peay, Pat Rolfe, Ralph Murphy, Mike Doyle, Marc Driskill, Herky Williams, Dan Keen, Chad Green, Charline Wilhite, Mary Self, Mike Sistad, Carrie Bryant, Christy Smith and Jessica Tompkins.

Established in 1914, ASCAP is the world's largest performing- right organization, with over 140,000 composer, lyricist and music publisher members. ASCAP is committed to protecting the rights of its members by licensing and collecting royalties for the public performance of their copyrighted works, and then distributing these fees to the Society's members based on performances. ASCAP's repertory spans the entire spectrum of music from pop to symphonic, rock to gospel, Latin to country to jazz, rhythm and blues, theater, film and television music. ASCAP's Board of Directors is made up solely of writers and publishers, elected by the membership.