Johnny Mercer Award

Throughout the past four decades, the melodies of Barry Mann and the lyrics of Cynthia Weil have comprised one of the most successful songwriting teams in history. Their body of work is so significant that it is often described as “a soundtrack to our lives.” The husband and wife team…

Hitmaker Award

“Chaka Kahn’s signature voice and unique vision have influenced the sound of popular music in a way that has endured,” commented Chairman Jimmy Webb. “We are proud to bestow this well-deserved honor upon her.”
Music icon Chaka Khan is legendary for her all-powerful voice, show stopping stage presence…

Towering Song

The 2011 Towering Song, Ervin Drake’s “It Was A Very Good Year,” was originally recorded by Bob Shane of The Kingston Trio in 1961, but it was Frank Sinatra’s rendition in 1965 that made the song legendary with his Grammy® Award winning version in D-minor.  Sinatra’s version of the song,…

Starlight Award

Drake is one of music’s brightest new stars lauded for his songwriting prowess, melodious hooks and emotionally transparent performances. His genre-bending singing and rapping abilities earned him a recording deal with Aspire/Young Money/Cash Money in 2009, the same year The Recording Academy awarded him two Grammy® nominations ( Best Rap…