ASCAP Songwriters Michael Blum & Jenna Lotti Named Inaugural Recipients of The Peggy Lee Songwriter Award
July 21, 2020
NEW YORK, July 21, 2020 -- The ASCAP Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of the inaugural Peggy Lee Songwriter Award, an honor created to mark the centennial of the extraordinary artist while nurturing the careers of promising new songwriters. Co-writers of the winning song “Fake ID,” ASCAP members Michael Blum and Jenna Lotti are the first to receive the prestigious recognition.
Listen to the award-winning song "Fake ID" here: https://soundcloud.com/

Michael Blum is a producer, guitarist, and singer-songwriter. After being named the “Rising Star” guitarist in Downbeat Magazine's 63rd Annual Critics Poll, Blum released his debut solo EP, The Reservoir, combining his jazz background with his love for contemporary songwriting. With the initial success of his solo project, he relocated to Los Angeles in 2019 and partnered with management company Fire Tower Entertainment. Since then, Blum has co-written and produced singles for artists including WESLEY, Jenna Lotti, Jake Clark, Michelle Ray and Sophie Ann, which have been featured in Billboard, Hollywood Life, PopDust as well as on numerous digital music service editorial playlists.

Peggy Lee helped redefine what it meant to be a female singer and, over the course of her seven-decade career, wrote over 200 songs including several modern-day standards. Dubbed “the female Frank Sinatra” by Tony Bennett, her quietly captivating voice and enchanting lyrics continue to resonate with audiences of all ages. Highlights of Lee’s songwriting catalog are “It’s a Good Day,” “I Don’t Know Enough About You,” “I Love Being Here with You” and “Mañana.” Along with Sonny Burke, she also wrote all of the original songs for Disney’s 1955 animated classic Lady and the Tramp, including beloved favorites “He’s a Tramp” and “Bella Notte.” A notable lyricist, Lee frequently collaborated with fellow songwriters including Harold Arlen, Cy Coleman, Duke Ellington, Quincy Jones, Sonny Burke, Johnny Mandel, Marian McPartland, Dave Grusin and Victor Young. Her songs have been covered by industry greats such as Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, Natalie Cole, Bing Crosby, Doris Day, Ella Fitzgerald and Judy Garland.
Lee’s granddaughter Holly Foster Wells worked with The ASCAP Foundation to create this unique opportunity for up-and-coming songwriters. The Peggy Lee Songwriter Award will annually recognize an ASCAP or unaffiliated songwriter who demonstrates intelligent use of language, talent and career potential. Qualified award recipients must not be signed to a major publishing deal and provide an original song that has never been commercially recorded. The program provides winners with a cash award and the opportunity to engage with a music executive mentor.
The ASCAP songwriter judges for the 2020 competition were Pat Alger, Marcy Heisler and Autumn Rowe.
About The ASCAP Foundation
Founded in 1975, The ASCAP Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to supporting American music creators and encouraging their development through music education, talent development and humanitarian programs. Included in these are songwriting workshops, grants, scholarships, awards, recognition and community outreach programs. The ASCAP Foundation is supported by contributions from ASCAP members and music lovers throughout the world. www.ascapfoundation.org
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Media Contacts:
For The ASCAP Foundation:
Cathy Halgas Nevins | ASCAP
cnevins(at)ascap.com
For the Peggy Lee Estate:
Lellie Capwell | Peggy Lee Estate
(818) 384-1180 | Lellie@lpc-media.com