A celebration of Stevie Wonder and a plea to protect creators everywhere
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Stevie Wonder captivates the audience with his performance |
On Tuesday evening, March 13, 2007, ASCAP hosted a truly star-studded celebration in honor of Stevie Wonder, in the Cannon Caucus Room of the Cannon House Office building. It was hailed as one of the most exciting events ever to take place on Capitol Hill.
There was standing room only in the Cannon Caucus room, as ASCAP President and Chairman, Marilyn Bergman, addressed a VIP audience of Congressional Leaders and their staffers. Bergman emphasized the importance of protecting creators and the way in which the United States relies on the contributions of the artistic community to shape its identity and remain the world's cultural leader. Also testifying to this fact were the Co-Chairs of the Songwriters Caucus, Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Congressman Lloyd Doggett (DTX), each of whom commented on the value of songs and those who create them.
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"Music has played such a vital role in our existence. It has been the very thing that has allowed people who know nothing about America except for the music, to love America… We must consistently commit ourselves to securing the rights for the songwriters, unknown as well as known, because they are speaking about and writing about the very essence of our lives."
— Stevie Wonder |
In addition to stressing the importance of protecting the rights of music songwriters and composers amidst the new digital landscape, the special event focused on an individual who has greatly impacted American music, the great Stevie Wonder. Following an incomparable musical tribute, Stevie Wonder was presented with the inaugural ASCAP American Troubadour Award, in recognition of his music, activism and leadership, which have been a force for positive change.
The evening featured highlights from friends and admirers from the songwriting and performing world, including: India.Arie, Ashford & Simpson, Jon Faddis, Wyclef Jean, Wynonna, Chaka Khan, Brian McKnight, Joan Osborne, Dianne Reeves, Smokey Robinson and Tony Bennett. Stevie Wonder himself closed the show, performing a series of his well-known classics and putting the finishing touches on a spectacular event.
