Continue reading »]]> On June 8, 2010, the Songwriters Hall of Fame awarded the first-ever Holly Prize, a new award made possible by Songmasters and administered and juried by the Songwriters Hall of Fame as a tribute to the legacy of SHOF inductee Buddy Holly. The Holly Prize recognizes and supports the “all-in songwriter,” an exceptionally talented and inspired young musician/singer/songwriter whose work exhibits the true, great, and original qualities of Holly’s music and life. New Jersey native Laura Warshauer received the first Holly Prize in recognition of her accomplishments in what Regan McCarthy, Songmasters’ Senior Partner, described as the “triathlon of music” – that rare ability to write great songs, sing them superbly, and play the music exceptionally well at the same time. Songmasters will continue to sponsor the Holly Prize as a way to develop the talents and promote the careers of breakthrough “all-in-songwriters” through SHoF. Additional support for the SHOF will come from the Listen To Me: Buddy Holly recordings, in production under music great, Peter Asher. See SHoF Today news section for the full text of the June 9, 2010 press release.
See Laura perform at the award ceremony.

Continue reading »]]> On June 8, 2009 Songwriters Hall of Fame Chairman/CEO Hal David announced the creation of The Holly Prize, a new scholarship made possible by Songmasters as a tribute to Buddy Holly, a SHOF inductee.

The Holly Prize will recognize and support talented new singer/songwriters whose work exhibits the qualities of Holly’s music: true, great and original. The Holly Prize inauguration coincides with Songmasters’ launch of Listen to Me: Buddy Holly, a multi-media celebration of Buddy Holly, created in collaboration with Maria Elena Holly.

“Buddy Holly was one of music’s true pioneers. His unique style and all-around talent as a songwriter, performer and producer is still a major influence on today’s music. He was committed to controlling his own artistry and to helping other young musicians do the same. We are thrilled that Songwriters Hall of Fame wants to recognize that same spirit in the next generation of songwriters,” says Jennifer Cohen, Managing Partner of Songmasters.

The Holly Prize will be administered and juried by the SHOF, and Songmasters will provide the support for the cash prize and recognition award. The first Holly Prize will be awarded in June, 2010, during the Songwriters Hall of Fame presentations of the Abe Olman Scholarship Awards For Excellence In Songwriting.

See SHoF Today news section for the full text of the press release.