New York, NY, February 1, 2010: The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) will host its 18th annual Latin Music Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, CA on Tuesday, March 23, 2010. The black tie gala will honor the songwriters and publishers of ASCAP's most performed songs in Latin Music of 2009.
One of the many highlights of the invitation-only dinner and awards ceremony will be the presentation of the ASCAP Latin Heritage Award to acclaimed songwriter Armando Manzanero in recognition of his unique and enduring contributions to Latin music. Past recipients of this award include Antonio Aguilar, Celia Cruz, Ricardo Montaner, Ednita Nazario, Franco de Vita, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Olga Tañón and Ricardo Arjona.
That evening, the performing rights organization will also honor Jorge Luís Piloto with its Golden Note Award, which is presented to songwriters, composers and artists who have achieved extraordinary career milestones. Omar Alfanno, Joan Sebastian, Jose Feliciano, and Victor Manuelle are among ASCAP's Golden Note Award winners' circle.
During the awards ceremony, ASCAP will recognize the Songwriter of the Year, Publisher of the Year and Latin Song of the Year. Awards will also be presented in the following categories: Pop, Tropical, Regional Mexican, Urban, Television, and a newly created category honoring the Independent Publisher of the Year.
Armando Manzanero is widely considered the premiere Mexican romantic composer of the post-war era and one of the most successful and beloved composers in Latin America. At the age of eight, he was introduced into the world of music in the Escuela de Bellas Artes ( School of Fine Arts) of his native city of Mérida, later furthering his musical studies in Mexico City. In 1950, at the age of fifteen, he composed his first melody titled "Nunca en el Mundo" (Never in the World), of which twenty-one versions in different languages have been recorded to date.
In 1959, an RCA Victor executive urged Manzanero to record his first album of love songs, which he named Mi Primera Grabación (My First Record). In 1965, he won first place at the Festival de la Canción (Song Festival) in Miami with the song "Cuando Estoy Contigo" (When I'm With You). In 1970, his song "Somos Novios" was translated into English by Sid Wayne, composer for Elvis Presley. The English version, "It's Impossible," was performed by Perry Como and was nominated for a Grammy.
Manzanero’s songs have been performed by singers such as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Elvis Presley, Franck Pourcel, Paul Mauriat, Ray Conniff, Manoella Torres, Marco Antonio Muñiz, Raphael, José José, Andrea Bocelli, Christina Aguilera, Luis Miguel, Lucero, Cristian Castro and Il Divo, and accompanied by pianist Raúl di Blasio. During his lifetime, Manzanero has composed more than four hundred songs, including "Voy a Apagar la Luz," "Contigo Aprendí," "Adoro, No Sé Tú," "Por Debajo De La Mesa," "Esta Tarde Vi Llover," "Somos Novios," "Felicidad" and "Nada Personal." He has participated in numerous radio and television shows, has recorded more than thirty albums and composed several movie scores.
Jorge Luís Piloto was born in Cardenas, Cuba on January 15, 1955 and has been living in the U.S. since 1980. He wrote his first song at the age of thirteen. His first song to be recorded was "La Noche," a collaboration with Ricardo Eddy Martinez which was performed by Lissette Alvarez.
Piloto’s songwriting highlights include hits like "Perdoname," "Yo No Te Pido," "Almas Gemelas," "Cosas Nuevas" (Gilberto Santa Rosa), "Dime," "Como Un Milagro," "Me Estoy Enamorando" (Jerry Rivera), "No Me Acostumbro," "Amiga," "Si Te Preguntan," "Estamos Solos," "Creo En El Amor" (Rey Ruiz), "Que Le Den Candela" (Celia Cruz), "Estas Tocando Fuego" (Victor Manuelle / La Mafia), "Fabricando Fantasias," "La Salsa Vive,” "Esa Boquita" (Tito Nieves), "Mi Mundo," "Lo Que Paso Entre Tu Y Yo," "Lucia," "Amor Y Alegria," "Tu No Le Amas," "Le Temes" and "Yo No Se Mañana" (recorded by Luis Enrique).
Piloto’s music has been recorded by artists of all genres. In the tropical music scene, artists such as El Gran Combo, Oscar de León, Cheo Feliciano, Andy Montañez, NG-2, N’Klave, Issac Delgado, La India, Ruben Blades and Ismael Miranda have recorded his music. The pop music world has also earned him hits, such as " Falsas Esperanzas" (Christina Aguilera), " Quitame Ese Hombre" (Yolandita Monge / Pilar Montenegro), " No Se Porque" (Chayanne), " No Te Mentia" (Ednita Nazario) and " Como Olvidar” (Olga Tañon).
Piloto has received seven Grammy nominations, 20 ASCAP Latin Music Awards and two Lo Nuestro Awards, among many other accolades.
Members of the press may apply for credentials at www.ascap.com/press/pressroom/latinmusicawards/
