Bad Bunny Wins ASCAP Songwriter of the Year at ASCAP Latin Music Awards

Posted on July 7, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a special first for Bad Bunny…

ASCAP (The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) has revealed the winners of the most performed songs of the past year in Latin music, with the 26-year-old Puerto Rican singer and rapper taking the top honor for the first time in his career.

Bad Bunny, who’d previously won the ASCAP Song of the Year award for his Cardi B & J Balvin collaboration “I Like It.,” was named the ASCAP Songwriter of the Year at the ASCAP Latin Music Awards. He won the prestigious award on the strength of seven of his recognized singles, including “Callaita,” “La Cancion,” “Que Pretendes,” and “Solo de Mi.”

Romeo Santos picked up the Songwriter/Artist of the Year award. The 38-year-old Puerto Rican and Dominican American singer earned the honor for penning the recognized singles “Aullando,” “Canalla,” and “Inmortal.”

The Song of the Year award went to Daddy Yankee’s “Con Calma,” featuring Snow.

The 43-year-old Puerto Rican reggaeton rapper/singer’s uptempo reggaeton and dancehall song, a reimagination of Snow’s chart-topping single “Informer,” was YouTube’s most viewed music video of 2019.

Other recognized artists include Gerado Ortiz (“Aerolinea Carrillo”), Becky G (“Bubalu”), Farruko & Pedro Capo (“Calma (Remix)”), Marc Anthony (“Parecen Viernes”),Jhay Cortez (“Reggaeton,” “Hola” ) and Carlos Vives(“Si Me Das Tu Amor”).

Universal Music Publishing Group was bestowed the Publisher of the Year award and the Independent Publisher of the Year award went to Kobalt Songs Music Publishing.

Due to the coronavirus, this year’s winners were announced via ASCAP’s social media platforms: @ASCAPLatino and @ASCAP. The innovative virtual format allowed fans, friends and peers to join in the online celebration.

The virtual event, hosted by Greeicy Rendón and Mike Bahía, also included special performances and appearances by: Marc Anthony, Descemer Bueno, Pedro Capó,Desmond Child, Jhay Cortez, Darrell, Natalia Lafourcade, Lunay, Silverio Lozada andSebastián Yatra, among other music creators.

The complete list of winners is available on the ASCAP website.

Victor Manuelle to Receive Icon Award at This Year’s La Musa Awards

Posted on September 11, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

There’s an iconic honor headed Victor Manuelle’s way…

The 49-year-old Puerto Rican salsa singer will be honored by Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame (LSHOF) with the Icon Award during the 2018 La Musa Awards.

The announcement was made by LSHOF founders Desmond Child and Rudy Pérez on behalf of its Board of Directors.

The special award will recognize Manuelle’s career and musical contributionswhich include breaking chart records within the Latin and tropical music space for over two decades. Previous honorees include Alejandro Sanz and Carlos Vives.

“I have received many awards through the years, but being the recipient of the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame’s Icon Award has a very special significance for me,” said Manuelle in a press statement. “This award not only recognizes the depth and length of my career as a performer and songwriter but also honors all of the creativity that went into writing and producing my music with the world’s most brilliant collaborators, musicians and singers.”

The 6th annual LA Musa Awards, presented by Spotify, will be directed by Richard Jay-Alexander and will take place at the James L. Knight Center in Miami on October 18 and will be hosted by Puerto Rican actor/singer, Ektor Rivera.

The ceremony will honor this year’s class of Inductees: Gloria Trevi (Mexico), Chucho Valdés (Cuba), Carlos Rubira Infante (Ecuador), Fernando Osorio (Venezuela) and other special Honorees.

Gloria Trevi to be Inducted into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame

Posted on July 12, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Gloria Trevi is heading into the annals of Latin music history…

The Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame has revealed which five songwriters will be inducted at the prestigious hall this year, with the 50-year-old Mexican singer/songwriter making the grade.

Trevi joins a roster that includes previous inductees, including last year’s Erika Ender, Carlos Vives and Ana Gabriel, to name a few.

Besides having a rebellious and over-the-top personality onstage, Trevi is also known as a songwriter and philanthropist. In her nearly three-decade music career, she’s penned more than 400 songs and released 13 albums, four of which reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart: Gloria in 2011, El Amor in 2015, Immortal in 2016 and Versus in 2017.

Joining Trevi is Chucho Valdés.

As a pianist, composer and arranger, the 76-year-old Cuban artist become one of the most influential figures in modern Afro-Cuban jazz. He’s a winner of six Grammys and three Latin Grammys. On November 27, 2010, Chucho peaked at No. 8 on the Latin Pop Albumschart thanks to his collaboration with Buika on her album El Ultimo Trago.

Ecuadorian singer and songwriter Carlos Rubira Infante has also made the list. He’s known for bringing to the forefront the country’s national music style, pasillo and pasacalle music. At 96 years old, he was awarded the National Prize in Art“Premio Eugenio Espejo” in 2008 from the president of Ecuador and has penned more than 400 songs.

Another honoree, Fernando Osorio.

Born in Colombia but raised in Venezuela, this singer-songwriter is the man behind some of the most unforgettable Latin songs. His first international success was with “Solo con un Beso,” a song he wrote for Ricardo Montaner in 1988, peaking at No. 7 on the Hot Latin Songs chart. Osorio nabbed the Latin Grammy for best tropical song in 2004 for composing Celia Cruz‘s “Rie y Llora” before her death.

And last but not least… KC Porter will be honored.

Bon Jovi, Janet Jackson and Laura Pausini all have one thing in common: KC Porter. The American record producer, songwriter, musician and singer is known for crossing over many artists into the Spanish-speaking market. He’s a nine-time Grammy winner for his production work on Carlos Santana‘s Supernatural and has written and produced some of Ricky Martin’s biggest hits, including “María.”

For the past six years, the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame, founded by Desmond Child and Rudy Pérez, has honored the world’s greatest Latin music creators and their memorable songs.

The 2018 honorees will be officially inducted at the sixth annual La Musa Awards ceremony and gala, taking place October 18 at the James L. Knight Center in Miami.

Blacc to Appear at This Year’s ASCAP “I Create Music” Expo

Posted on January 27, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Aloe Blacc is about to Expo himself…

The 38-year-old Panamanian American singer-songwriter is among the 17 hit songwriters and producers announced for the 12th annual ASCAP “I Create Music” Expo, which runs April 13-15 at the Loews Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles.

Blacc joins a roster that includes Desmond Child, Ashley Gorley, Darrell Brown and ASCAP president Paul Williams.

The Expo will also feature sessions with a new generation of songwriters, including: Bibi Bourelly and Deputy who teamed up for Rihanna‘s “Bitch Better Have My Money” (Deputy was also a producer on J.Cole‘s 2016 4 Your Eyez Only); the production trio Captain Cuts, whose hits include a co-write on Walk The Moon‘s “Shut Up and Dance;” and country songwriter Matt Jenkins, whose wrote “Setting the World on Fire,” recorded by Kenny Chesney featuring P!nk.

“We are elated to have some of today’s top songwriters and producers joining us for this year’s ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO,” said Williams in a statement. “Some have been creating music for a long time; others have just enjoyed the success of their first hit song. All will be excited and ready to share their personal experiences and hard-won knowledge with ASCAP EXPO attendees.” Williams, a multiple-Grammy and Oscar winning songwriter, will moderate EXPO’s annual legislative panel.

Other panelists include: London-based producer Harmony Samuels (Fifth Harmony, Ariana Grande, Chris Brown, Jennifer Lopez, Maroon 5); Ryan Leslie, a Grammy-nominated producer and musician who founded SuperPhone and has produced songs for Britney Spears, Beyonce and New Edition; Brett McLaughlin and Britten Newbill were co-writers on Daya’s 2015 single “Hide Away;” songwriter/producers Matt Rad and Steve James (“In the Name of Love,” Martin Garrix feat. Bebe Rexha); Big Taste (“Company,” Justin Bieber); and Rooty (“Too Little Too Late,”Jojo).

As for the veterans: Blacc attended his first Expo in 2010 and soon after worked with Avicii on their hit “Wake Me Up,” which sold over 11 million units worldwide.

At 2015’s Expo Blacc interviewed the legendary Bill Withers;

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) has some 600,000 members and represents more than 10 million copyrighted works. It is owned and governed by its writer and publisher members.

Estefan to Receive WorldArts “Discovery of the Year Award”

Posted on September 3, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Emily Estefan is the next big thing…

The 21-year-old Cuban American singer/songwriter, the daughter of daughter of Gloria and Emilio Estefan, will be recognized by the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame and WorldArts.

Estefan will receive the first annual WorldArts Discovery of the Year Award during the 2016 La Musa Awards ceremony.

The new award is given to promising young talent at the start of their careers.

“Emily has created a unique sound incorporating all the incredible music she grew up with and the sounds of her own generation with the ease of an artist far beyond her years. I would like to sincerely congratulate her on this prestigious new award from WorldArts which is totally deserved,” said Desmond Child, LSHOF Chairman/CEO, in a statement.

“Emily is one of the most exciting and dynamic new singer-songwriters to emerge on the scene and we look forward to watching her steadily rise and keep bringing her amazing music to the world far into the future,” added Larry Underwood, founder and CEO of WorldArts.

The fourth annual La Musa Awards will take place October 13 at the The Fillmore Miami Beach Jackie Gleason Theater.

Estefan, a Berklee College of Music graduate, recently signed a partnership with RED Distribution via her indie label, Alien Shrimp Records.

She’s set to release her new single “Reigns (Every Night)” this month and has a new album due in 2017.

“I am beyond thrilled to call Sony/RED Distribution my new musical home. They took on this little Alien Shrimp with no questions asked, and opened the door to my U.F.O.”

Venegas to Receive Special Award at This Year’s La Musa Awards

Posted on August 2, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Julieta Venegas is the ultimate musa…

The 45-year-old Mexican singer is set to receive the special La Musa Elena Casals award at this year’s La Musa Awards during the October 13 ceremony.

Venegas will receive the prize named after the Cuban poet and singer/songwriter, which recognizes young musicians who have an outstanding career in contemporary Latin music.

“Julieta Venegas is one of the most influential voices in Latin music and we are absolutely thrilled to give her this award,” said Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame co-founder Desmond Child in a statement.

“Venegas makes everyone in the Latin music industry proud. She is a true artist who inspires and moves. Her music has captivated all generations,” added fellow LSHOF co-founder Rudy Pérez.

The Grammy and Latin Grammy award-winning artist is known for her hit singles like “Limón y sal,” “Andar conmigo,” “Lento,” “Algo sucede,” among others.

The fourth annual La Musa Awards will take place in Miami where urban superstar Yandel will be given the Premio Triunfador honor and six Latin artists — Los Temerarios, Robi Draco Rosa, Cheo Zorrilla, Miguel Luna, Claudia Brant and Alejandro Jaen — will be inducted into the hall of fame and honored with the silver La Musa trophy statuette.

Café Tacvba to Receive Icon Award at This Year’s La Musa Awards

Posted on September 17, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

There’s no doubt Café Tacvba is one of the Latin music world’s most iconic bands. And, now they have the award to prove it.

The trailblazing Mexican alt-rockers will be honored with the Icon Award at the La Musa Awards, which will take place on October 15 at The Fillmore Miami Beach Jackie Gleason Theatre in Miami Beach.

The icon designation is fitting for a band that, over the last 25 years, helped elevate rock by fusing it with hip-hop, electronic music, and folkloric sounds.

Recently, the act – consisting of Rubén Albarrán, Emmanuel “Meme” del Real, José Alfredo “Joselo” Rangel, and Enrique “Quique” Rangel – celebrated the 20th anniversary of its seminal album Re, which revolutionized rock en español.

Their most recent album, El Objeto Antes Llamado Disco, was deemed the Best Latin Album of 2012 by iTunes.

Café Tacvba will also perform during the awards show, produced by the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame (LSHOF). The non-profit was founded by renowned songwriters/composers Desmond Child and Rudy Perez in 2012 to honor their peers who have impacted music on a global scale.

Cuban music mogul Emilio Estefan, Chilean singer/songwriter Myriam Hernandez, Argentine composer/performer Gustavo Santaolalla, Argentine singer/songwriter Diego Torres, Colombian songwriter Hector Ochoa Cardenas and Salvadoran singer/songwriter Alvaro Torres are the six music luminaries being inducted into the LSHOF during this year’s ceremony. Quincy Jones will receive the Desi Arnaz Pioneer Award while Chilean rock icon Beto Cuevas will be recognized with a special La Musa Conquistador Award.

Tickets for this year’s gala, hosted by actor/singer Carlos Ponce, are on sale via latinsonghall.com.

Nazario Among This Year’s Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame Finalists

Posted on January 30, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Ednita Nazario may soon earn a special spot in Latin music history…

The 59-year-old Puerto Rican singer-songwriter has been named a finalist for the third annual La Musa Awards 2015. The eventual winners will be inducted into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame in a ceremony on October 15 at the Jackie Gleason Theater in Miami Beach.

Nazario, a Latin Grammy nominee, received the Latin Heritage Award from ASCAP in 2004, as well as the Recording Academy Honors from NARAS in 2005.

A total of 12 nominees were announced in both the performers (or singer/songwriters) and non-performers categories. Other names included Joan Sebastian, Diego Torres, Juan Gabriel Myriam Hernandez, Roberto Carlos and Ruben Blades in the performers category and Lalo Schifrin, Gustavo Santaolalla, Leo Brouwer and Ramon Arcusa in the composers category.

Voting, which is open to LSHOF members at latinsonghall.com, began January 28, immediately following the finalist announcement during a press conference at the YoungArts Jewel Box in Miami, and will close March 15 at midnight. The artists and composers chosen for induction in the Hall of Fame will be announced during the 2015 Billboard Latin Music Conference in April.

Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame is a non-profit educational organization founded by renowned songwriter/producers Desmond Child and Rudy Pérez in 2012 to honor and celebrate Latin music creators. Created under the auspices of the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, its nominating committee is comprised by songwriters, performers, musicians, producers, engineers, music critics, and industry executives.

Many of these were present during the press conference announcing the nominees. Those in attendance included Latin Grammy winner for best new artist Mariana Vega, Colombian singer/songwriter Cabas, singer/songwriter Yunel Cruz, composer/producer Julio Reyes and both Child and Perez.

LSHOF 2015 Full List of Nominees

PERFORMERS

Diego Torres               (Argentina)
Roberto Carlos             (Brazil)
Caetano Veloso            (Brazil)
Myriam Hernandez      (Chile)
Pablo Milanes               (Cuba)
Álvaro Torres                (El Salvador)
Juan Gabriel                  (México)
Joan Sebastian              (México)
Rubén Blades                (Panamá)
Ednita Nazario              (Puerto Rico)
Camilo Sesto                 (Spain)
Franco de Vita              (Venezuela)

NON-PERFORMERS

Chico Navarro (Argentina)
Gustavo Santaolalla                            (Argentina)
Lalo Schifrin (Argentina)
Erasmo Carlos (Brazil)
Alberto Plaza                                       (Chile)
Héctor Ochoa Cárdenas (Colombia)
Leo Brouwer                                       (Cuba)
Rubén Fuentes                                    (México)
Ramón Arcusa                                     (Spain)
Luis Gomez Escolar                             (Spain)
Jose Maria “Chema” Puron (Spain)
Jose Enrique “Chelique” Sarabia (Venezuela)

Estefan to be Inducted into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame

Posted on April 29, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Gloria Estefan’s name is being added to the annals of Latin music history…

The 56-year-old Cuban singer-songwriter and seven-time Grammy Award winner has been named as a Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee.

Estefan, one of the top 100 best selling music artists with an estimated 100 million records sold worldwide, rose to acclaim as the lead singer of the Miami Sound Machine.

But the “Conga” singer, the female artist with most No. 1 hits on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart, earned critical acclaim for penning some of her biggest solo hits in English and Spanish, including “Cuts Both Ways,” “Always Tomorrow,” “Coming Out of the Dark,” “No Llores” and “Oye Mi Canto (Hear My Voice).”

Estefan also co-wrote Shakira’s hit single “Whenever, Wherever” with the Colombian superstar and Tim Mitchell and co-wrote Jennifer Lopez’s signature song “Let’s Get Loud.”

In addition to Estefan, Ricardo Arjona, Juan Luis Guerra, Panamanian composer Omar Alfanno, Spanish pop songwriter Rafael Pérez Botija and Mexican singer/songwriter Lolita de la Colina will also be honored at this year’s induction ceremony — known as La Musa Awards — taking place on October 18 at Miami Beach’s Ritz Carlton hotel.

The Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame debuted in 2013 with a black tie gala honoring well-known Latin music figures including Jose Feliciano, Julio Iglesias and composer Armando Manzanero.

Founded by songwriters and producers Desmond Child and Rudy Perez, the goal of the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame is to “honor the world’s greatest Latin songwriters and their music in every genre.”

Iglesias to be Inducted into Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame

Posted on January 31, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

He’s one of the Top 5 best-selling musicians in history, having sold more than 300 million records worldwide… And now Julio Iglesias is being recognized for crafting some of the most memorable songs.

The 69-year-old Spanish singer is one of the first artists to be inducted into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Iglesias will be joined by fellow Spanish artist Manuel Alejandro, Mexicans Jose Angel Espinoza “Ferrusquilla” and Armando Manzanero, Puerto Rican Jose Feliciano and Cuba’s Concha Valdez Miranda.

The announcement was made by the directors of the Miami-based Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame, Desmond Child and Rudy Perez, both producers and composers.

In a gallery packed with journalists and people from the music industry, Perez noted the enormous effort that had been made over the years to win the support of the existing U.S. Songwriters Hall of Fame.

The six artists incorporated into the Songwriters Hall of Fame will be honored with the La Muse prize at the gala to be held April 23 at the New World Center de Miami Beach.

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